[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 53 (Tuesday, April 14, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E486]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


INTRODUCTION OF THE INNOVATIVE STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE ACT (ISIA) OF 
                                  2015

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DONNA F. EDWARDS

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 14, 2015

  Ms. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, a growing threat to water quality 
throughout the United States (U.S.) is polluted stormwater runoff, 
flooding, and sewer overflow from highly urbanized areas flowing into 
surface waters without being treated. This is especially true for 
Maryland with the Chesapeake Bay and several of its tributaries, 
including the Anacostia, Patuxent, Potomac, and Severn Rivers that flow 
through the Fourth Congressional District.
  Innovative stormwater solutions, such as permeable pavement, natural 
drainage swales, and green roofs offer an effective alternative to 
conventional stormwater infrastructure that has both the flexibility 
and economic viability to address the challenges of polluted runoff, 
flooding, and sewer overflows. Unlike traditional stormwater 
infrastructure, this approach protects, restores, and replicates the 
natural hydrology of the landscape. Many of these innovative 
infrastructure practices are more economical, increase property values, 
and promote jobs to design and implement them.
  This week Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) and I are proud to reintroduce the 
Innovative Stormwater Infrastructure Act (ISIA) of 2015 to help stem 
this growing crisis in clean water management issues. The bill would:
  Promote the use of innovative stormwater solutions within the 
Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Water and related programs 
and provide technical assistance to states, local governments, and the 
private sector;
  Invest in planning, development, and implementation grants for 
community-based stormwater control projects;
  Establish up to five Centers of Excellence in various regions of the 
U.S. that would conduct research, develop recommendations, and provide 
training and technical assistance for implementing management practices 
for stormwater control and management; and
  Promote public-private partnerships to create jobs in the design and 
construction of innovative stormwater control infrastructure.
  Our legislation provides an innovative, environmental, and 
economically cost-effective approach to water management strategies 
that improve water quality throughout the nation while creating good-
paying jobs for the future. The goals are to:
  Improve our nation's ability to manage clean water resources, 
including drinking water;
  Increase research and development of innovative green infrastructure 
techniques;
  Create jobs across diverse sectors, such as plumbing, landscaping and 
engineering;
  Save taxpayer money by reducing the amount of water entering 
treatment plants, keeping energy costs low and prolonging the life of 
existing conventional water infrastructure; and
  Provide environmental and economic benefits to communities, including 
reduced flooding and energy use, as well as increased community 
greenspace and property values.
  The Innovative Stormwater Infrastructure Act has received broad 
support from water and environmental organizations, including the 
National Association of Clean Water Agencies, American Rivers, the 
American Society of Landscape Architects, Natural Resources Defense 
Council and the Water Environment Federation.

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