TFTT Report

In an op-ed today in California’s Press-Enterprise, President Michael Deane from the National Association of Water Companies discusses the California water drought and the urgent need to update the state’s aging water infrastructure. He applauds those who support proposals to leverage private sector capital to meet these funding challenges, including the California Chamber of Commerce and President Obama, while taking on the “vocal ideologues who do not offer solutions – just blanket opposition to private-public partnerships.” Here’s more Truth from the Tap wants you to read:

“California, the state with the largest water infrastructure needs, requires $44.5 billion over the next 20 years to fix aging water systems…The solution to financing needed infrastructure improvements is a partnership between the private and public sectors. The private sector has unique strengths, proven capital financing approaches and the technology to help address the water delivery challenges of protracted drought. Fortunately, there is bipartisan consensus. The California Chamber of Commerce and President Obama both support proposals to leverage private sector capital and expertise to improve U.S. water infrastructure. Water systems managed by the local government only stand to gain. Cities like Pittsburgh have had a successful partnership that has improved the operation of its system and resulted in infrastructure upgrades. Yet, some remain opposed. The objectors include vocal ideologues who do not offer solutions – just blanket opposition to private-public partnerships.”