Critical Issues Action Initiative to Protect Member Interests – Both Fiscal & Environmental

In FY 2009, the day-to-day operations of the Association will be supported in the preliminary General Fund Budget by limited increases and adjustments to Public Member Agencies, Public Affiliate, and Corporate Affiliate and Legal Affiliate dues.  Beyond the day-to-day operation of NACWA, it is becoming increasingly clear that legislative, regulatory and legal activities will challenge traditional ways of doing business and place increasing pressures on clean water utilities across the country.  NACWA’s Board sees clear indications that public policy will be actively and aggressively moving forward in the areas of nutrients, climate change, pharmaceuticals, watershed management, infrastructure sustainability and security – and feels strongly that clean water agencies must not only have a seat at the table, but they must also be prepared to effectively and articulately fashion the future of clean water in this country.  Clearly, the potential financial and operational impact on NACWA member agencies is great – and the significant benefits from a targeted advocacy agenda on these issues cannot be understated.

The necessary level of engagement for the Association will, of course, have a price tag.  These costs, however, will be dwarfed by the financial impact on public clean water utilities if NACWA is unprepared, or under-prepared, to defend its member’s interests.  With this in mind, the Board has endorsed a Critical Issues Action Initiative.  The Initiative identifies specific projects, estimates their costs, and quantifies their potential benefit to NACWA Member Agencies.  It complements projects underway and anticipated to be funded through the Association’s Targeted Action Fund and will significantly strengthen NACWA’s ability to effectively represent its member’s interests.

When totaled, the projects identified in the Critical Issues Action Initiative call for $400,000 in funding.  These funds would be raised through the voluntary support of NACWA Member Agencies coupled with $100,000 in FY 2009 Targeted Action Funds and a transfer of up to $100,000 from operating reserves.

Whether you call it ‘bang for the buck’ or ‘economy of scale’, NACWA’s Board believes that – with essential Member Agency support for these critical projects – the Association can generate the data and provide the expertise and analysis needed to ensure clean water agency interests are effectively represented.  The potential benefits of this level of targeted action are great, and the potential consequences of inaction – both financial and environmental – are significant.

To read more about NACWA's Critical Issues Action Initiative , click here:
FY 2009 Critical Issues Action Initiative  

Critical Issues Action Initiative – Nutrient Legal and Technical Analysis

• Legal Issues Paper  
• Technical Issues Paper