(May 15, 2018) – NACWA joined with other organizations from the water sector today at a meeting with EPA that included Administrator Scott Pruitt, Deputy Administrator Andrew Wheeler, Assistant Administrator for Water David Ross, and other key officials from the Office of Water.  The meeting provided an important opportunity for water sector organizations to discuss water issues with Administrator Pruitt and senior EPA staff, and also to learn more about EPA’s key priorities in the water arena.  As part of the meeting, Administrator Pruitt announced that the Agency is extending the deadline for applications under the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program to July 31.

Among the topics discussed at the meeting were approaching water affordability issues in a more holistic way, how to better improve utility governance, and how to remove existing barriers for water infrastructure financing.  NACWA highlighted the work it is doing on these issues – especially around affordability and governance – and its efforts to work collaboratively with other groups in the water sector.  NACWA looks forward to continued work with EPA and its water sector partners on these critical issues.