Blumenthal Applauds Senate Passage of Legislation to Bring Critical Resources to Flint Water Crisis and National Water Infrastructure

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) applauded Senate passage of legislation the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, which was approved today in a strong bipartisan vote of 78-21. In addition to funding upgrades for our aging waterways infrastructure network, this legislation also includes $170 million to help address the ongoing water crisis in Flint, Michigan. 

“The Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act is a down payment on the long-term viability of our national water infrastructure network – increasing opportunities for investments in ports like Bridgeport, New Haven and New London – and the future of our precious natural resources. Although I am disappointed that this bill undermines several key environmental provisions and slows efforts to support American manufacturing, I pledge to continue to fight for these priorities next Congress,” Blumenthal said. “And finally, after two years of devastating delays, the families of Flint, Michigan will receive the funding necessary to begin rebuilding their community. The suffering endured by the residents of Flint should never have occurred in a country like ours. The investments this legislation makes in upgrades and maintenance of our water infrastructure is critical to ensuring that it is never allowed to happen again.”

The Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act also includes a provision to return local control of the Historic Stonington Wharf. The wharf is an historic landmark of great significance to Stonington and the region, symbolizing the community’s strong sea-faring and maritime heritage. It was built in the late 1820s and served Stonington as an essential resource, providing access to the town’s harbor and protection against storm surges. Over the past several decades, the wharf’s condition has deteriorated due to lack of maintenance and care.

In an effort to revitalize this celebrated marker, the town created a commission to oversee the revitalization and maintenance of the wharf, and Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection granted permission to the commission to begin this process. The town was ready, willing and able to assume control, but the local commission could not begin their work until the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers decommissioned the wharf so the town can assume control.

“The Old Stonington Wharf is an historic treasure—a proud symbol of the town’s sea-faring and maritime heritage. The wharf has unacceptably been allowed to deteriorate under inadequate stewardship by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and I applaud local efforts to reclaim and revitalize this celebrated marker. I was proud to help lead efforts to return the wharf back to its rightful hands,” Blumenthal said.  

Blumenthal urged the authors of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act to include language that would decommission the wharf and provide Stonington the local control it needs to proceed with their historic effort.

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