ACEC Endorses Clean Water Trust Fund Bill

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Business Editors/Environment Writers

ACEC Endorses Clean Water Trust Fund Bill

DC, WASHINGTON, Dec. 16 -/E-Wire/Business Wire/-- The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), today announced its strong support of The Clean Water Trust Act of 2005.

The Washington D.C.-based business association of America's engineering industry also urges Congress to pass this ground-breaking legislation as an important step towards addressing America's water infrastructure crisis.

Introduced by Rep. John J. Duncan, Jr., chairman of the House Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, the legislation would create the Clean Water Trust - a $7.5 billion annual fund dedicated to clean water infrastructure programs.

The Clean Water Trust is similar to existing trust funds that have been extremely successful in financing critical highway and airport infrastructure work across the country. Money from the fund would flow directly to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) existing State Revolving Loan program, requiring no additional administrative bureaucracy. The Clean Water Trust Act would also:

-- Provide critically needed funds to address the clean water funding gap, which is estimated by EPA to be $300-$500 billion;

-- Protect public health, the environment, and our quality of life;

-- Restore the viability of the federal-state-local financial partnership, which is critical to achievement of Clean Water Act goals;

-- Guarantee that over 30 years of water quality progress under the Clean Water Act is continued; and

-- Position the nation for future economic growth, and do so in a deficit neutral manner.

ACEC President David Raymond stated: "This legislation addresses a very serious problem. Our Nation's water infrastructure is in critical need of replacement and upgrade, and current funding mechanisms are grossly inadequate. Engineers applaud Chairman Duncan for his leadership and vision in introducing this innovative approach to the problem, and we stand ready to assist in its ultimate passage."

The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) is the business association of America's engineering industry, representing approximately 5,500 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.

American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC)

Alan D. Crockett [REDACTED-PHONE]

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