Clean Water Advocacy - News Releases - November 15, 2001
For Immediate Release: November 15, 2001
Contact: Adam Krantz, 202/833-4651, AMSA
AMSA Urges Swift Passage of Rep. Boehlert’s Water Security Bill
The Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies (AMSA) strongly supports and urges swift bipartisan passage of the Water Infrastructure Security and Research Development Act of 2001 (H.R. 3178), Science Committee Chair Sherwood Boehlert’s (R - NY) critical research and development bill for water and wastewater security. Boehlert’s bipartisan bill will provide key, long-term funding for research and development that will help public water and wastewater agencies prevent, detect and respond to potential physical and cyber threats.
Ken Kirk, Executive Director of AMSA praised the Chairman’s swift action on the measure saying, "Rep. Boehlert has long been a champion of clean and safe water issues. As Chairman of the House Water Infrastructure Caucus, Rep. Boehlert has led the charge on educating his fellow lawmakers about the need to increase funding for the nation’s wastewater and water infrastructure. It comes as no surprise to any of us that Rep. Boehlert is again demonstrating his leadership and vision by developing this key legislation for new technologies to further protect public health and the environment. AMSA applauds the Chairman and other Science Committee members for moving quickly on H.R. 3178."
AMSA is a national trade association representing over 260 of the nation's publicly owned wastewater utilities. AMSA members serve the majority of the sewered population in the United States and collectively treat and reclaim over 18 billion gallons of wastewater every day.
AMSA also supports companion legislation in the Senate introduced by Environment and Public Works Committee Chair James Jeffords (I-VT) and Ranking Member Robert Smith (R-NH). Senate Bill 1591 was passed swiftly last week by the members of the Environment and Public Works Committee.
Kirk promised AMSA’s full support in securing passage of research and development legislation into law this year saying he agrees with Rep. Boehlert’s words: "Knowledge and preparedness are becoming our most potent weapons in this post-September 11th age of unease and uncertainty. This legislation will help us identify the threats to our water infrastructure, enhance our ability to respond, and ensure the long-term safety and security of our nation's water supply."
1816 Jefferson Place, Washington, DC 20036-2505 • 202.833.AMSA • 202.833.4657 FAX