February 10, 2009
Tuesday Headlines: Senate Passes Stimulus
Today the Senate approved the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act by a vote of 61-37, with three Republicans joining 58 Democrats and Independents. The Senate reduced the House allocation for loans and grants for wastewater and drinking water infrastructure from $8.4 billion to $6.4 billion. Both chambers are expected to vote on final passage of the bill by President’s Day.
Headlines
Congressman Lee Terry (R-Neb.) is pushing for money from the economic stimulus package for Omaha’s sewer overhaul. Omaha is looking at a 15-year project to separate a most of its sewer system at an estimated cost of $1.5 billion.
Approximately $17.3 million in funding requests by the City of Zanesville, Ohio have been submitted for inclusion in the federal stimulus package. Highlighting the list is a plan for the construction of a new 10 million gallon per day water treatment plant to take the place of the old water works.
A recent sewage spill in Coos Bay could have a lasting impact on the state of Oregon requiring public notice when a sewage spill occurs. On January 27, the Oregon Department of Agriculture shut down commercial shellfish harvesting, but no one alerted the public who were clamming and crabbing in the bay.
The City Council of Kerrville, Texas held a special session Tuesday afternoon to discuss several items, including a water and wastewater master plan and funding options and a wastewater treatment plant relocation.
Sewer Rate News
Hot Springs, South Dakota
Lorain, Ohio
