Action Please By:
NACWA Seeks Member Input as Economic Stimulus Talk Heats Up in D.C.Now that people have cast their votes and Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) has been elected President, work can continue in earnest on a second economic stimulus package. Last week’s Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) Committee hearing highlighted the importance of an infrastructure-based stimulus package and Committee Chair Jim Oberstar (D-Minn.) reiterated his commitment to ensuring that wastewater projects be a key component of such legislation. Also, House leadership has committed to take up stimulus legislation the week of Nov. 17. With this in mind, NACWA has been working hard to ensure that the package includes $10 billion for wastewater infrastructure projects that would be ready-to-go within 120 days. The Association continues to meet with House and Senate staff and delivered an Oct. 15 letter and accompanying list of ready-to-go projects to every Congressional office. The response has been strong, with numerous House and Senate offices seeking to meet and discuss the issue further with NACWA and its members. Congressional staff has also asked NACWA to provide them with an updated list of projects once Congress convenes in November. |