Dear Clean Water Colleague:I am writing today to ask, Have you ever considered membership in AMSA, the Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies? If you're familiar with AMSA and our reputation for legislative and regulatory advocacy on behalf of the nation's publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) your response may include the words, "Yes, but...".
Your response may be "Yes, but AMSA only represents the largest POTWs in big cities." or "Yes, but AMSA's dues structure makes it difficult for my agency to afford membership."
I'm pleased today to inform you that AMSA has recently undergone some significant changes that we believe will serve to further secure and enhance our role as the commanding voice of the nation's POTWs. For example, did you know that. . .
AMSA has eliminated the distinction between its "Member" and "Associate Member" categories -- and now offers all public wastewater treatment agencies the status of full voting Member?
AMSA has streamlined its dues structure to allow even the smallest of communities to afford membership?
AMSA not only keeps its members up-to-date on developments in Washington through its long-standing and timely Legislative and Regulatory Alerts and Updates, the monthly Clean Water News, and weekly FaxAlerts -- but also now offers full access to all materials through its web site, http://www.amsa-cleanwater.org?
AMSA has expanded its focus beyond the legislative and regulatory arenas and is now working actively on management issues as well?
All of these changes position AMSA to grow in size and clout as it works to effectively represent the interest of POTWs nationwide, but we need you.
Our future success in addressing issues affecting all municipalities at the Environmental Protection Agency and on Capitol Hill is dependent on the support of POTWs nationwide. I urge you to seriously consider membership in the Association. We need representation in every state and every Congressional district to ensure that our voice is heard and our message is received.
Regulatory initiatives continue to be undertaken daily that directly impact you and your operations. Additionally, the environmental leaders from both houses of Congress have stated their intention to reauthorize the Clean Water Act next year. It is essential that new legislative and regulatory initiatives focus on watersheds, strengthen -- and make enforceable -- controls on nonpoint sources and acknowledge the enormous contributions POTWs have made in the water quality of the rivers, lakes and streams, nationwide. Without these key elements, POTWs and other point sources will continue to be held largely responsible for water pollution and cities and municipalities nationwide will be faced with spending significant amounts of money for limited environmental improvement.
Your agency's membership in AMSA would serve to strengthen an active coalition of like-minded agencies, working together to ensure a future clean water program that includes scientifically based, technically sound and cost-effective legislation and regulations that address all sources of impairment to our nation's watersheds. I've included a copy of our 1997 Year in Review newsletter, our streamlined dues structure, a list of AMSA's members and a membership application for your consideration.
Please don't hesitate to contact me, or any of the AMSA members in your area, to learn more about our organization. Thank you in advance for seriously considering membership in AMSA. We welcome your interest and involvement.
Sincerely,
Ken Kirk
Executive Director
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