AMSA Member Update (MU02-06)

To: Members & Affiliates
From: National Office
Date: March 28, 2002
Subject: 2002 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY FORUM & 32ND ANNUAL MEETING – THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CLEAN WATER ACT. . . LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Reference: MU 02-06

PLAN NOW TO ATTEND AMSA'S
2002 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY FORUM & 32ND ANNUAL MEETING

The 30th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act . . .
Looking to the Future
May 18-22, 2002
The Marriott at Metro Center
Washington, DC

MAKE YOUR HOTEL RESERVATIONS TODAY -
HOTEL RESERVATION DEADLINE IS APRIL 29, 2002

The New Political Landscape...Moving the Clean Water Agenda Forward
Washington, DC will set the stage for AMSA's 2002 National Environmental Policy Forum & 32nd Annual Meeting, May 18 - 22. This year's forum, The 30th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act. . . Looking to the Future, will focus on AMSA's regulatory and legislative priorities, as well as recognize members of the clean water community - from national policymakers to member agencies - for outstanding achievements in the past year through the National Environmental Achievement Awards and Peak Performance Awards programs. You'll find all the information you need to register today for this important meeting in the pages that follow.

AMSA's 2002 National Environmental Policy Forum is timed perfectly as our nation's policymakers are taking a close look at many of the Association's priority issues - water infrastructure funding, infrastructure security/emergency preparedness and wet weather initiatives prominent among them. The current high level of interest in these crucial clean water priorities makes it absolutely essential that AMSA heighten its presence in Washington through member participation in the Policy Forum. The Policy Forum is the best opportunity for publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) from across the country to make their voice heard and support crucial initiatives sure to reap tangible benefits for the nation's water quality and the citizens served by POTWs.

Plan now to attend the 2002 Policy Forum! Learn the current outlook for national clean water legislation and regulation and do your part to move the POTW agenda forward - May 18 - 22, 2002.

Leading National Policy Makers to Address Forum
With clean water issues at the forefront of the Administration's and the Congressional agenda, numerous key policymakers have been invited to participate in this year's Policy Forum. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Christine Todd Whitman has been invited to deliver the Policy Forum's Keynote Address on May 20th. Whitman's views on many clean water regulatory issues will lay the groundwork for remarks by key EPA and other key federal agency staff throughout the Policy Forum.

Several members of the 107th Congress, including Senator Jim Jeffords (I-VT) and Representative Don Young (R-AK), have also been invited to share their priorities and perspectives on the activities that can be expected in the months ahead.

Capitol Hill and EPA Visits Bring POTW Message Home
On May 21st time has been set aside for Association members to visit our nation's policy makers on Capitol Hill and at EPA's national headquarters. Be sure to make the most of this opportunity to meet with national leaders responsible for the nation's clean water agenda. An upcoming Legislative Alert will provide additional information on scheduling face-to-face meetings with congressional delegations and government officials, and the National Office is ready to assist, should you so desire. The evening of May 21st will conclude with a Capitol Hill reception in the Rayburn House Office Building's Gold Room.

Committee Meetings/Issues Briefing Set Stage for Week Ahead
On May 18th and 19th, numerous AMSA committees will meet to discuss important wastewater treatment issues. A Priorities Issues Briefing will follow the committee meetings and serve as a primer of AMSA's issues readying participants for the Capitol Hill and EPA visits. All participants are urged to attend these informative sessions designed to provide valuable information on legislative and regulatory priority issues.

Make Your Hotel Reservation Today - Deadline April 29
Be sure to reserve your hotel accommodations at the Marriott at Metro Center by the April 29th deadline to guarantee the special conference rate of $179 single/double. To make your reservations today, call the Marriott at Metro Center at 800/228-9290, and be sure to mention that you a participant in AMSA's 2002 National Environmental Policy Forum & 32nd Annual Meeting.

Make the Most of Your Visit to Our Nation's Capital
Spring in Washington, DC provides the perfect setting for visits to beautiful monuments, famous museums and world-renowned restaurants. To help plan your visit, AMSA has provided links through www.amsa.cleanwater.org/meetings/02nepf/ to help make your visit to the nation's capital a memorable one.

Additional Policy Forum Information Headed Your Way. . .
So, don't forget to check your mail and click on AMSA's web site, www.amsa-cleanwater.org/meetings/, for the most up-to-date information on the 2002 National Environmental Policy Forum and 32nd Annual Meeting, The 30th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act. . . Looking to the Future.

Special WIN Celebration. . .
Water Infrastructure Gala Highlights 30th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act
In addition to AMSA's awards program, the Water Infrastructure Network (WIN) will be hosting the WIN Water Celebration on May 22, at the Sequoia restaurant. The Celebration will honor those who have taken an active role in champion the cause of clean and safe water in America since the passing of the Clean Water Act, 30 years ago. As the WIN Water Celebration is not a part of AMSA's 2002 National Environmental Policy Forum, there is an additional fee. Visit WIN's web site at www.win-water.org for more information on this unique event.


Attachments:

PDF files require the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you don't have a copy, just click the image below or HERE to download a copy from Adobe's web site.