Gov. Rendell this week used the announcement of $66 million in 15 brownfields, drinking water and wastewater projects in 14 counties to urge voters to vote YES on the November 4 Clean Water Referendum.

Acting Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger had two more similar "Vote YES" events in York and Erie Counties this week.

In addition, the Governor's Sustainable Water Infrastructure Task Force issued a report this week (not yet online) saying there is a $36.5 billion drinking water and wastewater infrastructure need in the state. (See report announcement)

"On election day, voters will have the chance to take another stepforward with a much needed investment of an additional $400 million in ourcommunities that are facing costly improvements to their deterioratingwater and wastewater systems," said Gov. Rendell. "The clean water ballot question soundscomplex, but it's really quite simple: Will you support a $400 millioninvestment to clean up Pennsylvania's waterways and provide safer, moredependable drinking water and sewer services?

"We cannot allow our water infrastructure to continue deteriorating atits current rate or the state's business climate and the quality of life inPennsylvania's communities will decline. We cannotafford to let this happen. The $400 million investment will also support12,000 Pennsylvania jobs."

“The improvements needed for our drinking water and wastewater treatment systems are necessary to provide our families and businesses with safe and dependable services,” Acting Secretary Hanger said during a visit to the York Wastewater Treatment Plant that is facing approximately $19 million in system upgrades. “If approved, the $400 million Clean Water Referendum will provide our municipalities with the funding they need to repair and upgrade their vital water infrastructure, so they can provide the clean, affordable water to Pennsylvania’s families, communities and businesses every day.

“The referendum will also play an important role in protecting our environment and will strengthen our economy by rebuilding the state’s infrastructure—creating jobs here at home that cannot be outsourced.”

A complete list of PennVEST project approved is available online.

For more information, visit the PA Fair Share For Clean Water Vote Yes webpage.

10/31/2008