Congressman Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY)
Water Infrastucture Network Press Conference,
Washington D.C.
February 13, 2001
"We, Republicans and Democrats, Congressmen and
Senators, local officials and contractors, environmentalists and
union members, are here this morning for one basic reason - to begin
the process of addressing the water infrastructure crisis facing our
nation.
"The Water Infrastructure Now Report," being unveiled
this morning, will serve as a legislative roadmap, a template, as we
begin the task of drafting WATER-21. Only through close
collaboration with the diverse interests represented by the Water
Infrastructure Network, can we hope to construct legislation that
addresses the diverse water infrastructure challenges facing our
nation.
"I refer to the legislative journey we are embarking
in as WATER -21 to remind those who often take infrastructure for
granted of our recent investments in other critical infrastructure.
In TEA-21, the Transportation Efficiency Act, Congress committed
over $215 billion to the repair of America's highways and in AIR-21,
Congress committed $40 billion to the repair of our nation's
airports. WATER-21 is the obvious next chapter in the Congressional
efforts to repair America's crumbling infrastructure.
"Before I go any further, I want to thank Detroit
Mayor Archer for his compelling call for new investment in America's
water infrastructure. Mayors are on the front lines in this battle
and we should heed their call for reinforcements.
"Data compiled by EPA and corroborated by the Water
Infrastructure Network suggests that during the next 20 years
America's cities, towns, and villages will confront an annual
funding shortfall for wastewater and drinking water system
improvements of over $20 billion. Let me repeat this point.
Communities of all sizes, in every Congressional District, are
facing a $20 billion annual shortfall in water infrastructure funding.
"Wastewater and drinking water infrastructure are the
cornerstones of the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act
- arguably the two most effective health and environment statutes in
American history. However, without adequate investment in water
infrastructure the dramatic health and environmental gains of the
past three decades may be lost.
"We cannot go backward on clean and safe water and I
look forward to working with my colleagues in both the House and
Senate to make Water-21 a reality in the 107th Congress."
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