WASHINGTON, DC, Feb. 6, 2007 -- President Bush's budget proposal for fiscal year 2008, announced yesterday, provides only $688 million for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program, a 50% decrease from just three years ago.
"With billions in wastewater infrastructure needs facing our nation, now is not the time for the Federal government to divest itself of its role in capitalizing these highly essential state revolving fund programs," proclaimed Ken George, chairman of the Water and Wastewater Equipment Manufacturers Association. Funding for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program was sustained in the budget proposal at its current level of $842 million.
The budget sent to Congress today brought some good news for the water and wastewater industry with a proposal to exempt private activity bond state volume caps for drinking water and wastewater facilities. This expanded bonding authority will facilitate public-private partnerships and require States or municipalities that use these bonds to implement -- if they have not already -- full-cost pricing for services, helping drinking water and wastewater systems become self-sustaining.
"WWEMA has always been supportive of efforts to make this industry more self-sustaining and economically viable for companies serving the nation's water and wastewater needs," noted George, who is also vice president and general manager of ITT - Sanitaire Americas, in Brown Deer, WI.
Since 1908, the Water and Wastewater Equipment Manufacturers Association (www.wwema.org) has informed, educated and provided leadership on the issues that shape the future of the water and wastewater industry. The organization is based in Washington, DC.
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Also see:
"AGC sees construction, water infrastructure programs squeezed in 2008 federal budget"
-- "EPA's FY 2008 Budget Focuses on Next Phase of Environmental Progress" (USEPA)
-- "AWWA - Lawmakers boost funding for CWSRF"
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