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Local Governments, PA Economic Development Assn. Urge Support For Referendum
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The PA Economic Development Association this week called on voters to approve a critical referendum question on Election Day Tuesday that will have an impact on future water and sewer bills across the state.
 
Joining PEDA in calling for voter approval of the referendum are the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors and the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania.
 
The infrastructure bond referendum question is a result of Act 64 of 2008, which provides for a $400 million bond issue to finance grants and loans for water, sewer, and storm-water infrastructure projects. However, the commonwealth cannot issue these bonds unless voters approve the bond issue Tuesday.
 
“It’s easy for a referendum to get lost during a presidential election year, but it’s important for voters to understand that this referendum will have a direct impact on their lives,” said PEDA President J. Patrick Killian, who also serves as Director of Commerce for Delaware County. “Without this funding, many water and sewer customers will likely see a significant increase in their water and sewer bills over the next few years.”
 
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's latest Clean Water and Drinking Water Needs survey estimates $20 billion in water and sewer improvements alone are needed in Pennsylvania. Without state funding assistance, the total cost for these upgrades will be passed onto customers in the form of higher water and sewer bills or increased taxes. Even though the requirement to upgrade these systems is increasing, more than $340 million in water and sewer grant funding has been cut by the state in recent years.
 
“The infrastructure bond issue will provide sorely needed funds to offset costs that many water and sewer treatment systems are facing from state and federal mandated improvements,” Killian said. “This includes improvements that are needed to reduce the amount of phosphorus and nitrogen that end up in the Chesapeake Bay.“
 
For more information, visit the PA Fair Share For Clean Water Vote Yes webpage.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



10/31/2008

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