Investment in Water Infrastructure Works
September 12th, 2014 | By: Becky Moylan
So often, our water infrastructure goes unnoticed until a pipe bursts. Lately, there have been several events drawing attention to the water sector’s significance, including the water main break at UCLA, algae in Toledo drinking water, and drought in California. Water infrastructure deserves our attention and investment for many reasons, beyond the most recent media attention. This week, ASCE co-hosted Water Works!, a day of events highlighting the economic value in the water sector. The legislative day in Washington, D.C. included the release of a report, which emphasizes the economic impact of water, wastewater and storm water utilities.
Rep. Bob Gibbs, Mayor Kevin Faulconer, and Sen. Ben Cardin sharing their thoughts on the importance of water infrastructure for our economy.
The report, National Economic & Labor Impacts of the Water Utility Sector, reveals the sector supports $524 billion in economic activity. Furthermore, in the next decade the utilities will include 289,000 jobs.
Congressional leaders and public officials shared their thoughts on the importance of investment in infrastructure during a press briefing, which emphasized the bipartisan agreement of water infrastructure investment. “Water infrastructure is a priority we cannot allow to remain unaddressed,” remarked Rep. Tim Bishop, Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Water Resources and the Environment, as a call to action to “build on the accomplishments of WRRDA.” The importance of the water sector was underscored in Sen. Ben Cardin’s comments, as he pointed to the sector’s role in public safety and job growth. Rep. Bob Gibbs, Chair of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and the Environment echoed those sentiments, and noted that the aging infrastructure is costing us millions of dollars as valuable water is being lost each day through leaky pipes and breaks. Following the press briefing, a panel of local water leaders shared their water infrastructure investment success stories. The conversation centered around ensuring safe, reliable and affordable water. Wednesday’s events showcase the continuous effort and conversation surrounding improving the nation’s D grade water infrastructure. You can get involved and increase the ripple effect by learning more about the report and utilizing the data to showcase the economic benefits of water infrastructure investment. As Mayor Kevin Faulconer of San Diego said at the event, “There is no better time to invest.”Tags: economy, jobs, Water Works, wrrda
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Join the #WaterWorks Thunderclap to Show Your Support for Water Infrastructure Investment
September 3rd, 2014 | By: Becky Moylan
Without clean, safe, and reliable water and wastewater systems, one-fifth of our US economy would grind to a halt. Yet, in the 2013 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, drinking water and wastewater both received D grades.
On Wednesday, Sept. 10, ASCE will join other water leaders as part of the Value of Water Coalition to share the importance of water with White House and Congressional leaders. If you’re not here in DC, you can still show your support and let Congress know that water should be their priority. Consider joining our Thunderclap on social media – you just need to sign up by next Monday. Thunderclap is a tool that lets a message be heard when we all say it together. When you join the #WaterWorks Thunderclap, you and fellow supporters will share the exact same message at the exact same time, spreading an idea across Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr that cannot be ignored. The goal is to trend in social media. By joining, you’re allowing Thunderclap to share a single message on your behalf. This is only the case when you click the red button on the campaign page to support with Twitter, Facebook, or Tumblr. After the campaign is complete, Thunderclap won’t post any additional messages. Visit here to help the Value of Water Coalition meet its goal and spread the message through Thunderclap on Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr. The message in the blue box is what will appear on your own social media pages. Just click the red boxes to share the message. It will automatically go out on September 9, 2014 at 12:00pm EST.Tags: Drinking Water, thunderclap, wastewater, water, Water Resources, Water Works
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