I call this hearing of the subcommittee on fisheries, wildlife, fisheries, water and wildlife, to order. We are here today to discuss innovative financing and funding to address americas deficient Water Infrastructure. The purpose of this hearing is simple, today we will be discussing americas current approach towards Drinking Water and wastewater investment Wastewater Infrastructure investment. Many members of this committee including myself often reference the American Society of Civil Engineers, asce, infrastructure report card. Currently the asce grades americas Drinking Water infrastructure with a d. Wastewater has a slightly better grade, a d plus. That reminds some of our grades in school. Not you. Im glad you didnt look this way. This is not a rural problem or a big city problem, its not a republican or a democrat problem. This is a National Emergency and we need to find solutions before its too late. It is one thing to see these terrible grades on paper, but what does this act