NEWS RELEASE

August 1, 2012

Press Contact: Hannah Mellman
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NACWA Applauds Introduction of Rep. Blumenauer's Clean Water Trust Fund Bill

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) introduced the Water Protection and Reinvestment Act, legislation to establish a federal trust fund for investments in clean water infrastructure.  The legislation would provide $9 billion annually, most of which would support the Clean Water State Revolving Fund program, which provides low-cost financing to supplement existing local and state investments to address the massive backlog of wastewater projects and help communities meet federal clean water standards.

“NACWA has long-supported a national Clean Water Trust Fund as a way to put real money on the table to help communities across the country struggling to meet the ambitious objectives and goals of the Clean Water Act” said Ken Kirk, NACWA’s Executive Director.  “NACWA commends Congressman Blumenauer for his leadership in introducing this bill, which seeks to address the growing clean water infrastructure funding gap.  Every American deserves access to clean and safe water, and we urge Congress to swiftly enact this legislation.”

While the legislation is unlikely to move forward this Congress, NACWA is hopeful that the legislation can form the basis for meaningful action next Congress as we work toward addressing the enormous wastewater infrastructure needs communities currently face.

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.