The Trump Administration recently released its Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget Request, which included significant reductions to investments in the Clean Water Act (CWA) and the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
The budget proposal would eliminate key categorical grant programs such as CWA Section 106 water pollution control and Section 319 nonpoint source grants, as well as substantial cuts to the State Revolving Funds (SRFs) and other drinking water programs.
In response to these proposed cuts, NEIWPCC submitted comments to the Congressional delegation from the Northeast.
NEIWPCC’s letter, sent in May on behalf of its member states, urged the representatives to maintain funding at FY 2026 enacted levels for CWA 106, 319 nonpoint source, and 604(b) water quality management planning grants; SRFs; Small, Rural, and Tribal Drinking Water Technical Assistance (SRT TA); lead reduction in drinking water, and Public Water System Supervision (PWSS) programs; and beaches protection, wetlands program development, and the EPA’s geographic water body restoration programs.
NEIWPCC stressed that these grants are not optional supplements; they are foundational to the cooperative federalism structure established under the CWA. Eliminating them while maintaining state responsibilities would effectively create an unfunded mandate, placing immediate and unsustainable strain on state and interstate programs. Stable federal funding allows states to retain qualified staff, maintain permitting timelines, provide technical assistance, and ensure consistent protection of public health and water resources.
The letter also emphasized the importance of continued funding for geographic water body programs, including those that support interstate waters such as Long Island Sound and Lake Champlain. These programs depend on federal coordination and funding to address shared challenges across state boundaries. Interstate collaboration is at the core of NEIWPCC’s mission, and these programs exemplify the effectiveness of coordinated, multi-jurisdictional approaches.
Further, the member states expressed concern about the unintended consequences of Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS), which bypass states’ priority lists for water infrastructure projects. Congress established the Clean Water Needs Survey as an objective methodology to distribute federal funds, taking into account individual community needs across each state. CDS projects effectively negate the survey results, bypassing that process.
NEIWPCC stated that CDS will eventually deplete the funds available to capitalize SRF programs. This risks the long-term viability of the SRF programs and states’ ability to offer low interest and subsidized loans for critical infrastructure projects in an equitable manner.
The letter emphasized that clean and safe water is fundamental to public health, economic vitality, and environmental sustainability. Federal investment in these programs enables states and interstate organizations like NEIWPCC to deliver effective, efficient, and science-based water quality protection. Reductions in funding would have immediate and tangible impacts on program capacity, infrastructure investment, and the health of our communities.
Congress has begun to hold hearings on the F2027 budget, considering the President’s requests and appropriation bills. These bills will determine EPA funding for the upcoming fiscal year, beginning October 1.