Clean Water Current Archive

December 19, 2008

Public Agency Members Urged to Contact Members of Congress on Stimulus

NACWA continued to meet this week with key House and Senate staff urging that a minimum of $10 billion in grants for ready-to-go wastewater infrastructure projects be included in the economic recovery package.  House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) confirmed on Monday that Democrats are preparing an economic recovery bill in the range of $500 billion — $600 billion, which could include up to $400 billion for a broad range of ready-to-go infrastructure projects.  House and Senate leaders are working to send an economic spending package to the White House by Jan. 20, when President-Elect Barrack Obama takes office.  NACWA also met this week with Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee staff who are compiling an infrastructure package for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.).  EPW will likely recommend at least $10 billion for wastewater projects.  NACWA is seeking to have the funding go out in the form of grants.  The Association also sent a Dec. 18 letter to Reid and Pelosi asking that a 15-percent set-aside for green infrastructure projects be included in the bill.

The Association continues to encourage public agency members to contact their Senators and House representatives — especially over the holidays while they are in their home districts — to urge support for $10 billion in grants for wastewater infrastructure projects in the recovery package.  NACWA members should also share their lists of ready-to-go projects with their congressional representatives and with the Association so that they can be incorporated into the broader list that demonstrates the real need for this investment.  NACWA has developed sample letter that can be used to contact Congress about this important issue.

NACWA Recommends Members Apply for CWSRF Funds
In addition to contacting Congress, NACWA members should also work to get their projects on the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) priority lists and intended use plans (IUPs).  The SRF remains the most likely mechanism for the distribution of stimulus package funding whether it comes in the form of grants, loan forgiveness, or low or no interest loans.  NACWA will continue to press for language, however, that allows for projects that are ready-to-go to be given priority for stimulus funding regardless of whether they are on the state priority list.  Again, we expect a stimulus package to be ready for congressional approval immediately after President-Elect Obama assumes office on Jan. 20, 2009 – so time is of the essence!

Deadline for 2008 NACWA Index Survey is Today, December 19

The deadline for completing the 2008 NACWA Index survey is today, Friday, Dec. 19.  It is not too late to complete your agency’s survey, which takes only a few minutes, online at www.cleanwatercentral.org, or through the custom survey form which was forwarded in October to member agencies through Member Update 08-17.   The NACWA Index has been published annually since 1992 to track average residential service charge increases and how they compare to inflation.  This is the only source for this type of information and is used by wastewater agencies and a wide variety of policymakers and experts as a key indicator of the rising costs associated with meeting the nation’s clean water needs.  The more responses NACWA receives, the more representative is the Index of the wastewater treatment community as a whole.  Please complete your survey by today, Dec. 19.  Please contact NACWA’s Chris Hornback at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information about the survey or to receive a copy of your agency’s customized form.

Register Today for NACWA’s 2009 Winter Conference!

NACWA’s 2009 Winter Conference, Controlling Chaos: Managing Capital Costs in an Uncertain Economic Environment, Feb. 3-6, 2009, at the Westin Buckhead in Atlanta, Ga., is quickly approaching.  Economists,  
water sector leaders, and financial practitioners will provide invaluable information on managing a public utility in these difficult economic times.  Information will be provided on how utilities can navigate the complex financing system and be innovative in developing borrowing strategies.  One session will focus on the myths and realities of full-cost pricing, a concept that has been widely discussed and hotly debated.  Another panel will look into how responsible risk allocation and effective management of design and construction contracts can be used to help utilities save millions in capital costs.  Don't delay – register today!  For additional information on the Winter Conference, including a detailed agenda and registration information, visit NACWA's website at www.nacwa.org.  Also, be sure to contact the Westin Buckhead Atlanta at 404.365.0065 to secure your room at the special group rate of $209 before the January 13 cut-off date.  We look forward to seeing you in Atlanta!

Offices Closed but NACWA Remains Accessible to Members

NACWA’s offices will be closed from Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2008, through Friday, Jan. 2, 2009.  During this time, members may access Association information through the website at www.nacwa.org.  Senior staff members will also be accessible via e-mail, and in most cases, cell phone.  Additional contact information will be provided in staff voice mail boxes.  Direct lines for NACWA staff members are provided on the website under About NACWA in the Staff Directory.  Please use these numbers to access additional contact information.  This will be the last issue of the Clean Water Current for 2008.  The Current will resume publication on Friday, Jan. 9, 2009.

NACWA staff wishes all of you a very safe and happy holiday.
We look forward to working with you in 2009!