Increase the state match for federal water infrastructure funding

email advocacy

Dear [Your Elected Official],

I am writing to urge you to co-sponsor Senator Greenstein’s BR#167, which would restore State Revolving Fund (SRF) funding to $60 million in the FY27 budget to secure New Jersey’s full federal water infrastructure funding match.
New Jersey faces an enormous water infrastructure funding gap. According to the national Value of Water Campaign, our state will require approximately $77 billion in capital investment over the next 20 years to bring drinking water and wastewater infrastructure into a state of good repair. This equals roughly $3.8 billion annually.
Despite this urgent need, the state match for federal water infrastructure funding has declined in recent years, dropping from $60 million in SFY24 to $48 million in SFY26. While the Governor’s proposed SFY27 budget increases funding slightly to $53 million, additional investment is needed to restore funding levels and fully leverage available federal resources.
Investing in water infrastructure is critical to:
<ul>
<li>Prevent costly emergency repairs and system failures</li>
<li>Protect public health and water quality</li>
<li>Create jobs and strengthen local economies</li>
<li>Keep water rates more affordable for residents</li>
</ul>
Failing to maintain water infrastructure is far more expensive over time, with emergency repairs often costing 5–20 times more than proactive replacement. Additionally, every $1 invested in water infrastructure generates an estimated $4 economic return.
Please co sponsor BR#167 and help ensure New Jersey can fully utilize federal funding opportunities to modernize critical water infrastructure systems across the state.
Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your City & State]

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Summary

Problem: According to the national Value of Water campaign, New Jersey will require $77 billion in capital investment over the next 20 years to bring its water and wastewater infrastructure to a state of good repair. This equals approximately $3.8 billion per year, or $413 per resident. These estimates are for basic repairs only and do not include ongoing operations and maintenance costs, nor do they fully capture the investments needed to address stormwater infrastructure, PFAS treatment, or lead service line replacement.  Current Funding Status:  Over the last two budget cycles, the Murphy Administration cut the state match to federal water infrastructure funding from $60 million in SFY24 to $48 million in SFY26. The Governor’s current proposed budget for SFY27 allots $53 million.  Request: We urge you to co sponsor Senator Greenstein’s budget resolution #167 for $7 million, which would restore the State Revolving Fund funding to $60 million to secure a state match for federal water infrastructure funding.  Public benefits: The consequences of neglecting repairs are costly, as systems can fall into a cycle of emergency repairs that cost 5-20 times as much as proactive replacement. Poor water infrastructure is costly for ratepayers and hinders housing development. Every $1 invested in water infrastructure provides a $4 economic return. Now is the time to continue state investments to fully utilize federal funding and implement projects that create jobs, improve public health, and keep water rates affordable.

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