PITTSBURGH, PA (PTTP) – On Tuesday, Vice President Kamala Harris visited the city of
Pittsburgh, where she announced $5.8 billion in funding for clean water infrastructure
nationwide.
Since taking office, this visit marked the VP’s 11th trip to the commonwealth. Harris arrived at
Pittsburgh International around noon, before traveling to meet with local, state, and federal
officials to discuss the importance of clean drinking water. The White House said that this visit
was part of the fourth Investing in America Tour by the Biden-Harris administration, which
commenced earlier this year. Her trip follows a series of recent visits to Pittsburgh by members
of Biden’s cabinet, including those from Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Transportation
Secretary Pete Buttigieg. In her nearly ten-minute-long speech, Harris announced that more than
$200 million in new federal funding is allocated for Pennsylvania, a key state in determining
Biden’s reelection in November. The funds will be used to replace lead pipes, aging water mains,
and storm drains. According to the EPA, PA has more than 700,000 lead water lines still in use,
the fourth-highest of any state in the country. The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority has
committed to eliminating all lead pipes from its infrastructure by 2026, and they are making
substantial progress, being more than halfway toward accomplishing this goal and remaining on
schedule for completion. Governor Shapiro revealed a significant investment of $194 million in
28 projects spanning 20 countries, with a specific focus on wastewater and storm water initiatives
just last month. The Biden administration says that over 2 million Americans live without
running water, with tens of millions lacking access to safe drinking water and sanitation. “Every
person should have a right and the ability to have access to clean water,” stated the VP, “and it
should not matter where you live or how much money you earn or how much money you got in
your back pocket.”