Drinking water program clarification advanced

Senators advanced a bill March 28 that would clarify the qualifications for a program that provides financial assistance to cities to build safe drinking water projects.

Currently, the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Act authorizes the state Department of Environmental Quality to provide grants and make and forgive loans to political subdivisions that operate public water systems for safe drinking water projects.

LB182, introduced by Sen. Dan Hughes of Venango, would clarify that the department may provide loans, grants and loan forgiveness to a political subdivision if its public water system serves a population of 10,000 or less.

Hughes said the change would reflect the program’s original intent.

The bill advanced to select file 38-0.