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After debate, PSC adopts substitute resolution urging local, community-led water affordability efforts
Summary
Following debate over whether to press for a federal program, the commission adopted a substitute resolution that encourages churches, businesses and civic groups to form local assistance funds to help households pay water and utility bills, while commissioners acknowledged the limits of local efforts for infrastructure funding.
Commissioners debated a resolution addressing water affordability before adopting a substitute motion that emphasizes local, community-led responses rather than calling solely for a new federal program.
Commissioner Stamps initially read a resolution supporting establishment of a permanent federal water affordability program and cited federal LIHWAP results and EPA estimates that millions of households lack affordable access to water services. “The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021… provided $638,000,000 to the US Department of Health and Human Services … for grants to carry a low income household water assistance program,” he said while urging federal support.
The chair offered and the commission adopted a substitute resolution that focuses on encouraging churches, businesses, civic organizations and local benevolence funds to assist neighbors and form local assistance mechanisms. In reading the substitute, the chair said the commission “calls upon, encourages business leaders, churches, civic and charitable organizations, and citizens of Mississippi” to step forward.
Commissioner Stamps cautioned that local benevolence cannot fully address a large infrastructure funding gap and reiterated the need for broader federal investment to address system repairs. Despite that caveat, the commission adopted the substitute by voice vote and commissioners said they will continue to use the commission’s platform to marshal partners and explore solutions.
