Grant Would Help Fix Water Crisis in Ohio Village

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) today praised a federal water grant that the Agriculture Department is awarding to Sebring, Ohio, to help ensure its water supply system is safe.  Portman, who has helped craft bipartisan legislation in the Senate to address water crises in Ohio and around the country, issued the following statement:

“I’m pleased that federal authorities are helping Sebring ensure its water supply is safe,” Portman stated. “As we move forward, I hope the Senate will act in a bipartisan way to help Ohio and other areas of the country who have similar needs.  I will continue to work in a bipartisan manner to ensure that all Ohioans have access to clean and safe drinking water.”

NOTE: Portman has worked with Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Gary Peters, (D-Mich.) on federal legislation designed to address lead exposure to drinking systems around the country. The legislation would offer additional resources to any state – if the president declares an emergency – in order to address the lead poisoning crisis that began in Flint, Michigan.  The amendment also requires the EPA to notify the public within 15 days if toxic levels of lead are found in any public water system.  The measure is expected to be considered by the Senate in the coming weeks. 

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