Meijer Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Revitalize Urban Waterways

Statement

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Representative Peter Meijer (R-MI), alongside Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ), this week introduced the bipartisan Urban Waters Federal Partnership Act, legislation that would formally authorize an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-led partnership that supports improvements to water systems and drives urban renewal. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

The Urban Waters Federal Partnership works to reconnect communities to their waterways as well as spur private investment and job creation. Today, the partnership includes 15 federal agencies, more than 28 non-governmental organizations, and 20 designated urban waters across the country. The Grand River project in Grand Rapids was added to the partnership in 2013.

"In just 8 years, our community has seen the positive effects of the restoration efforts of the Grand River watershed. From jobs to outdoor recreation, the Grand River project is an excellent example of how the Urban Waters Federal Partnership can help propel critical revitalization efforts," said Rep. Meijer. "I am proud to lead this bipartisan effort to help support ongoing projects and ensure more communities across the country can reconnect with their waterways."

The bill is supported by Grand Rapids Whitewater.

"In 2013, leaders of the Urban Waters Federal Partnership (UWFP) program gathered on the banks of the Grand River to include Grand Rapids as one of the 11 new Urban Waters Federal Partnership locations. Now, seven years later, the Grand Rapids project is recognized within UWFP as a visionary model public-private partnership. We will be able to achieve the goal of a more natural river and contribute greatly to the State's outdoor recreation economy once the State, like UWFP, embraces the vision. Dedicated funding for UWFP will support our collaborative efforts with multiple federal agencies here in Grand Rapids and encourage other locations around the country to realize the significant community benefits that come with investments in restoration of our urban waterways." -- Steve Heacock, President and CEO, Grand Rapids Whitewater

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