Long-Term Water Infrastructure Investments Urged in New Jersey

As part of the Road to Repair campaign focusing on New Jersey’s ailing water infrastructure and inadequate sewage and disposal systems, Greg Lalevee, Chairman of the Engineers Labor-Employer Cooperative Business Manager of IUOE Local 825 and Vice President of the IUOE’s General Executive Board and Mark Longo, Director of the Engineers Labor-Employer Cooperative, urged long-term investments in the state’s water infrastructure systems.

Lalevee and Longo’s comments came in response to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Draft Water Supply Plan.

“Hearings this week around the New Jersey Water Supply Plan underscore the urgent actions New Jersey must take in safeguarding and improving our water supply,” said Lalevee. “Experts estimate that New Jersey’s water systems require $8 billion over the next 10 years to safeguard supply and ensure delivery and disposal of water and waste, respectively. While this is certainly a hefty investment, with the health and safety of our residents on the line, it’s one that we must make.”

A recent report card by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) awarded the state’s drinking water systems an average or “C” rating.  An analysis by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) found that nearly 4.5 million New Jerseyans were exposed to potentially hazardous drinking water in 2015.

“Not only is addressing our water infrastructure crisis a smart public health decision, it also makes economic sense,” said Longo. “Investing in our water infrastructure will create jobs, boost economic growth and efficiency, and make New Jersey a better place to work and live.”

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