Edwards Introduces the Emergency Rural Water Response
WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) introduced the Emergency Rural Water Response Act, a bipartisan effort to improve disaster response and water infrastructure resilience in rural America. This legislation will streamline emergency water assistance during and after natural disasters and broaden support for more rural communities by expanding access to critical grant funding.
When Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina last year, our mountain communities experienced firsthand the devastating impact natural disasters have on basic infrastructure – especially access to safe, reliable water. This bill will facilitate quicker response times and increased efficiency when disaster strikes, ensuring rural towns aren’t left behind.
The Emergency Rural Water Response Act proposes key updates to the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to expand emergency water assistance grant eligibility. These changes include:
- Raising the population cap for eligible rural communities from 10,000 to 35,000, recognizing the serious infrastructure support needed by more rural communities when disaster strikes.
- Expanding the definition of water infrastructure to include drinking water, wastewater, stormwater drainage, and solid waste facilities to broaden the scope of eligible emergency assistance.
Congressman Edwards has consistently prioritized disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience as part of his broader legislative agenda. By cutting bureaucratic red tape and expanding eligibility, this bill ensures rural America is better equipped to withstand and recover from natural disasters.
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