Water Bill Supporters

SUPPORTERS:

• National Association of Clean Water Agencies

• American Rivers

• Clean Water Action

• Associated General Contractors

• American Society of Civil Engineers

• Water and Sewer Distributors of America

• Rural Community Assistance Partnership

• Coalition for Alternative Wastewater Treatment

• American Public Works Association

• Clean Water Network

• National Utility Contractors Association

Co-sponsors:

• Norm Dicks (D-WA)

• Donna Edwards (D-MD)

• Sam Farr (D-CA)

• Maurice Hinchey (D-NY)

• Henry “Hank” Johnson (D-GA)

• Carolyn Kilpatrick (D-MI)

• Steven LaTourette (R-OH)

• Grace Napolitano (D-CA)

• Thomas Petri (R-WI)

• Jan Schakowsky (D-IL)

• Michael Simpson (R-ID)

• Ed Whitfield (R-KY)

• Robert Wexler (D-FL)

Statements of Support:

“I’m pleased to be an original cosponsor of Rep. Blumenauer’s legislation, which will create a long overdue funding source for our deteriorating water infrastructure,” said Congressman Steve LaTourette. “The EPA has stated that in Ohio alone $22 billion will be needed over the next 20 years to repair drinking water and waste water infrastructure. This bill addresses these needs that exist across the country which currently leave local taxpayers with the bill.”

"It is no secret to the people of Wisconsin that our aging wastewater infrastructure is increasingly being overwhelmed,” said Congressman Tom Petri. "Last month as a result of rain, nearly 1 billion gallons of untreated sewage and storm water spilled out of Milwaukee-area sanitary and storm sewers into local rivers and Lake Michigan. Milwaukee is only a local example. The problem of inadequate and crumbling wastewater facilities is urgent and nationwide. The Wastewater Protection and Reinvestment Act is greatly needed if we are to have both reliable drinking water and wastewater treatment."

“Municipalities face serious challenges in meeting their clean water goals, including a growing population; aging infrastructure; increased regulatory requirements with stepped-up enforcement from EPA; and global competition driving up the cost of labor and materials,” said Tom Walsh, who spoke on behalf of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA). “We believe a clean water trust fund, such as the one that would be created by Congressman Blumenauer’s bill, is critical to ensuring communities can continue to meet their Clean Water Act obligations.”

“Every day we rely on seemingly invisible water and wastewater systems to support our quality of life and the nation’s economy, and yet they suffer from inattention and underfunding,” said American Society of Civil Engineers president D. Wayne Klotz. “A long-term, dedicated funding source, like the one proposed by Congressman Blumenauer, will go a long way in ensuring that these vital systems can continue to support the health and safety of the American people.”

"A new economic study by the Clean Water Council demonstrates that water and wastewater projects generate tens of thousands of living-wage jobs, substantially increase demand for goods and services, and expand local tax bases," said Bill Hillman, CEO of the National Utility Contractors Association. "A long-term, self-sustaining and dedicated wastewater infrastructure trust fund would go a long way to reduce the structural investment gap that is creating an environmental crisis."

“We are at a transformational moment. The same old 19th and 20th century approaches to water management simply aren’t fit for the challenges of this century,” said Rebecca Wodder, president of American Rivers. “It is time to embrace a 21st century approach to water that integrates green solutions, recognizes changing climatic conditions, and helps ensure community safety and security. By supporting smart water infrastructure investments, the Trust Fund will help ensure a future of clean water for generations to come.”

"In recent years funding for water infrastructure has suffered from neglect and misplaced priorities,” said Mitch Jones, Senior Legislative and Policy Analyst for Food & Water Watch. “Even with the increases already approved by Congress, we will fall woefully short of our nation's need this year. We can't afford to rely on the whims of Congress and the change of administrations to guarantee the safety of our infrastructure. That's why we need a Water Protection and Reinvestment Fund."

“Communities in rural America desperately need this type of comprehensive and sustainable program that not only supports vital water and wastewater infrastructure, but also serves to improve public health and the prospect for future economic development opportunities,” said Rural Community Assistance Partnership Executive Director Robert Stewart. “By providing a dedicated funding source, using existing delivery systems, and requiring a high level of responsibility and accountability from the utility recipients, the ’Water Protection and Reinvestment Act’ will help ensure that this generation and those that follow us will be guaranteed safe, affordable and dependable water and wastewater services for their families and for future economic growth.”