The co-chairs of the National Governors Association's Economic Development and Revitalization Task Force recently sent a letter to Congress expressing concern over funding cuts to State Revolving Funds for water infrastructure. The cuts, resulting from congressionally directed spending, have led to a $2.3 billion reduction in annual federal funding for SRFs.

The letter warns that the one-time funding from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is not a sustainable solution. The co-chairs urge Congress to act to prevent further cuts, as the SRFs are vital for states and territories to finance low-interest loans for
water projects.

Study Shows Value of Wastewater Surveillance for Early Disease Detection

Researchers in Wisconsin have shown how during the 2022-23 respiratory diseases season, high concentrations of influenza A virus and respiratory syncytial virus in wastewater samples in three Wisconsin cities preceded virus-associated emergency department visits.

The authors say the study provides more evidence that wastewater surveillance can detect viral signals earlier than other surveillance methods. In the study, researchers collected wastewater samples from 40 treatment plants in Wisconsin’s biggest cities at least once per week from August 2022 through March 2023. Read more about it here.

Michigan Infrastructure Strategy Meets Climate Change Head-On

In 2016, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy’s Water Resources Division developed a policy to consider climate change adaptation and mitigation in its programs and minimize the detrimental effects of climate change on Michigan’s water resources. Now, WRD has rolled out a plan to factor new climate realities into improved infrastructure for Michigan communities.

A draft of WRD’s Climate Change Implementation Plan is posted online for public comment through Oct. 9. WRD will review and consider all comments before implementing the plan.