Clean Water Current

Infrastructure Week 2017 concluded May 19, after more than 100 events held in Washington, DC and partnering cities, and numerous engaging presentations delivered from top infrastructure experts. Secretary of Transportation, Elaine Chao kicked off the event with a keynote address on the importance of implementing novel approaches to solving our nation’s most pressing infrastructure issues. Over the course of the week, there were presentations on a wide variety of infrastructure topics, but water issues and innovative financing methods stood out as some of the most salient topics.

On May 16, the Value of Water Campaign, World Resources Institute, and the National League of Cities hosted a “Resilient Water Management” panel, which addressed the various challenges and forward-looking solutions to improve infrastructure in the face of a changing climate. In another presentation, Kyle Dreyfuss-Wells, CEO of NACWA Member Agency the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, addressed the problems affecting her community, such as the legacy of CSOs, improving impervious surfaces, and creating a system of personal responsibility for managing stormwater runoff.

As an affiliate organization of Infrastructure Week, NACWA appreciated the opportunity to take part in its important activities, and commends the steering committee on continuing to build momentum on these crucial issues.