Clean Water Bond Act of 2007

April 2, 2007

The Wooten Company is committed to remaining abreast and keeping you informed about legislation that may affect your community. The following is an update on an important bond introduction in the state legislature. We can only hope that movement is made towards providing more financial assistance to communities like yours to help pay for critical water and wastewater needs.

House and Senate lawmakers introduce Clean Water Bond Act of 2007
A group of House and Senate lawmakers who vowed to bring clean water issues to the forefront of the 2007 legislative session have made good on that promise with the introduction of House Bill 127 and Senate Bill 208, the Clean Water Bond Act of 2007. Led by Sen. Walter Dalton and Reps. Bill Owens, William Wainwright and Bill Daughtridge, the similar pieces of legislation would authorize the issuance of $500 million in general obligation bonds to help local governments fund drinking water and wastewater projects. Both bills stipulate that about half of the bond funds would be administered by the Rural Center through its Clean Water Bonds Program, with other funds also going to the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources for grant-making. Both bills also provide a $50 million annual appropriation for critical needs, to include systems facing moratoria, public health and environmental emergencies. The center previously administered $240 million of the $800 million Clean Water Bond Act approved by voters in 1998 – funds it used to help rural and distressed counties in North Carolina build, repair and plan for safe drinking water and wastewater systems. The proposed legislation would require a bond referendum be placed on the November ballot and approved by a majority of state voters. To read the full text of House Bill 127, click here.To read the full text of Senate Bill 208, click here.

The Wooten Company has extensive experience with assisting our clients in applying for and administering grants of this type. Our knowledge and awareness of available revenue sources contributes to our ability to turn our clients’ visions into reality. Total grants we have secured for water and sewer infrastructure projects funded by USDA-Rural Development, N.C. Clean Water Bond programs, Clean Water Management Trust Fund, and The Rural Center have totaled over $155 million since the last bond was passed.

We will keep you informed on this important initiative and look forward to continuing to provide high quality engineering services to you and your citizens.

Contact Information:

Dan Boone, PE, PLS - Civil/Environmental Department Head

919.828.0531

dboone@thewootencompany.com