ACEC Urges Renewed Emphasis On Water As House Honors Clean Water Act Anniversary.

WASHINGTON -- David A. Raymond, president of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), today called for a renewed commitment to the nation's water infrastructure as Congress honors the 35th anniversary of the Clean Water Act of 1972.

In testimony submitted to the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, Raymond urged Congress to mark the occasion by renewing a national effort to achieve the goals of the Act.

"The need for increased investment is tremendous and has been well-documented as our nation suffers from rapidly deteriorating water infrastructure systems, and a $300 to $500 billion shortfall in necessary funding over the next 20 years," he said.

Raymond commended Committee Chairman Jim Oberstar (D-MN) for driving a landmark $14 billion water infrastructure bill through the House earlier in the year, noting that H.R. 720, "will be of great benefit in helping to close the growing gap between the federal-state-local investment in the nation's wastewater infrastructure and the needs of our communities."

Adopted in 1972, the Clean Water Act established a national commitment to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's waters. The act instituted a process for state agencies to oversee assessment of water quality, set standards, and implement cleanup programs. The bill also set forth a system for federal financial assistance--first in the form of construction grants, and later the clean water State Revolving Fund (SRF)--to provide low-interest loans to assist municipalities in creating or expanding wastewater treatment plants to meet the standards.

Raymond stated: "We have come a long way, but the job is not done. Reauthorization of the SRF will go a long way towards reaching the goals of the Clean Water Act and addressing the critical needs of our country."

The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) is the business association of America's engineering industry, representing approximately 5,700 independent engineering companies throughout the United States engaged in the development of America's transportation, environmental, industrial, and other infrastructure. Founded in 1910 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., ACEC is a national federation of 51 state and regional organizations.