The House of Representatives has passed legislation that will establish a new grant program dedicated to the security of wastewater treatment plants.
The “Chemical and Water Security Act of 2009” bill (H.R. 2868) will help create a wastewater treatment plant security grant program within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The program is expected to authorize $200 million in annual grants through 2014.
The grants, which will be available to states, municipalities and interstate agencies, will fund the purchase and installation of security lighting and cameras, door locks, access control equipment, intrusion detection devices and other products that would improve electronic, computer and remote security systems.
“Wastewater treatment plants are among our most critical infrastructure, yet they are also some of the most vulnerable facilities,” says SIA Director of Government Relations Don Erickson. “This grant program would go a long way toward remedying this and reducing the chances of a criminal or terrorist act that could be disastrous for a community.”
The bill awaits action by the Senate.
