NUCA NJ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | July 16, 2026 
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Senate WRDA Proposal Includes Strong State Revolving Fund Reauthorizations
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has advanced the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, approving the legislation and sending it to the House floor after a two-week delay. On the same day, the Senate introduced its own version of WRDA, which includes robust five-year reauthorizations for the nation's key water infrastructure financing programs.
The Senate proposal would increase Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) funding to $4.5 billion annually by FY 2030, provide $100 million each year for the Lead in Drinking Water Grant Program, authorize Clean Water SRF funding at $3.5 billion annually through FY 2030, and fund the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program at $65 million per year.
While NUCA is encouraged by these proposed funding levels, we remain concerned about the growing impact of congressional earmarks on the long-term effectiveness of the State Revolving Fund programs. A recent report from the Environmental Policy Innovation Center (EPIC), Revolving No More: How Earmarks Are Draining America's Water Funds, estimates that diverting SRF dollars to earmarked grants could reduce water infrastructure financing by nearly $19.4 billion over the next 20 years—eliminating the equivalent of approximately 5,700 water infrastructure projects. Because SRFs operate as revolving loan funds, replacing loans with grants diminishes the programs' ability to replenish themselves, reducing available funding for future projects.
NUCA continues to advocate for protecting the integrity of the SRF programs by funding earmarks through separate appropriations, prioritizing revolving loans over grants, deducting earmarks from state allocations, and regularly evaluating the long-term impacts of these policies. We will continue to monitor the progress of WRDA and the SRF reauthorizations while fighting to ensure these critical infrastructure dollars remain available to finance as many water projects as possible.
INTRODUCING DOZER DAY
NUCA NJ ANNOUNCES DOZER DAY!
Dozer Day® is a one-of-a-kind, family-friendly event that gives kids the chance to climb into the driver’s seat of real construction equipment—including dozers, excavators, backhoes, and more—alongside professional operators!
More than just a fun day of hands-on activities, Dozer Day® is also a workforce development initiative designed to inspire the next generation of construction professionals by introducing young people and families to the many rewarding career opportunities in the construction industry. The event also raises money for charitable causes, making it an unforgettable experience that combines education, community engagement, and fun.
For event details and sponsorship opportunities, visit our Dozer Day page:
WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBER(S)
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