WSSC Water Celebrates Signing of House Bill 1230 to Expand Opportunities for Local and Statewide Businesses and Workers

Laurel, Md. – May 13, 2026 – WSSC Water celebrated the signing of House Bill 1230, landmark legislation that modernizes the utility’s business participation framework and strengthens opportunities for local and Maryland businesses and workers to benefit from the billions of dollars WSSC Water invests in critical infrastructure projects across Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. 

The new law creates distinct pathways designed to expand participation and create more meaningful opportunities for business and economic impact - with a strong emphasis on supporting companies and workers in WSSC Water’s service area.

“This legislation is about ensuring the benefits of our infrastructure investments stay right here in Maryland and the two counties we serve,” said WSSC Water General Manager and CEO Kishia L. Powell. “When WSSC Water invests billions to strengthen water and sewer infrastructure, House Bill 1230 helps ensure Maryland businesses, Maryland workers and our local communities prosper from that investment.”

In addition, the legislation formally recognizes veteran-owned and disabled veteran-owned businesses within WSSC Water’s procurement framework, honoring their service while expanding access to economic opportunity. 

“Now, more than ever, it’s important to maintain investments at current levels,” added Powell. “Without the necessary capital investments, we will not be able to realize the benefits of this legislation.”

House Bill 1230 also supports more efficient vendor onboarding and certification processes to help eligible Maryland businesses compete for WSSC Water contracts. The bill also clarifies WSSC Water’s ability to include standards for local hiring, apprenticeship programs and workforce skills training in its contracts, helping connect infrastructure investments to workforce development and long-term economic growth.

WSSC Water thanks Governor Wes Moore, the Maryland General Assembly and the bill’s sponsors for their leadership and partnership in advancing legislation that supports business participation, workforce development, and local economic growth. The legislation takes effect on October 1, 2026.

To fully realize the benefits of House Bill 1230 and continue strengthening the region’s water and wastewater infrastructure, sustained investment through WSSC Water’s Capital Improvements Program remains essential. When projects move forward, they create opportunities for businesses to compete, support workforce development, sustain jobs and generate economic activity across the region. Maintaining momentum on these projects helps ensure those benefits continue reaching local businesses, workers and communities. 

WSSC Water expects to invest $4.8 billion over the next six years through its Capital Improvements Program (CIP) in water and wastewater projects that protect public health, safeguard the environment, and strengthen infrastructure reliability. These efforts include projects to upgrade aging pipes, improve treatment facilities, protect water quality, support emergency readiness and strengthen system resiliency. 

Any reduction in WSSC Water’s capital budget results in the loss of hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact across both counties – while also weakening system resiliency, emergency response readiness, water quality protection and regulatory compliance.

WSSC Water’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Capital and Operating budget is scheduled for vote tomorrow, May 14, during a joint bi-county meeting. Both County Councils then adopt WSSC Water’s budget by June 1. The final budget adoption occurs June 17 by WSSC Water Commissioners. The FY 2027 budget goes into effect on July 1, 2026.

Over the past five years, WSSC Water’s work contributed $635 million to businesses in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties, including more than $381 million with underrepresented businesses. Every $1 million invested in water infrastructure supports an estimated economic impact of 15 to 18 jobs - matching the impact of investments in clean energy, healthcare and defense. These investments help sustain a regional economy that generates billions in economic output and that depends on safe, reliable water and wastewater services to keep homes, businesses, schools, hospitals and communities running smoothly every day.

WSSC Water is a not-for-profit public utility focused on serving our 1.9 million customers, not shareholders. Every dollar collected is reinvested directly into infrastructure, technology and workforce to strengthen reliability, improve service and protect public health for generations to come.