The public works arena saw both favorable and unfavorable developments this session. While the Legislature made the disappointing decision to sweep $57 million annually from the Public Works Assistance Account to support the transportation budget, other city infrastructure and public works priorities were met.

Significant, ongoing investments were made into the drinking water and water pollution control revolving loan accounts, in part because of new federal money coming to the state via the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act. Additionally, the Public Works Board (PWB) received authorization to approve $120 million in Public Works Assistance Account (PWAA) projects. However, despite the authorization, no new funds were appropriated to the PWAA.

Through significant coalition work done by AWC, private and public utilities, and the Governor’s Office, legislators allocated $100 million in low-income customer utility assistance in this year’s supplemental operating budget. As a result, utilities, including water, sewer, garbage, electric, and natural gas, will be able to opt-into a grant program for funding to address customer arrearages compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic and the related economic downturn that were accrued between March 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021.

Lastly, PWB was tasked with the job of conducting an innovative infrastructure pilot study. The PWB will develop recommendations, with input from local governments, for a program that prioritizes innovative infrastructure programs that conserve water and energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, or reduce pollution and waste. Examples of innovative projects may include water reuse or reclaimed water systems.