Job CreationDrinking Water Utilities Ready to Create 400,000+ JobsAs Congress considers legislation to stimulate the nation's economy, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and other organizations are urging legislators to allocate at least $10 billion for "shovel-ready" projects for investment in drinking water infrastructure. The expenditure of $10 billion on repairs and improvements to water mains, leaking pipes, water treatment plants, pumping stations, storage reservoirs, elevated tanks, security safeguards, and similar projects would create work for more than 400,000 Americans throughout the economy, including almost 90,000 direct construction jobs. AWWA is confident that the nation’s drinking water utilities can spend at least $10 billion quickly. This confidence is based upon surveys that we have done of our utility members and surveys by the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies. These independent surveys, combined with analyses by the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators, the United States Conference of Mayors, and others, confirm the need and the ability to spend these funds quickly. Studies conducted by EPA, CBO, and others have consistently shown approximate parity in infrastructure need between drinking water and wastewater utilities. In addition to directly putting people to work, investments in drinking water infrastructure highly stimulate other economic activity. Water projects depend on American pipe, fittings, cement, aggregates, and other products. The U.S. Conference of Mayors estimates that every job created in rebuilding our water systems creates nearly 3.7 jobs elsewhere, and every dollar invested in water infrastructure adds $6.35 to the national economy. Needless to say, investments in water infrastructure also create lasting benefits by strengthening public health, safety, and our quality of life. AWWA stands ready to provide further information and assistance to policymakers concerned with this important legislation. Contact Deputy Executive Director Tom Curtis or Legislative Director Tommy Holmes for additional information at (202) 628-8303. Links to additional documents:
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