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42 U.S. Code § 300j-19e. Water infrastructure and workforce investment
(a) Definition of public works department or agency
In this section, the term “public works department or agency” means a political subdivision of a local, county, or regional government that designs, builds, operates, and maintains water infrastructure, sewage and refuse disposal systems, and other public water systems and facilities.
(b) Sense of CongressIt is the sense of Congress that—
(1)
water and wastewater utilities provide a unique opportunity for access to stable, high-quality careers;
(2)
as water and wastewater utilities make critical investments 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 utilities sector, Congress urges—
(A)
increased collaboration among Federal, State, Tribal, and local governments; and
(B) institutions of higher education, apprentice programs, high schools, and other community-based organizations and public works departments or agencies to align water and wastewater utility workforce recruitment efforts, training programs, retention efforts, and community resources with water and wastewater utilities—
(i)
to accelerate career pipelines;
(ii)
to ensure the sustainability of the water and wastewater utility workforce; and
(iii)
to provide access to workforce opportunities.