Lummi Nation secures $18.7M for wastewater treatment plant improvements

In a recent meeting of the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the urgent need for improved water infrastructure financing took center stage. The discussions highlighted the critical challenges faced by communities, particularly tribal and rural areas, in maintaining safe and reliable wastewater treatment systems.

A poignant moment came from a representative of the Lummi Nation, who shared the struggles of outdated infrastructure that has plagued their community for decades. The Gooseberry Point wastewater treatment plant, which had been operating beyond its capacity for over six years, exemplified the dire situation. The representative detailed the arduous journey to secure funding for necessary upgrades, which ultimately cost nearly $18.7 million, with a significant portion coming from grants and forgivable loans. Despite this progress, the representative emphasized that the improvements were merely a step in addressing a broader infrastructure crisis affecting not just their community, but many across the nation.

The Lummi Nation serves over 6,000 residents and operates multiple water and wastewater facilities, yet faces ongoing threats from saltwater intrusion and unregulated private wells. The representative called for an estimated $50 million in federal investment to tackle pressing water and sewer projects, alongside an additional $46 million in identified needs. This plea underscored a stark reality: while the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provided some funding, it fell short of the vast needs across tribal communities.

Compounding these challenges is the complex federal funding system, which often discourages tribes from applying due to its fragmented nature. The representative urged Congress to streamline access to funding and provide direct investments to ensure long-term water security and economic prosperity for tribal nations.

Following this testimony, Dan Buckley, a veteran in the utility construction industry, spoke about the essential role of water infrastructure in American life. He highlighted the industry's commitment to delivering clean water and maintaining the systems that support daily life. Buckley noted that the utility construction sector is a diverse network of skilled workers and small businesses, all working towards a common goal: ensuring that every American has access to clean water.

As the meeting concluded, it became clear that the discussions were not just about infrastructure; they were about the health, economy, and future of communities across the nation. The call for action was loud and clear: significant investment and reform are needed to address the water infrastructure crisis and ensure that all communities, especially those historically underserved, can thrive.