The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a new initiative to help drinking water systems tackle PFAS contamination. On the transportation front, Georgia cities have an immediate opportunity to compete for Safe Streets and Roads for All grant dollars and a chance to weigh in on legislation that could make that kind of direct local funding more reliable for years to come.
PFAS OUTreach
EPA has launched a new initiative called PFAS OUTreach – or PFAS OUT – to provide drinking water systems with practical, interactive, location-specific resources, including webinars and information on how to access funding and technical assistance to address PFAS challenges.
EPA aims to directly engage about 3,000 drinking water systems nationwide that have known challenges with PFOA and PFOS, ensuring no system is navigating these challenges without knowing where to turn. To identify these systems, EPA will review drinking water monitoring data submitted through the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) 5, as well as other available data sources . All water systems will be able to access PFAS OUT resources and can secure technical assistance through EPA's Real WaterTA.
In Georgia and across the country, small, rural, and disadvantaged water systems often have fewer resources to navigate complex contamination challenges. PFAS OUT is specifically designed to ensure these communities are not left behind, giving every affected system the tools to reduce exposure now and prepare for full compliance with federal drinking water standards.
Transportation Safety Funding
Georgia cities can apply for Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grants, with applications due May 26 at 5:00 p.m. Approximately $1 billion is available for planning and demonstration grants and implementation grants.
To support strengthening access to transportation safety dollars like SS4A, GMA and the National League of Cities support the bipartisan BASICS Act – H.R. 7437, the Bridges And Safety Infrastructure for Community Success Act – which would increase reliable safety funding to every region in the country in Congress' next transportation bill.
The BASICS Act strengthens the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) by increasing overall safety funding and preventing states from transferring HSIP dollars away from safety priorities. The bill also ensures that 25 percent of HSIP funding is delivered regionally in both urban and rural areas, giving local governments direct access to capital for proven safety projects and building on the success of the SS4A program.
You can share your support for the BASICS Act with a press quote, letter of support, or by hosting an event with your Member of Congress using this form. You can also send a quick letter of support to your member.