NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

PA Infrastructure Group Urges Yes Vote on State Water Bond

Using the theme "Vote Yes for Clean Water", the Pa-IG is urging voters and other infrastructure allies to support the passage of the referendum through a comprehensive public awareness campaign.

"It is absolutely critical that we approve this bond," said Kelly Lewis, President of TechQuest and a founder of the PA Infrastructure Group. "We currently face a nearly $20 billion backlog in maintenance and upgrade work at our state's many water and sewage treatment facilities, and these systems are essential toPennsylvania's future economic health and growth."

Lewis said the problem is even more widespread inPennsylvania because there are nearly 2,200 water systems and 1,100 sewage treatment systems, many now over a century old. The age of the systems, decades of deferred maintenance and upgrades, and newer, more stringent operating regulations have combined to create a 'perfect storm' of need forPennsylvania's water and sewer utilities.

"But we prefer to look at it as a 'perfect opportunity' forPennsylvania," said Lewis.

"Approving this bond will ensure the safety and affordability of the state's many water and sewer systems, and helps avoid higher rates being charged to our residents."

Lewis said that the Infrastructure Group was pleased with this year's budget, which allocated $800 million for water and sewer infrastructure capital improvements and placed the $400 million Water Act Bond referendum on the November ballot. "But we still need many more billions to adequately deal with our backlog of water and sewer infrastructure projects," said Lewis.

Formed earlier this year to provide guidance and support to state legislators, the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Group is a statewide coalition of more than 300 groups and individuals involved in the infrastructure industry. Many of the group's recommendations were included in the most recent state budget, and members are currently updating their Infrastructure Agenda for a Fall outreach campaign to legislators and the public.

SOURCE The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Group