Member Pipeline - Fax Alerts - July 15, 2005
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for the FaxAlert ArchiveJuly 15, 2005
Senate Introduces Wastewater
Infrastructure Bill, NACWA to Provide Comments
Wastewater infrastructure funding continues to be a priority issue in the Senate as the bipartisan leadership of the Environment & Public Works (EPW) Committee introduced a bill this week, S.1400 (http://www.nacwa.org/advocacy/co/WEI05554.pdf), addressing this critical issue. The legislation would provide $38 billion over five years to the nation’s cities and municipalities to address aging water infrastructure. A significant portion of the funding, over $30 billion, would go toward boosting the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds. The bill also has a $1.5 billion grant component for priority wastewater treatment projects, including sewer overflow. Funding for the bill, however, would have to come out of the general revenue, which faces severe deficits and serious cuts, making it unlikely that such a bill can survive the appropriations process. The Committee consulted with NACWA as the legislation was drafted, and the Association will work with members to provide comments on the final bill before the markup, which is expected to take place next week.NACWA Meets with
Key House Member on Clean Water Trust Fund Legislation
NACWA staff met this week with Representative Nancy Johnson (R-CT), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, to discuss the Association’s clean and safe water trust fund effort. Rep. Johnson was receptive to the trust fund concept and expressed her view that a small, equitable broad-based fee on industry would be the best way to proceed as a funding mechanism. Opening the lines of communication with members on the Ways and Means Committee is critical because it has jurisdiction over the trust fund’s revenue source. This discussion marks a solid step forward for NACWA’s outreach effort to the Committee and demonstrates the receptivity to the trust fund concept. The Association will continue to meet with members of this Committee to establish a support base for its trust fund legislation. NACWA will meet with parties in both chambers to build on this momentum and move it in the direction of sustainable, dedicated funding. The Association’s draft trust fund bill is nearing completion. The finalized legislation will be distributed to NACWA members soon.Public Relations Committee
Meets to Discuss Outreach on Wet Weather Issues
NACWA’s Communications & Public Relations Committee participated in a conference call this week to discuss recent activity on the wet weather front. Committee members heard from Jodi Perras, Principal of Perras Consulting. Jodi provided an overview of her work with the Indianapolis Clean Stream Team in producing a variety of tools to help get out the clean water message and develop successful advocacy techniques. The discussion was lively and insightful exploring various approaches – from direct mail to surveys – to interact with local rate-payers and the media. Public relations play a key role at all utilities across the country and NACWA member’s increasing activity in this arena is evidenced by the ever-expanding PR Committee. NACWA urges its members to become part of this growing Committee where you will have an opportunity to provide input in the development of outreach strategies and a sound consistent message on a broad array of clean water issues. The Committee meets almost exclusively via conference call. To become a member, contact NACWA’s John Thibodeau, at jthibodeau@nacwa.org or 202/296-9836.Submit Your 2005 Financial Survey Responses by July 29
NACWA urges it members to complete the 2005 Financial Survey by the July 29 deadline to ensure the most representative and accurate data is included in the publication. An online response form is available on the CleanWater Central™ website (http://cleanwatercentral.org) where members can electronically submit their survey results. Members can also fax the completed form to NACWA’s Director of Regulatory Affairs, Chris Hornback, at 202/530-7191.NACWA wishes its members traveling to Hilton Head for the Association’s
2005 Summer Conference a safe trip and we look forward to seeing you there!