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Georgia lawmakers introduce congressional bill to upgrade Atlanta water infrastructure

Rep. Nikema Williams and Sens. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff announced the legislation on Friday.

ATLANTA — Georgia lawmakers on Friday announced they had introduced legislation to upgrade Atlanta's water infrastructure in the wake of the water main breaks in May that severely disrupted the city.

Rep. Nikema Williams and Sens. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff said in a joint release they had introduced the City of Atlanta Water Infrastructure Enhancement Act.

RELATED: Atlanta is assessing its water infrastructure. Many pipes are pre-WWII.

The release said the bill would "expand an existing authorization for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to carry out water infrastructure projects in the city, including drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure projects, which would improve quality of life and strengthen resilience."

In a statement, Sen. Ossoff said clean and safe drinking water is a "necessity."

For families, for seniors, and for businesses in the community, any interruption of safe drinking water is an emergency,” Sen. Ossoff said“That’s why after recent disruptions in Atlanta, Senator Warnock, Congresswoman Williams, and I are introducing this legislation to help upgrade Atlanta’s water infrastructure.”

Rep. Williams said Atlanta's infrastructure must keep up with its rate of growth.

"Reliable access to water is essential for families, for businesses and for the visitors we welcome each day," she said. "I am proud to work with our Senators on legislation to ensure long-term upgrades for Atlanta's aging water infrastructure, safeguarding the health and well-being of our communities now and for generations to come.”

And Sen. Warnock said "no Georgian should have difficulty accessing clean water."

"While I’m proud of the important steps we’ve taken through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and more to strengthen our water infrastructure, the recent water crisis in Atlanta highlights how much more work we have left to do on that front,” Sen. Warnock said. “That’s why I am proud to work with Senator Ossoff and Congresswoman Williams to introduce this vital legislation for long-term infrastructure upgrades. I will continue to do all I can at the federal level to help bolster local water infrastructure in communities across Georgia.”

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