The United States Conference of Mayors recently presented United Water Resources and Jersey City, N.J., with its Public-Private Partnership Award of Excellence for their water services partnership.
Jersey City Mayor Bret Schundler was joined by Donald L. Correll, United Water chairman and CEO, in accepting the award, which honors projects that demonstrate an exemplary alliance.
"I would give this partnership a grade A in terms of performance," said Schundler. "We are getting all those things that we were looking for: water quality, improved service, lower costs and increased revenue and collections."
United Water was recognized by the U.S. Conference of Mayors as a company that "exemplifies the type of corporate citizenship that makes cities stronger and healthier."
In Jersey City, United Water is credited with transforming Jersey Citys water system by preserving municipal jobs, improving service delivery and reducing costs. So far, the pace of economic benefits to the city has surpassed initial projections. The initial five-year goal was to save Jersey City $38.5 million, - but after three years, the citys savings and benefits have already surpassed that goal at $38.9 million.
In 1996, United Water, based in Harrington Park, NJ, entered a public-private partnership with Jersey City to operate its municipal water system. At the time, the contract was the largest such agreement in the nation and was considered by many industry experts to be a model for similar ventures in the future.
Under the terms of the deal, United Water is responsible for the daily operation and management of the 80 mgd water system. Jersey City still owns the water system and continues to set the water rates.
United Waters partnership with Gary, Ind., for wastewater operations management also was recognized by the U.S. Conference of Mayors as a recipient of one of six Outstanding Achievement Awards.
United Water Services, the White River Environmental Partnership (WREP) and Gary teamed up in an agreement to operate and maintain the citys wastewater treatment facility and sewer system. The partnership is meeting economic development and employment goals, addressing environmental concerns, and reducing costs to Garys residents. The partnership guarantees the Gary Sanitary District at least $20 million in savings over the 10-year contract. Savings generated by the contract will support a $65 million plan for system improvements over the next 25 years.
"Our work in the contract operations arena has been very exciting, particularly with our successes in Jersey City and Gary," said Correll. "The cost reductions and improved efficiencies realized by these operations are a testament to the benefits that public-private partnerships can provide to municipalities across the nation."
The awards purpose is to inspire municipalities and companies to work together in improving the quality of life in American cities.
United Water has signed other long-term public-private partnerships over the past 12 months with the cities of Atlanta, Milwaukee and San Antonio. The companys partnership with Atlanta represents the largest public-private partnership for water operations in the nation and Milwaukee represents the largest wastewater operations in the nation.
