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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Feb. 1, 2010

Contact:
John Krohn, (202) 833-4655
Manager, Legislative Affairs

 

NACWA Applauds Administration Budget’s Support of Clean Water

The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) applauds the Obama Administration for its continued commitment to clean and safe water – as noticed by its proposed investments of $2 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and $1.28 billion for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF). However, as evidenced by this year’s budget, NACWA remains concerned that without a sustainable funding source America’s clean water goals will continue to fall behind as these programs will likely see larger cuts in the future.

“We are grateful to President Obama for his continued commitment to clean water priorities. The President’s investment in clean and safe water is greatly needed and provides benefits to the economy, the environment and public health,” NACWA Executive Director Ken Kirk said. “The funding will help rebuild the nation’s aging wastewater and water infrastructure, ensure clean and safe water and will assist in continued revitalization of our nation’s economy.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and the Water Infrastructure Network (WIN) estimate a $300-$500 billion funding gap over 20 years between what is needed to upgrade and repair the nation’s wastewater infrastructure and how much funding is available at all levels of government.  Even taking into account the $8.4 billion provided to the CWSRF under the President’s leadership- $4 billion provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), $2.4 billion provided in fiscal year 2010 and $2 billion recommended in fiscal year 2011- there is still a long way to go towards closing this massive gap in a sustainable manner with reliable, annual federal revenue.

“While this investment builds on a robust commitment provided by the Recovery Act and the fiscal year 2010 budget, it is clear that devoid of a long-term, sustainable funding mechanism these important programs are likely to continue to face cuts in the future.  For this reason, while we applaud the President for this investment we must continue our efforts to ensure federal funding for clean water priorities is sustainable over time.  We look forward to working with the President and Congress in developing a long-term federal commitment to clean water that will provide a sustainable source of funding to help our communities meet their water quality objectives.  NACWA believes the best way to accomplish this is through the creation of a clean water trust fund.  Our nation has dedicated revenue sources for nearly every other infrastructure system provided funding by the Federal government, why not create one for water, a resource that each of us uses and relies upon every day.”  NACWA will continue to work with the Administration and Congress on a long-term federal-state-local partnership to address these funding needs.

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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.