,,ii #aafth ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #bfhg ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,october #bc1 #bjai,mr4 ,cardin 7for himself and ,mr4 ,wicker7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,environment and ,public ,works ,a ,,bill ,to amend the ,safe ,drinking ,water ,act and the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act to establish pilot programs to assist low-income households in maintaining access to sanitation services and drinking water1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,low-,income ,water ,customer ,assistance ,programs ,act of #bjai4 #b4 ,low-income drinking water assistance pilot program ,part ,e of the ,safe ,drinking ,water ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjj;j et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #adei;,e4 ,low-income drinking water assistance pilot program 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,eligible entity ,the term eligible entity means a municipality or public entity that owns or operates a community water system4 7#b7 ,household ,the term household means any individual or group of individuals who are living together as #a economic unit4 7#c7 ,low-income household ,the term low-income household means a household-- 7,a7 in which one or more individuals are receiving-- 7i7 assistance under a ,state program funded under part ,a of title ,,iv of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fja et seq472 7ii7 supplemental security income payments under title ,,xvi of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acha et seq472 7iii7 supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits under the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaa et seq472 or 7iv7 payments under-- 7,i7 section #acae1 #aeba1 #aeda1 or #aedb of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code2 or 7,,ii7 section #cjf of the ,veterans' and ,survivors' ,pension ,improvement ,act of #aigh 7#ch ,u4,s4,c4 #aeba note2 ,public ,law #ie-ehh72 or 7,b7 that has an income that1 as determined by the ,state in which the household is located1 does not exceed the greater of-- 7i7 an amount equal to #aej percent of the poverty level2 and 7ii7 an amount equal to #fj percent of the ,state median income for that ,state4 7#d7 ,poverty level ,the term poverty level means1 with respect to a household in a ,state1 the income poverty guidelines for the nonfarm population of the ,united ,states1 as prescribed by the ,office of ,management and ,budget1 as applicable to the ,state4 7#e7 ,small community-serving eligible entity ,the term small community-serving eligible entity means an eligible entity that provides drinking water services to a city1 county1 or municipality with a population of fewer than #aj1jjj residents1 at least #bj percent of whom are at or below the ,federal poverty level4 7#f7 ,state median income ,the term ,state median income has the meaning given the term in section #bfjc of ,public ,law #ig-ce 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #hfbb74 7b7 ,establishment 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall establish a pilot program to award grants to not fewer than #cb eligible entities in accordance with paragraph 7#b7 to develop and implement programs to assist low-income households in maintaining access to affordable drinking water4 7#b7 ,requirements 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall award grants under the pilot program described in paragraph 7#a7 to-- 7i7 not fewer than #h eligible entities that provide drinking water services to a population of #a1jjj1jjj or more residents2 7ii7 not fewer than #h eligible entities that provide drinking water services to a population of #ajj1jjj or more1 but fewer than #a1jjj1jjj1 residents2 7iii7 not fewer than #h eligible entities that provide drinking water services to a population of #aj1jjj or more1 but fewer than #ajj1jjj1 residents2 7iv7 subject1 as applicable1 to subparagraph 7,b71 not fewer than #h eligible entities that provide drinking water services to a population of fewer than #aj1jjj residents2 and 7v7 not more than #b eligible entities in each ,state4 7,b7 ,small community-serving eligible entities ,to be eligible to receive a grant under the pilot program under this subsection1 a small community-serving eligible entity shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the ,state in which the small community-serving eligible entity is located1 under which the ,state shall-- 7i7 submit to the ,administrator an application under paragraph 7#f7 on behalf of the small community-serving eligible entity2 and 7ii7 on receipt of a grant under the pilot program1 administer the low-income household assistance program developed by the small community-serving eligible entity4 7#c7 ,limitations 7,a7 ,use ,a grant awarded under the pilot program-- 7i7 shall not be used to replace funds for any existing similar program2 but 7ii7 may be used to supplement or enhance an existing program4 7,b7 ,grants under multiple programs ,an eligible entity-- 7i7 may apply for a grant under the pilot program and under the low-income wastewater assistance pilot program established under section #abd7;b77#a7 of the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act2 but 7ii7 may be awarded a grant under only #a of the programs described in clause 7i74 7#d7 ,term ,the term of a grant awarded under the pilot program shall be #e years4 7#e7 ,minimum program requirements 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,administrator shall develop1 in consultation with all relevant stakeholders1 the minimum requirements for a program carried out by an eligible entity 7or a ,state1 on behalf of a small community-serving eligible entity7 using a grant under this subsection4 7,b7 ,inclusions ,the program requirements developed under subparagraph 7,a7 may include-- 7i7 direct financial assistance2 7ii7 a lifeline rate2 7iii7 bill discounting2 7iv7 special hardship provisions2 7v7 a percentage-of-income payment plan2 or 7vi7 water efficiency assistance1 including direct installation of water efficient fixtures and leak repair1 which may be completed through a contracted third party4 7,c7 ,assistance exempt from taxation ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 assistance provided to a low-income household under a program carried out by an eligible entity 7or a ,state1 on behalf of a small community-serving eligible entity7 using a grant under this subsection shall be exempt from income tax under the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf4 7#f7 ,application ,to receive a grant under this subsection1 an eligible entity 7or a ,state1 on behalf of a small community-serving eligible entity7 shall submit to the ,administrator an application that demonstrates that-- 7,a7 the proposed program of the eligible entity or small community-serving eligible entity1 as applicable1 meets the requirements developed under paragraph 7#e77;,a72 7,b7 the proposed program of the eligible entity or small community-serving eligible entity1 as applicable1 will treat owners and renters equitably2 7,c7 the eligible entity or small community-serving eligible entity1 as applicable1 has1 to fund the activities necessary to achieve or maintain compliance with this ,act-- 7i7 a long-term financial plan based on a rate analysis2 7ii7 an asset management plan2 7iii7 a capital improvement plan with a period of not less than #bj years2 7iv7 a fiscal management plan2 or 7v7 another plan similar to the plans described in clauses 7i7 through 7iv72 7,d7 a grant awarded under this subsection would support the efforts of the eligible entity or the small community-serving entity1 as applicable1 to generate the necessary funds to achieve or maintain compliance with this title while mitigating the cost to low-income households2 and 7,e7 the eligible entity or the small community-serving entity1 as applicable1 has the capacity to create and implement an effective community outreach plan to inform eligible customers of the program and assist with enrollment4 7#g7 ,priority ,in awarding grants under this subsection1 the ,administrator shall give priority to eligible entities or small community-serving eligible entities1 as applicable-- 7,a7 that-- 7i7 in addition to owning or operating community water systems1 own or operate one or more-- 7,i7 publicly owned treatment works 7as defined in section #bab of the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #abib772 7,,ii7 municipal wastewater treatment systems2 or 7,,iii7 municipal separate stormwater sewer systems2 and 7ii7 are subject to consent decrees relating to compliance with the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #abea et seq47 for a facility described in clause 7i72 7,b7 the residential customers of which have experienced rate or fee increases for wastewater1 stormwater1 or drinking water services that is greater than or equal to #cj percent during the #c-year period ending on the date of enactment of this section2 or 7,c7 that-- 7i7 develop an equivalent program1 as determined by the ,administrator1 that is administered separately by the eligible entity or small community-serving eligible entity1 as applicable2 or 7ii7 provide matching funds equal to or greater than the amount of the grant from-- 7,i7 the applicable ,state or unit of local government2 or 7,,ii7 a ,state-sponsored nonprofit organization or private entity4 7#h7 ,lower income limit ,for purposes of this section1 an eligible entity 7or a ,state1 on behalf of a small community-serving eligible entity7 may adopt an income limit that is lower than the limit described in subsection 7a77#c77;,b71 except that the eligible entity or ,state1 respectively1 may not exclude a household from eligibility in a fiscal year based solely on household income if that income is less than #aaj percent of the poverty level4 7#i7 ,reporting requirements 7,a7 ,in general ,in addition to any other applicable ,federal or agency-specific grant reporting requirements1 as a condition of receiving a grant under this subsection1 an eligible entity 7or a ,state1 on behalf of a small community-serving eligible entity7 shall submit to the ,administrator an annual report that summarizes1 in a manner determined by the ,administrator1 the low-income household assistance program developed by the eligible entity or small community-serving eligible entity1 as applicable1 using the grant1 including-- 7i7 key features1 including rate structures1 rebates1 discounts1 and related initiatives that assist households1 including-- 7,i7 budget billing2 7,,ii7 bill timing2 and 7,,iii7 pretermination protections2 7ii7 sources of funding2 7iii7 eligibility criteria2 7iv7 participation rates by eligible households2 7v7 the monetary benefit per participant2 7vi7 program costs2 7vii7 the demonstrable impacts of the program on arrearage and service disconnection for residential customers1 based on data from before and after the implementation of the pilot program1 to the maximum extent practicable2 7viii7 the outreach and stakeholder process used by the eligible entity or small community-serving eligible entity1 as applicable1 to design the program1 including-- 7,i7 the selection process for any stakeholder committee members2 and 7,,ii7 the number and location of community outreach events2 7ix7 the methods used to enroll customers1 including the outreach plan and the status of implementation of that outreach plan2 and 7x7 other relevant information required by the ,administrator4 7,b7 ,publication ,the ,administrator shall publish each report submitted under subparagraph 7,a74 7c7 ,technical assistance ,the ,administrator shall provide technical assistance to each eligible entity1 and each ,state1 on behalf of a small community-serving eligible entity1 that receives a grant under this section to ensure-- 7#a7 full implementation of the pilot program2 and 7#b7 maximum enrollment of low-income households1 including through-- 7,a7 community outreach campaigns2 7,b7 coordination with local health departments to determine the eligibility of households for assistance2 or 7,c7 a combination of the campaigns and coordination described in subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b74 7d7 ,report ,not later than #b years after the date on which grant funds are first disbursed to an eligible entity 7or a ,state1 on behalf of a small community-serving eligible entity7 under this section1 and every year thereafter for the duration of the terms of the grants1 the ,administrator shall submit to ,congress a report on the results of the pilot program established under this section4 4 #c4 ,low-income wastewater assistance pilot program ,title ,i of the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #abea et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #abd4 ,low-income wastewater assistance pilot program 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,eligible entity ,the term eligible entity means-- 7,a7 a municipality or public entity that owns or operates-- 7i7 a publicly owned treatment works2 7ii7 a municipal wastewater treatment system2 or 7iii7 a municipal separate stormwater sewer system2 and 7,b7 #b or more municipalities or public entities described in subparagraph 7,a7 that have entered into a partnership agreement or a cooperative agreement4 7#b7 ,household ,the term household means any individual or group of individuals who are living together as #a economic unit4 7#c7 ,low-income household ,the term low-income household means a household-- 7,a7 in which one or more individuals are receiving-- 7i7 assistance under a ,state program funded under part ,a of title ,,iv of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fja et seq472 7ii7 supplemental security income payments under title ,,xvi of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acha et seq472 7iii7 supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits under the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaa et seq472 or 7iv7 payments under-- 7,i7 section #acae1 #aeba1 #aeda1 or #aedb of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code2 or 7,,ii7 section #cjf of the ,veterans' and ,survivors' ,pension ,improvement ,act of #aigh 7#ch ,u4,s4,c4 #aeba note2 ,public ,law #ie-ehh72 or 7,b7 that has an income that1 as determined by the ,state in which the household is located1 does not exceed the greater of-- 7i7 an amount equal to #aej percent of the poverty level2 and 7ii7 an amount equal to #fj percent of the ,state median income for that ,state4 7#d7 ,poverty level ,the term poverty level means1 with respect to a household in a ,state1 the income poverty guidelines for the nonfarm population of the ,united ,states1 as prescribed by the ,office of ,management and ,budget1 as applicable to the ,state4 7#e7 ,small community-serving eligible entity ,the term small community-serving eligible entity means an eligible entity that provides wastewater or municipal stormwater services to a city1 county1 or municipality with a population of fewer than #aj1jjj residents1 at least #bj percent of whom are at or below the ,federal poverty level4 7#f7 ,state median income ,the term ,state median income has the meaning given the term in section #bfjc of ,public ,law #ig-ce 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #hfbb74 7b7 ,establishment 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall establish a pilot program to award grants to not fewer than #cb eligible entities in accordance with paragraph 7#b7 to develop and implement programs to assist low-income households in maintaining access to affordable wastewater or municipal stormwater services4 7#b7 ,requirements 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall award grants under the pilot program described in paragraph 7#a7 to-- 7i7 not fewer than #h eligible entities that provide wastewater services1 stormwater services1 or both to a population of #a1jjj1jjj or more residents2 7ii7 not fewer than #h eligible entities that provide wastewater services1 stormwater services1 or both to a population of #ajj1jjj or more1 but fewer than #a1jjj1jjj1 residents2 7iii7 not fewer than #h eligible entities that provide wastewater services1 stormwater services1 or both to a population of #aj1jjj or more1 but fewer than #ajj1jjj1 residents2 7iv7 subject1 as applicable1 to subparagraph 7,b71 not fewer than #h eligible entities that provide wastewater services1 stormwater services1 or both to a population of fewer than #aj1jjj residents2 and 7v7 not more than #b eligible entities in each ,state4 7,b7 ,small community-serving eligible entities ,to be eligible to receive a grant under the pilot program under this subsection1 a small community-serving eligible entity shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the ,state in which the small community-serving eligible entity is located1 under which the ,state shall-- 7i7 submit to the ,administrator an application under paragraph 7#f7 on behalf of the small community-serving eligible entity2 and 7ii7 on receipt of a grant under the pilot program1 administer the low-income household assistance program developed by the small community-serving eligible entity4 7#c7 ,limitations 7,a7 ,use ,a grant awarded under the pilot program-- 7i7 shall not be used to replace funds for any existing similar program2 but 7ii7 may be used to supplement or enhance an existing program4 7,b7 ,grants under multiple programs ,an eligible entity-- 7i7 may apply for a grant under the pilot program and under the low-income drinking water assistance pilot program established under section #adei;,e7b77#a7 of the ,safe ,drinking ,water ,act2 but 7ii7 may be awarded a grant under only #a of the programs described in clause 7i74 7#d7 ,term ,the term of a grant awarded under the pilot program shall be #e years4 7#e7 ,minimum program requirements 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,administrator shall develop1 in consultation with all relevant stakeholders1 the minimum requirements for a program to be carried out by an eligible entity 7or a ,state1 on behalf of a small community-serving eligible entity7 using a grant under this subsection4 7,b7 ,inclusions ,the program requirements developed under subparagraph 7,a7 may include-- 7i7 direct financial assistance2 7ii7 a lifeline rate2 7iii7 bill discounting2 7iv7 special hardship provisions2 7v7 a percentage-of-income payment plan2 or 7vi7 water efficiency assistance1 including direct installation of water efficient fixtures and leak repair1 which may be completed through a contracted third party4 7,c7 ,assistance exempt from taxation ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 assistance provided to a low-income household under a program carried out by an eligible entity 7or a ,state1 on behalf of a small community-serving eligible entity7 using a grant under this subsection shall be exempt from income tax under the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf4 7#f7 ,application ,to receive a grant under this subsection1 an eligible entity 7or a ,state1 on behalf of a small community-serving eligible entity7 shall submit to the ,administrator an application that demonstrates that-- 7,a7 the proposed program of the eligible entity or small community-serving eligible entity1 as applicable1 meets the requirements developed under paragraph 7#e77;,a72 7,b7 the proposed program of the eligible entity or small community-serving eligible entity1 as applicable1 will treat owners and renters equitably2 7,c7 the eligible entity or small community-serving eligible entity1 as applicable1 has1 to fund the activities necessary to achieve or maintain compliance with this ,act-- 7i7 a long-term financial plan based on a rate analysis2 7ii7 an asset management plan2 7iii7 a capital improvement plan with a period of not less than #bj years2 7iv7 a fiscal management plan2 or 7v7 another plan similar to the plans described in clauses 7i7 through 7iv72 7,d7 a grant awarded under this subsection would support the efforts of the eligible entity or the small community-serving entity1 as applicable1 to generate the necessary funds to achieve or maintain compliance with this title while mitigating the cost to low-income households2 and 7,e7 the eligible entity or the small community-serving entity1 as applicable1 has the capacity to create and implement an effective community outreach plan to inform eligible customers of the program and assist with enrollment4 7#g7 ,priority ,in awarding grants under this subsection1 the ,administrator shall give priority to eligible entities or small community-serving eligible entities1 as applicable-- 7,a7 that are affected by consent decrees relating to compliance with this ,act2 7,b7 the residential customers of the eligible entity or small community-serving eligible entity1 as applicable1 have experienced a rate or fee increase for wastewater1 stormwater1 or drinking water services that is greater than or equal to #cj percent during the #c-year period ending on the date of enactment of this section2 7,c7 that-- 7i7 develop an equivalent program1 as determined by the ,administrator1 that is administered separately by the eligible entity or small community-serving eligible entity1 as applicable2 or 7ii7 provide matching funds equal to or greater than the amount of the grant from-- 7,i7 the applicable ,state or unit of local government2 or 7,,ii7 a ,state-sponsored nonprofit organization or private entity2 or 7,d7 that are described in subsection 7a77#a77;,b74 7#h7 ,lower income limit ,for purposes of this section1 an eligible entity 7or a ,state1 on behalf of a small community-serving eligible entity7 may adopt an income limit that is lower than the limit described in subsection 7a77#c77;,b71 except that the eligible entity or ,state1 respectively1 may not exclude a household from eligibility in a fiscal year based solely on household income if that income is less than #aaj percent of the poverty level4 7#i7 ,reporting requirements 7,a7 ,in general ,in addition to any other applicable ,federal or agency-specific grant reporting requirements1 as a condition of receiving a grant under this subsection1 an eligible entity 7or a ,state1 on behalf of a small community-serving eligible entity7 shall submit to the ,administrator an annual report that summarizes1 in a manner determined by the ,administrator1 the low-income household assistance program developed by the eligible entity or small community-serving eligible entity1 as applicable1 using the grant amount1 including-- 7i7 key features1 including rate structures1 rebates1 discounts1 and related initiatives that assist households1 including-- 7,i7 budget billing2 7,,ii7 bill timing2 and 7,,iii7 pretermination protections2 7ii7 sources of funding2 7iii7 eligibility criteria2 7iv7 participation rates by eligible households2 7v7 the monetary benefit per participant2 7vi7 program costs2 7vii7 the demonstrable impacts of the program on arrearage and service disconnection for residential customers1 based on data from before and after the implementation of the pilot program1 to the maximum extent practicable2 7viii7 the outreach and stakeholder process used by the eligible entity or small community-serving eligible entity1 as applicable1 to design the program1 including-- 7,i7 the selection process for any stakeholder committee members2 and 7,,ii7 the number and location of community outreach events2 7ix7 the methods used to enroll customers1 including the outreach plan and the status of implementation of that outreach plan2 and 7x7 other relevant information required by the ,administrator4 7,b7 ,publication ,the ,administrator shall publish each report submitted under subparagraph 7,a74 7c7 ,technical assistance ,the ,administrator shall provide technical assistance to each eligible entity1 and each ,state1 on behalf of a small community-serving eligible entity1 that receives a grant under this section to ensure-- 7#a7 full implementation of the pilot program2 and 7#b7 maximum enrollment of low-income households1 including through-- 7,a7 community outreach campaigns2 7,b7 coordination with local health departments to determine the eligibility of households for assistance2 or 7,c7 a combination of the campaigns and coordination described in subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b74 7d7 ,report ,not later than #b years after the date on which grant funds are first disbursed to an eligible entity 7or a ,state1 on behalf of a small community-serving eligible entity7 under this section1 and every year thereafter for the duration of the terms of the grants1 the ,administrator shall submit to ,congress a report on the results of the pilot program established under this section4 4 #d4 ,needs assessment for nationwide rural and urban low-income community water assistance program 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,administrator ,the term ,administrator means the ,administrator of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency4 7#b7 ,low-income household ,the term low-income household means a household-- 7,a7 in which one or more individuals are receiving-- 7i7 assistance under a ,state program funded under part ,a of title ,,iv of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fja et seq472 7ii7 supplemental security income payments under title ,,xvi of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acha et seq472 7iii7 supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits under the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaa et seq472 or 7iv7 payments under-- 7,i7 section #acae1 #aeba1 #aeda1 or #aedb of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code2 or 7,,ii7 section #cjf of the ,veterans' and ,survivors' ,pension ,improvement ,act of #aigh 7#ch ,u4,s4,c4 #aeba note2 ,public ,law #ie-ehh72 or 7,b7 that has an income that1 as determined by the ,state in which the household is located1 does not exceed the greater of-- 7i7 an amount equal to #aej percent of the poverty level2 and 7ii7 an amount equal to #fj percent of the ,state median income for that ,state4 7#c7 ,poverty level ,the term poverty level means1 with respect to a household in a ,state1 the income poverty guidelines for the nonfarm population of the ,united ,states1 as prescribed by the ,office of ,management and ,budget1 as applicable to the ,state4 7#d7 ,state median income ,the term ,state median income has the meaning given the term in section #bfjc of ,public ,law #ig-ce 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #hfbb74 7b7 ,study2 report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #d years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall conduct1 and submit to ,congress a report describing the results of1 a study regarding the prevalence throughout the ,united ,states of low-income households that do not have access to-- 7,a7 affordable and functional centralized or onsite wastewater services that protect the health of individuals in the households2 7,b7 affordable municipal stormwater services2 or 7,c7 affordable public drinking water services to meet household needs4 7#b7 ,inclusions ,the report under paragraph 7#a7 shall include-- 7,a7 recommendations of the ,administrator regarding the best methods to increase access to affordable and functional centralized and onsite wastewater1 stormwater1 and drinking water services2 7,b7 a description of the cost of each method described in subparagraph 7,a72 7,c7 with respect to the development of the report1 a consultation with all relevant stakeholders2 and 7,d7 a description of the results of the study with respect to low-income renters who do not receive bills for wastewater1 stormwater1 and drinking water services but pay for the services indirectly through rent payments4 7#c7 ,agreements ,the ,administrator may enter into an agreement with another ,federal agency to carry out the study under paragraph 7#a74