Agenda - Public Works Committee - 10/20/2020

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S. 3021-118 SEC. 4304. WATER INFRASTRUCTURE AND WORKFORCE INVESTMENT. (a) SENSE OF CONGRESS. —It is the sense of Congress that— (1) water and wastewater utilities provide a unique oppor- tunity for access to stable, high -quality careers; (2) as water and wastewater utilities make critical invest- ments in infrastructure, water and wastewater utilities can invest in the development of local workers and local small businesses to strengthen communities and ensure a strong pipeline of skilled and diverse workers for today and tomorrow; and (3) to further the goal of ensuring a strong pipeline of skilled and diverse workers in the water and wastewater utili- ties sector, Congress urges — (A) increased collaboration among Federal, State, and local governments; and (B) institutions of higher education, apprentice pro- grams, high schools, and other community -based organiza- tions to align workforce training programs and community resources with water and wastewater utilities to accelerate career pipelines and provide access to workforce opportuni- ties. (b) INNOVATIVE WATER INFRASTRUCTURE WORKFORCE DEVELOP- MENT PROGRAM.— (1) GRANTS AUTHORIZED. —The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (referred to in this section as the "Administrator"), in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, shall establish a competitive grant program — (A) to assist the development and utilization of innova- tive activities relating to workforce development and career opportunities in the water utility sector; and (B) to expand public awareness about water utilities and connect individuals to careers in the water utility sector. (2) SELECTION OF GRANT RECIPIENTS. —In awarding grants under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall, to the extent practicable, select nonprofit professional or service organiza- tions, labor organizations, community colleges, institutions of higher education, or other training and educational institu- tions— (A) that have qualifications and experience— (i) in the development of training programs and curricula relevant to workforce needs of water utilities; (ii) working in cooperation with water utilities; (iii) developing public education materials appro- priate for communicating with groups of different ages and educational backgrounds; and (B) that will address the human resources and workforce needs of water utilities that— (i) are geographically diverse; (ii) are of varying sizes; and (iii) serve urban, suburban, and rural populations. or (q1 TTCr, nT' 7'TTXTTlC -(iron+c oxxrorrIorl ixnrior norocrronlx (1 )