Hearing Reveals Disastrous Potential for Nation's Water Infrastructure
In testimony before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment today, David St. Pierre, the Executive Director of the Chicago Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) and Vice President of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), urged lawmakers to facilitate a much-needed increase in investment (both public and private) for water infrastructure—a critical, yet often inadequately-addressed aspect of infrastructure spending bills and other funding packages.
Notable points in St. Pierre’s testimony included the estimate that full compliance with the Clean Water Act will require approximately $271 billion over the next 20 years, while the general condition of the nation’s clean water infrastructure earns a “D+ grade” from the American Society of Civil Engineers—these situations reveal a potentially disastrous problem that will face all Americans, in every region of the country. St. Pierre also outlined several viable solutions to the funding dilemma.
The purpose of the Subcommittee hearing, “Building a 21st Century Infrastructure for America: Water Infrastructure Stakeholder Perspectives,” was to gather stakeholder perspectives to assist in developing legislative proposals impacting water infrastructure. Other industry professionals testifying today include:
- David W. Pedersen, P.E., General Manager, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, on behalf of the Association of California Water Agencies and the California Association of Sanitation Agencies
- Hector Gonzalez, Government Affairs Manager, El Paso Water Utilities, on behalf of the Association of Regional Water Organizations
- James M. Proctor, II, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, McWane, Inc., who will also speak to shared concepts developed by an ad hoc water sector coalition
- Joy Cooper, Mayor, City of Hallandale Beach, Florida, on behalf of the U.S. Conference of Mayors
- Christopher Franklin, President and CEO, Aqua America, on behalf of the National Association of Water Companies
- Lawrence Levine, Senior Attorney, Natural Resources Defense Council
The “water infrastructure” hearing, in conjunction with similar hearings from other industries scheduled to take place this month, are part of the U.S. House of Representatives’ formal effort to gather input for a potential infrastructure package.
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