Statement from President Joe Biden on funding Jackson Mississippi's Water Infrastructure

[LetMyPeopleVote]

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[Hermit-The-Prog]

1. direct from the White House...

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/06/06/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-funding-for-jackson-mississippis-water-infrastructure/

June 06, 2023
Statement from President Joe Biden on Funding for Jackson, Mississippi’s Water Infrastructure

For years, the people of Jackson, Mississippi, have suffered the consequences of aging water infrastructure. Last summer, the city’s water system reached a crisis point when a major flood aggravated longstanding problems in the system and left tens of thousands of people without any running water for days on end. Long before then, families in Jackson lived under the constant threat of boil water orders.

All Americans deserve access to clean, safe drinking water. That’s why I directed my Administration to make sure the people of Jackson have the resources they need and deserve.

In December, I was proud to sign bipartisan legislation to help stabilize Jackson’s drinking water infrastructure and protect against future crises. Today, as a result of that legislation, I am announcing an initial $115 million investment towards repairing the city’s water infrastructure challenges and delivering clean water for all.

This historic investment would not have been possible without Congressman Bennie Thompson, who has been a steadfast leader in times of crisis, a strong advocate for his constituents, and a great partner, and I want to thank him for his untiring commitment to the Jackson community.

While we have made a lot of progress, there is much more work to do to ensure that all Americans have access to clean water. Thanks to my Investing in America agenda, we’re already deploying record resources to communities all across America to replace lead pipes, improve water quality, and rebuild the Nation’s drinking water infrastructure, ensuring it can withstand the impacts of the climate crisis.

Until all our children can safely drink water from the tap, our fight for clean water must, and will, continue.

[chowder66]

2. I hope they track every penny of this so it doesn't end up in the wrong pockets.

[gratuitous]

3. What do you mean?

Does Mississippi have a history of spending tax dollars for projects they weren't intended favre, I mean "for"?

[chowder66]

4. I don't trust all the grifters in politics.

[MichMan]

5. What has Jackson been doing with all the revenues collected from the water bills?

[chowder66]

7. Good question.

[MichMan]

6. Lots of issues that haven't been addressed by the city

Jackson’s troubled water and sewerage system has faced litigation, consent decrees, fines and reprimands from various regulatory and other entities.

In 2010, after violating environmental regulations for its Savanna Street Wastewater Plant, the city paid a civil penalty of $240,000 in four installments of $60,000 and pledged to make improvements. In 2012, the city paid a fine of $22,500 for sewage violations from its Presidential Hills plant.

In 2013, the city and EPA entered a consent decree in federal court over violations of the Clean Water Act and state pollution control laws. The city has paid a civil penalty of nearly $438,000 and agreed to make improvements, only a portion of which have been done.

A separate report recently commissioned by the federal EPA said the city water system’s finances are a shambles, and the city was unable to provide a complete list of customers when inspectors visited, and explained that some customers receive no bills, while others receive large bills. The city could not calculate its collection rate, and said this issue isn’t expected to be resolved until late 2024. This report said malfunctioning water meters have contributed to a 32-percent decrease in revenue and about 50% of the water put out is “non-revenue,” and that it is unclear how much is due to meter issues or water loss.

https://mississippitoday.org/2022/09/15/jackson-water-system-by-the-numbers/

[LetMyPeopleVote]

8. President Biden-Today, I'm announcing the first $115 million will go to repair the city's water infr

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Last year, I signed legislation to help stabilize Jackson's drinking water system.

Today, I'm announcing the first $115 million will go to repair the city’s water infrastructure.

It’s an important step toward ensuring every family has access to clean, safe drinking water.

Link to tweet