Member Update (MU03-05)

*To:*	Members & Affiliates
*From:*	National Office
*Date:*	April 4, 2003
*Subject:*	2003 National Environmental Policy Forum & 33rd Annual Meeting - Making Our Voices Heard
*Reference:*	MU 03-05
*Attachments:*	Preliminary Program for AMSA’s 2003 National Environmental Policy Forum & 33rd Annual Meeting (.pdf, 38KB) Registration Information Online Registration Form

PLAN NOW TO ATTEND AMSA’S
2003 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY FORUM & 33RD ANNUAL MEETING

Making Our Voices Heard . . . Mobilizing in Support of the National Clean Water Agenda
May 17-21, 2003
The Hyatt Regency Washington
Washington, DC

MAKE YOUR HOTEL RESERVATIONS TODAY —
HOTEL RESERVATION DEADLINE IS APRIL 22, 2003!

Making Our Voices Heard — National Policy Makers to Address Forum
Washington, DC will set the stage for AMSA’s 2003 National Environmental Policy Forum & 33rd Annual Meeting, May 17 - 21. This year’s Forum, Making Our Voices Heard . . . Mobilizing in Support of the National Clean Water Agenda, is timed perfectly as the 108th Congress and the Administration continue to identify their environmental priorities. AMSA is poised to ensure that the clean water is at the top of the list.

The Forum program will focus on the clean water community’s regulatory and legislative priorities and will also honor a number of national policymakers, individuals and member agencies for their outstanding achievements over the past year through the National Environmental Achievement Awards and Peak Performance Awards programs. The Policy Forum provides the perfect opportunity for publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) from across the country to learn more about the national clean water agenda and make their voice heard in support of crucial initiatives sure to reap tangible benefits for for the nation’s water quality and the citizens served by POTWs. Several congressional leaders have been invited to participate in the Forum program, including Senator James M. Inhofe (R-OK), Chair, Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW); Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH), EPW Committee member; Representative Don Young (R-AK), Chair, Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure. In addition, a number of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials have also been invited to address AMSA’s 2003 Policy Forum, such as Deputy Administrator Linda Fisher; Assistant Administrator for the Office of Enforcement & Compliance Assistance (OECA), John Peter Suarez; Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Water, Benjamin Grumbles; and Director, Office of Wastewater Management, James Hanlon.

AMSA has heard one consistent message from policymakers — the need to hear directly from POTW leaders and citizens/ratepayers on water quality issues is clear. Make your voice heard, and plan now to attend this essential conference as AMSA, along with the entire clean water community, works to heighten its presence in Washington through member participation in the Policy Forum, May 17-21, 2003!

Mobilizing Support — Taking Clean Water to Congress
On May 17th and 18th, numerous AMSA committees will meet to discuss important wastewater treatment issues, and these issues-oriented meetings will be capped by the Priorities Issues Briefing, which will provide attendees with an overview of AMSA’s priority issues in preparation for Capitol Hill and EPA visits. Policy Forum participants are urged to attend these informative sessions designed to provide valuable information on legislative and regulatory priorities.

On May 20th time has been set aside for Association members to visit our nation’s policy makers on Capitol Hill and at EPA’s national headquarters. AMSA urges its members to schedule meetings with their representatives, and the Association will provide attendees with a one-page Association Resolutions piece that outlines important clean water legislative priorities — including long-term wastewater infrastructure funding, security funding, and continued financial support for the National Biosolids Partnership. The Resolution can be used as a “leave behind” when visiting Capitol Hill and EPA on May 20th. 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 20th will conclude with a Capitol Hill reception in the Rayburn Foyer on Capitol Hill.

Reserve Your Hotel Room Today — Deadline April 22
Reserve your hotel accommodations at the Hyatt Regency Washington by the April 22nd deadline to guarantee the special conference rate of $219 single/double. Call the Hyatt Regency Washington at 202/737-1234, and be sure to mention that you a participant in AMSA’s 2003 National Environmental Policy Forum & 33rd 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/ to help make your visit to the nation’s capital a memorable one.

Additional Policy Forum Information Headed Your Way. . .
Watch your mail and click on AMSA’s web site, www.amsa-cleanwater.org/meetings/, for the most up-to-date information on the 2003 National Environmental Policy Forum and 33rd Annual Meeting, Making Our Voices Heard . . .Mobilizing in Support of the National Clean Water Agenda.

Special WIN Events. . .
WIN Press Event and Gala to Promote Clean Water Agenda
Following the conclusion of AMSA’s Policy Forum program, the Water Infrastructure Network (WIN) will be hosting a press event on Capitol Hill, which will be held on Wednesday, May 21 at 1:30 pm. Several prominent clean water advocates will be featured as they present their views on the future of water funding policies in America.

Later that evening… WIN will be hosting the WIN Water Celebration on May 21, at the Sequoia restaurant. The Celebration will honor those who have taken an active role in supporting the clean water community and key issues affecting the nation’s POTWs. As the WIN Water Celebration is not a part of AMSA’s 2003 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.