<p><strong>Problem:</strong> 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. </p>
<p><br /><strong>Current Funding Status: </strong> 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. </p>
<p><br /><em><strong>Request:</strong></em> We urge you to co sponsor Senator Greenstein’s <strong>budget resolution #167</strong> for $7 million, which would restore the State Revolving Fund funding to $60 million to secure a state match for federal water infrastructure funding. </p>
<p><br /><strong>Public benefits:</strong> 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.</p>