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April 2, 1999
Successful Cost of Clean Release Draws Widespread Support
Joining AMSA President Michele Plá in a call for a dialogue to solve the nation's wastewater infrastructure funding dilemma, the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the National League of Cities (NLC), the National Association of Counties (NACo), the Rebuild America Coalition and Clean Water Action voiced their support for increased federal funding of municipal clean water infrastructure. The combination of press coverage and broad support from several influential groups should bolster public and political backing for AMSA's call for increased federal clean water funding. AMSA has already begun efforts to convene the national dialogue.On March 31 at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, Plá told a crowded auditorium of reporters, EPA staff, and AMSA and WEF members that “federal funding should reflect the high value [Americans] place on quality infrastructure and a healthy environment.” WEF President Rhonda Harris added “wastewater treatment plants are the most important and least visible part of our urban infrastructure. Funding for this vital infrastructure is crucial to public health, environmental protection and economic well-being.”
Local elected officials reinforced The Cost of Clean's message. Gloucester, Mass. Mayor Bruce Tobey, representing the NLC, described the detrimental economic impacts to his community caused by skyrocketing sewerage bills and added that with impending total maximum daily loads, the federal government should add financial support to help small communities meet such costly “mandates.” Providing the counties' perspective, Dr C. Vernon Gray, Council Chair of Howard County, Md., said “my county, as well as the rest of America's counties cannot keep pace with the infrastructure needs to keep our water clean. We need more federal assistance and more flexibility in the federal programs that already exist.” The Rebuild America Coalition and the environmental group, Clean Water Action, leant further support to the call for more federal support of wastewater infrastructure needs.
With The Cost of Clean release complete, AMSA launches the next phase of its campaign to increase federal support for wastewater infrastructure. Next week, AMSA will send copies of the report to every member of Congress with a letter requesting full SRF funding and additional support for costly wastewater needs, especially those associated with wet weather. AMSA members will also be asked to send letters to their congressional delegation underscoring the need for stepped up federal funding. These important steps will pave the way for AMSA members' visits to Capitol Hill during the May National Environmental Policy Forum. Each one of these steps are crucial to accomplishing the Association's funding goals.
Press Coverage Bolsters Public Backing
The March 31 Cost of Clean press conference drew the attention of journalists from both the trade press and the mainstream media. The Bureau of National Affairs Daily Environment, Sludge and Inside EPA's Water Policy Report have already run stories on the event. And national news organizations, including USA TODAY, the Los Angeles Times and the Associated Press have expressed interest in the story. Meanwhile, the Voice of America has interviewed the presidents of AMSA and WEF in preparation for radio and video productions. Copies of The Cost of Clean, a press release and a set of questions and answers are being sent to AMSA members via Legislative Alert (99-5) as a tool to communicate with elected leaders and the public. Public and media outreach on the local level is a crucial component to the national dissemination of The Cost of Clean's important message. Public sentiment speaks loud and clear on Capitol hill.