Bill 118 hr 2671, also known as the Restoring WIFIA Eligibility Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The bill aims to restore eligibility for the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program to certain entities that were previously excluded.
The WIFIA program provides low-interest loans for water infrastructure projects, such as drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities. However, under current law, certain entities, such as non-profit organizations and public-private partnerships, are not eligible to apply for these loans.
The Restoring WIFIA Eligibility Act seeks to change this by allowing these excluded entities to once again be eligible for WIFIA loans. Proponents of the bill argue that this change will help to increase access to funding for important water infrastructure projects and promote innovation in the sector.
Opponents of the bill, however, raise concerns about the potential for increased competition for limited WIFIA funds and the impact on the overall effectiveness of the program. They also question whether non-profit organizations and public-private partnerships have the financial capacity to repay these loans.
Overall, the Restoring WIFIA Eligibility Act is a complex piece of legislation that seeks to expand access to funding for water infrastructure projects. Its impact on the WIFIA program and the water sector as a whole remains to be seen as it continues to be debated in Congress.