| The House of Representatives establish a new grant program dedicated to the security of wastewater treatment plants |
The "Chemical and Water Security Act of 2009" (H.R. 2868) would, among other things, create a wastewater treatment plant security grant program within the Environmental Protection Agency and authorise $200 million in annual grants through 2014. The funds could be used for a variety of purposes, including 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. (SIA has not taken a position on the bill's chemical facility security provisions.)
"Wastewater treatment plants are among our most critical infrastructure, yet they are also some of the most vulnerable facilities," SIA Director of Government Relations Don Erickson said. "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 grants would be available to states, municipalities and interstate agencies. The bill awaits action by the Senate.