WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate has approved a $10 billion water projects bill that includes money for Flint, Michigan – nearly a year after a public health emergency was declared there because of lead-contaminated water.
Senators approved the bill by a 95-3 vote. It goes to the House, where approval of a similar bill – minus the Flint provision – is expected as soon as next week.
The bipartisan measure would authorize 29 projects in 18 states for dredging, flood control and other projects overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The Senate bill includes $100 million in grants and loans to replace lead-contaminated pipes in Flint and other cities with lead emergencies, as well as $50 million to test water for lead in schools and $70 million for water infrastructure loans.