Jobs Bill with Infrastructure Spending Passes House

The House passed a jobs bill (H.R. 2847) on Dec. 16 that contains $48.3 billion in additional infrastructure spending, including some funds for water infrastructure. Under the bill, the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund will get additional appropriations of $1 billion each. The House leadership is saying these new funds are being appropriated – or redirected – from unused funds from the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). The House vote was 217-212, with 38 Democrats joining 174 Republicans in opposition.

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Severn Trent Services Begins Five-Year Partnership with Prichard, Ala.

The Water Works and Sewer board of the City of Prichard has announced the start of its five-year public-private partnership with Severn Trent Services, as of Dec. 1. Under the agreement, Severn Trent is responsible for the complete operation, maintenance and management of the City of Prichard’s water and wastewater facilities, collection and distribution systems, meter reading, billing, and customer service functions. The five-year contract was awarded to Severn Trent following a competitive bid process that concluded in September.

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Connecticut Water’s Safety Program Earns Award for Sixth Consecutive Year

Connecticut Water was recently presented with The Connecticut Construction Industries Association’s (CCIA) 2009 Safety Recognition Award. Companies that receive the award demonstrate they have a solid construction safety and health program. CCIA evaluated Connecticut Water in 17 safety categories, including management involvement, employee training, safety hazard analysis, noncompliance and correction of violations.

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NARUC and NAWC Submit Comments to International Accounting Standards Board

NARUC recently submitted comments to the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) regarding the July 2009 IASB Exposure Draft ED/2009/8 Rate-regulated Activities.

NARUC’s comments outline support for certain aspects of the proposal and point out concerns about the possible impact of the draft on public utility regulation in the United States.

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