Sen. Ossoff proposes bill providing $20 million funding for East Point water infrastructure

Georgia U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff is proposing legislation that would designate $20 million to make improvements to one metro Atlanta city’s water system.

The East Point Water Infrastructure Enhancement act would allow the Army Corps of Engineers to manage improvements in the city near Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The East Point water system currently serves about 70,000 residents, including some in neighboring College Park and Hapeville.

Melissa Echevarria is the water resources director for East Point. She said the city has a list of priorities it plans to address first.

“That is for renovations at the water treatment plant for us to be able to handle in any impeding regulations for drinking water,” she said. “Of course, a water main replacement and, also, enhancements for our sewer system to protect our creeks and waterways for our residents.”

Ossof said authorizing the Army Corps to take on improvement project in the city is about ensuring the people of East Point and surrounding areas have reliable water access.

“We've seen from the recent experience in the city of Atlanta, what an urgent requirement it is to do to fully invest in our water infrastructure,” he said. “Clean, safe, healthy drinking water is not a luxury. It's a necessity. And for children, for families with small children, for seniors, for businesses in the community, an interruption of safe drinking water supply is an emergency.”

The bill is part of the Water Resources Development Act which will be considered by the U.S Senate later this year.