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August 25, 2000
WIN Maps Future Steps to Secure Water Infrastructure Funding
This week, the Water Infrastructure Network (WIN) planned the critical next steps in its campaign to secure increased federal funding for the nation's drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. The Association has been a driving force behind WIN's activities. Meeting at AMSA's National Office, representatives of WIN's 25 organizations agreed on a time frame for developing a consensus-based “white paper” that will lay out the options for increasing the federal financial commitment to water infrastructure. In anticipation of federal government action in 2001, WIN will present the white paper to the new administration and the incoming Congress. The white paper will identify which needs would be appropriately addressed by federal funds; the available vehicles for delivering funds; and the potential sources of those funds. After laying out the options and providing the information to decision makers, WIN will direct its efforts toward supporting Congress and the White House as they work to fill the gap. To ensure the success of the effort, members agreed the Network would maintain its focus solely on funding issues. Members of AMSA's leadership will participate with other WIN coalition organization representatives in a series of three facilitated discussions, from which the white paper will be drafted. AMSA members will be kept informed of the Association's activities to increase federal funding for wastewater infrastructure through the Clean Water News, FaxAlerts, and Legislative Updates and Alerts.WIN's efforts are gathering momentum leading up to the national elections in November. Three organizations have joined WIN in the last month — the National Association of Counties, Trout Unlimited and the International Union of Operating Engineers. The addition of these groups further rounds out WIN's broad appeal and increases the chances of success.
NBP Prepares to Launch Biosolids EMS Demo Projects
The National Biosolids Partnership steering committee meets today to discuss the rollout of the draft biosolids Environmental Management System (EMS) that will be demonstrated at a number of wastewater treatment agencies across the country. This is a significant step toward the NBP's goal of developing an EMS with third-party verification that will allow municipal biosolids programs to go beyond minimum federal regulations. The September Clean Water News will contain further information on the draft EMS, the demonstration projects, other NBP activities and biosolids issues.AMSA Collects Index Survey Forms . . .
AMSA is seeking a strong response from its member agencies for the 2000 AMSA Index of wastewater service rates. Survey forms were sent to AMSA member agencies August 9, and since then 69 have been received. The AMSA Index is an important national snapshot of financial trends in rates, which allows member agencies to benchmark rate levels against the Consumer Price Index and national and regional rate averages. If you have not done so already, please send your survey responses to Jon Schellpfeffer, Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District at FAX 608/222-2703 or e-mail jons@madsewer.org. If you have any questions or need a copy of your agency's survey form contact Jon by e-mail or phone 608/225-2088. The deadline is September 22.