Water Council applauds the Obama Administration in proposing new Water Finance Center
MILWAUKEE, WI, Jan. 16, 2015 – The Water Council supports President Obama’s call for the creation of a Water Finance Center within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as this will serve as a vital initiative to draw more public and private capital investment into water infrastructure projects. With more than $600 billion in needed improvements for drinking water and wastewater systems, the implementation of the Center will serve as an important first step in tackling the critical water infrastructure demands across the United States.
The nation is undergoing a catastrophic water crisis that is impacting our nation’s economy and the lives of our citizens. It is imperative for the federal government to take immediate action to help address this issue by bringing together our local and state governments with the private sector. The Water Council commends the Obama Administration for their stepping forward in proposing a worthy solution and is excited for the progression of this new chapter.
For several decades Milwaukee has taken pro-active steps in addressing its infrastructure issues related to water management. The result has had a dramatic impact on reducing property damage and sewage overflows into Lake Michigan. The Water Council has been at the forefront of advocating for increased attention to investing critical resources and technology development that have an impact on solving our nation’s crumbling water infrastructure.
After an October visit to The Water Council and the Global Water Center in Milwaukee, EPA Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy stated that “Milwaukee get its” when it comes to being a leader in water management and that the region ‘is going to be the freshwater capital of the world’.”
About The Water Council
The Water Council, the only organization of its kind in the United States, was established in 2009 by Milwaukee-area businesses, education and government leaders. With more than 150 water technology companies in the Milwaukee area, the region’s water industry is a $10.5 billion dollar market and accounts for four percent of the world’s total water business. The non-profit organization, consisting of more than 160 members, is linking together global water technology companies, innovative water entrepreneurs, acclaimed academic research programs and, most importantly, some of the nation’s brightest and most energetic water professionals. The Water Council is capturing the attention of the world and transforming the Milwaukee region into a World Water Hub for freshwater research, economic development and education. For more information, visit www.thewatercouncil.com or contact us by phone at 414.988.8750.
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