Clean Water Advocacy - Newsroom - NACWA in the News
Civil Engineers Support Introduction of Clean Water Trust Act
Dec 17, 2005 Water & Wastes Digest
News this week sponsored by: YSI IncThe American Society of
Civil Engineers (ASCE) backed the introduction of the Clean Water Trust Act of
2005, a bill that will create a federal program to provide a long-term,
dependable funding source for our nation's critical water supply. Congressman
John J. Duncan (2nd District Tenn. ), chair of the House Water Resources and
Environment Subcommittee, introduced the legislation to address the projected
shortfall in water infrastructure investment.
"The development of clean and safe drinking water systems is one of the greatest
advancements in public health," said ASCE president Dennis Martenson, P. E. ,
DEE, F. ASCE. "I commend Representative Duncan for introducing this crucial
legislation, and for taking the crucial first step in protecting and enhancing
the health, safety and welfare of the nation's citizens. "
"Unless we act to improve our deteriorating wastewater infrastructure, we stand
to lose the significant gains in water quality that have been achieved over the
last 30 years, and the economic benefits of the investment the nation has made
to date. This bill embraces innovative solutions for increasing investment in
our wastewater treatment infrastructure to ensure that we will continue to keep
our waters clean," Duncan said.
In March 2005, ASCE published the 2005 Report Card for America's Infrastructure,
which gave the condition of the nation's drinking water and wastewater systems a
grade of D-. The nation's drinking water system faces a staggering public
investment need to replace aging facilities, comply with safe drinking water
regulations and meet future needs. Federal funding in 2005 remains at $850
million, less than 10% of the total national need.
Aging wastewater systems discharge billions of gallons of untreated sewage into
U. S. surface waters each year. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
estimates the nation must invest $390 billion over the next 20 years to replace
existing wastewater systems and build new ones to meet increasing demand.
If enacted, the legislation will:
- Create a dedicated, deficit-neutral Clean Water Trust Fund, similar to the
federal transportation funding program;
- Restore the federal-state-local funding partnership needed to provide
essential resources for upholding the Clean Water Act of 1972;
- Address the funding short-fall, estimated at nearly $500 billion by EPA; and
- Continue to guarantee the progress of high quality water established by the
Clean Water Act.
In a recent public opinion poll by Frank Luntz, 86% of Americans supported the
introduction of a bill in the U. S. Congress that would create a long-term,
sustainable and reliable trust fund for clean water infrastructure. The Clean
Water Trust Fund is supported by numerous organizations, including the National
Association of Towns and Townships, the American Council of Engineering
Companies, the Rural Community Assistance Partnership and the Theodore Roosevelt
Conservation Partnership.
Contractors applaud effort to establish Clean Water Trust Fund
Dec 16, 2005 WaterWorld
Contractors applaud effort to establish Clean Water Trust Fund WASHINGTON, DC,
Dec. 15, 2005 -- The Clean Water Trust Act of 2005, introduced today by
Congressman John J. Duncan, Jr. (R? Tenn. ), Chairman of the House Water
Resources and Environment Subcommittee would help to fund water and wastewater
infrastructure needs to protect the environment and the economic well-being of
the nation, according to Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). "The
Clean Water Trust Act would provide more than $7 billion in annual funding,
providing long-term, dependable funding for the nation's water and waste-water
infrastructure," said AGC CEO Stephen E. Sandherr. "It is smart to support this
legislation that allows for a better quality of American life. " The Clean Water
Trust Act will: • help urban and rural communities protect public health and the
environment by restoring the federal-state-local financial partnership necessary
to achieve the goals of the Clean Water Act; • create a dedicated,
deficit-neutral Clean Water Trust Fund, similar to those that successfully
finance highways and airports; • address the U. S. EPA's estimated clean water
funding gap $300-500 billion; and
• guarantee that over 30 years of water quality progress under the Clean Water
Act is continued.
The federal commitment to fund water and wastewater infrastructure will assist
in meeting federal requirements to protect the integrity of the environment and
improve the economic well-being of the nation. Increased funding is sorely
needed to eliminate the gap between available funds and the demonstrated need
for these critical infrastructure programs.
The creation of a clean water trust fund would secure the long-term viability of
the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The CWSRF programs have provided a
perpetual source of funding to build and improve the nation''s estimated clean
water funding gap $300-500 billion; and
• guarantee that over 30 years of water quality progress under the Clean Water
Act is continued.
The federal commitment to fund water and wastewater infrastructure will assist
in meeting federal requirements to protect the integrity of the environment and
improve the economic well-being of the nation. Increased funding is sorely
needed to eliminate the gap between available funds and the demonstrated need
for these critical infrastructure programs.
The creation of a clean water trust fund would secure the long-term viability of
the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The CWSRF programs have provided a
perpetual source of funding to build and improve the nation's vital water
infrastructure while creating jobs and building revitalized communities. If
funding were available, at least $7 billion in wastewater infrastructure
projects could begin immediately, creating thousands of jobs. This increases the
federal commitment by 700% annually. EPA's Gap Analysis reports the total need
for clean wastewater facilities--in both capital and operations &
maintenance--exceeds $270 billion over 20 years. For drinking water facilities,
the gap approaches $265 billion. The Congressional Budget Office, Office of
Management and Budget and several private studies agree that the needs run into
the billions of dollars.
The Associated General Contractors of America (www. agc. org) is the largest and
oldest national construction trade association in the United States. AGC
represents more than 32,000 firms, including 7,000 of America''s Gap Analysis
reports the total need for clean wastewater facilities--in both capital and
operations & maintenance--exceeds $270 billion over 20 years. For drinking water
facilities, the gap approaches $265 billion. The Congressional Budget Office,
Office of Management and Budget and several private studies agree that the needs
run into the billions of dollars.
The Associated General Contractors of America (www. agc. org) is the largest and
oldest national construction trade association in the United States. AGC
represents more than 32,000 firms, including 7,000 of America's leading general
contractors, and over 11,000 specialty-contracting firms. More than 13,000
service providers and suppliers are associated with AGC through a nationwide
network of chapters.
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