Biden sends Kansas $28 million for replacement of lead pipes

TOPEKA (KSNT) - The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is sending nearly $30 million to Kansas to help with the replacement of lead pipes.

Thins money comes from President Joe Biden's 'Investing in America Agenda' to help the state of Kansas identify lead service lines and prevent exposure to lead in drinking water. In total, the cash disbursement will be a little over $28,600,000.

“The science is clear, there is no safe level of lead exposure, and the primary source of harmful exposure in drinking water is through lead pipes,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “President Biden understands it is critical to identify and remove lead pipes as quickly as possible, and he has secured significant resources for states and territories to accelerate the permanent removal of dangerous lead pipes once and for all.”

The EPA estimates there are a total of nine million lead service lines throughout the nation which need to be replaced. The funds come from Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which invests $15 billion into the replacement of lead service lines nationwide.

“We know that lead has serious and harmful health effects on individuals, especially children,” said Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Secretary Janet Stanek. “This investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law gives Kansas the resources it needs to continue replacing water infrastructure that ultimately ensures safe drinking water, which is essential for the health and safety of all Kansans.”

Earlier this year, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach joined with 14 other state attorneys general to oppose the EPA's National Primary Water Regulations for Lead and Copper. Kobach opposes the regulation due to the proposed cost on homeowners.

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