Canton Reporter

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a significant investment of $46 million in the Canton Water Department, aimed at improving the quality of drinking water and creating job opportunities in Canton, Ohio.

Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for Water at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bruno Pigott, expressed his appreciation for the public sector workers who play a crucial role in ensuring safe and reliable drinking water for communities. He stated, "Public sector workers are the backbone of our nation's water infrastructure, they ensure that communities have safe, reliable drinking water."

Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this investment will not only ensure the provision of high-quality drinking water but also create dozens of well-paying jobs in the public sector. This will contribute to the operation and maintenance of the water system for decades to come.

EPA Region 5 Administrator, Debra Shore, highlighted the significance of the investment in communities like Canton, Ohio, stating, "Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, communities like Canton, Ohio, are getting much-needed funds to invest in their water infrastructure and the people who keep it all running smoothly."

Canton will utilize the $46 million investment to upgrade and modernize the Sugar Creek Water Treatment plant, which supplies more than half of the community's drinking water. Additionally, the city plans to invest an additional $26 million in the construction of a critical new reservoir for collecting and storing safe drinking water, as well as retrofitting its service shop that houses essential equipment for ongoing operations.

Congresswoman Emilia Sykes (OH-13) expressed her satisfaction with the investment, stating, "This investment will keep water rates affordable, protect our drinking water, and create good-paying, union jobs. Once again, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering real results and lowering costs for Northeast Ohioans."

The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) President, Lee Saunders, highlighted the importance of investing in infrastructure and infrastructure jobs, stating, "For them and for all 1.4 million AFSCME members, public service is a calling. For everything these everyday heroes do, they deserve respect. And respect means robust investment in their jobs and their workplaces."

Ohio EPA Director, Anne Vogel, commended the City of Canton for its proactive approach in maintaining critical drinking water infrastructure. She also acknowledged Governor DeWine's leadership and the partnership between Ohio communities and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency in financing infrastructure upgrades.

Mayor William V. Sherer II expressed gratitude for the federal and state partners, stating, "The availability of outside funding helps to ensure our residents have access to clean and safe drinking water at an affordable cost."

The investment in Canton's water infrastructure is part of the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to strengthening and rebuilding America's water infrastructure. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has allocated over $50 billion through EPA's water infrastructure programs, providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to improve water infrastructure across the country.

This investment not only ensures the provision of safe drinking water but also creates job opportunities, supporting the local economy and enhancing the quality of life for residents in Canton, Ohio.

For more information on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and its impact on water infrastructure, visit www.epa.gov/infrastructure.