Washington, D.C. (September 16, 2016) – Terry O’Sullivan, General President of LIUNA – the Laborers’ International Union of North America – made the following statement on the Senate’s 95-3 vote to pass the Water Resources and Development Act:

The U.S. Senate should be commended for passage of the Water Resources and Development Act. The bill, sponsored by Senator Boxer (D-CA) and Senator Inhofe (R-OK), will provide critical investment in
water infrastructure, protect families living in flood zones, and create good jobs in the construction industry.

 

The bill authorizes $10.6 billion worth of work largely on Army Corps of Engineers projects. It also includes $220 million in emergency assistance to help Flint, Michigan and other cities begin to address aging and failing infrastructure by replacing lead pipes, upgrading treatment works and prioritizing investments. The investment in the Senate bill to address the drinking water and public health crisis in Flint is urgently needed and should not be further delayed.

 

LIUNA urges the U.S. House to act quickly to pass the Senate's legislation with emergency assistance for Flint included.