House subcommittee hears push to preserve SRF and expand WIFIA while easing requirements for small and tribal communities

Summary

Witnesses and members at a House Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee hearing urged continued funding for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and broader use of WIFIA loans, while calling for technical assistance, reduced administrative mandates, and targeted tribal set‑asides to speed repairs and lower customer bills.

Chairman Collin's Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee convened a hearing to examine financing options for water infrastructure, focusing on the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA). Witnesses representing state SRF administrators, tribal leaders, industry groups and engineering firms described financing achievements, remaining gaps, and changes they say would improve access and delivery.

The hearing drew testimony that low‑interest revolving loans remain one of the most effective federal tools for sustaining long‑term investment. Jeff Walker, executive director and administrator of the Texas Water Development Board, told the subcommittee the CWSRF has provided about $172,000,000,000 through nearly 50,000 low‑interest loans and currently holds about $64,000,000,000 in permanently revolving funds. "Loans are perpetually growing and revolving," Walker said, adding that loan repayments create a recurring revenue stream states can reinvest.

But witnesses…

House subcommittee hears push to preserve SRF and expand WIFIA while easing requirements for small and tribal communities

Summary

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