For Immediate Release:
Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Contact: Pat Sinicropi, (202) 833-2672
Director, Legislative Affairs

NACWA Urges Obama Administration to Include Clean Water Funding in Economic Stimulus Proposals

The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) sent a letter on September 9, 2010 to President Barack Obama commending his Administration for its support of increased funding for clean water programs over the last two years, including the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA or stimulus package) and urging the inclusion of clean water funding in any proposed infrastructure package designed to put Americans back to work and to spur the economy. 

The letter focused on the growing national funding gap and the proven ability of public clean water agencies to get shovels in the ground and put people to work as demonstrated by the ARRA.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that nearly $300 billion is needed for wastewater and stormwater Clean Water Act compliance projects over the next 20 years and a $500 billion gap between current investment and projected needs in water infrastructure needs more broadly over the next 20 years.  At the same time, numerous studies show that every $1 billion invested in water infrastructure projects creates between 20,000 – 27,000 jobs as well as an economic ripple effect that adds $2.87 to $3.46 billion to the economy.

The letter was timed to follow the President’s recent announcement that his Administration supports the passage of a $50 billion infrastructure package, which is clearly focused on aiding the transportation sector.   NACWA will continue to ensure that clean water infrastructure funding is part of the discussion in Congress and the Administration as additional economic stimulus initiatives proceed.

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NACWA represents the interests of more than 300 public agencies and organizations that have made the pursuit of scientifically based, technically sound and cost effective laws and regulations their objective.  NACWA members serve the majority of the sewered population in the United States and collectively treat and reclaim more than 18 billion gallons of wastewater daily.