News & Notes
A publication of the MWRA Advisory Board 
June 2014
 
"Forgotten No More"

Last July, we designated FY14 as "the year of the forgotten infrastructure."  Our goal was to put water and wastewater infrastructure back on the "radar screen."

 

The MWRA Advisory Board commissioned the Edward J. Collins, Jr. Center for Public Management at the University of Massachusetts Boston to reaffirm the relationship between investment in water and wastewater infrastructure and economic growth.  
 
We joined forces and worked closely with the Water Infrastructure Alliance Committee.  We lobbied directly with House and Senate leadership.
 
These efforts are beginning to pay dividends.
  • Debt Service Assistance (DSA) jumped to $1 million in the FY14 budget, of which $853,667 was received by the MWRA and was used to reduce the FY15 Rate Revenue Requirement (Advisory Board recommendation)
  • FY15 DSA in the House has increased by an additional 10% (included in Final House/Senate Conference Report)
A landmark Infrastructure Bill has passed both the House and Senate and includes:
  • Increase of $50 million annually for overall SRF statewide spending (both versions)
  • Reintroduces 0% and principal forgiveness loans (both versions)
  • Provides for a 50/50 match for the entrance fee costs to join the MWRA system, subject to appropriation (both versions)
  • Provides up to $13.8 million annually for reimbursement for the MWRA Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) Program, subject to appropriation (both versions)
  • Adds connection costs to MWRA system to be considered eligible for principal forgiveness loans (Senate version)
Conference Committee will provide a final recommendation prior to July 30th.
 
We hope you agree with us that FY14 put water/wastewater back on a "front burner."  There is still much more to do. Looking forward to FY15!
Thank You and Good Luck!
Former Secretary Sullivan receives picture from Joe Favaloro.

As MWRA Advisory Board Executive Director Joseph Favaloro presented former Chairman of the MWRA Board and Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Richard Sullivan with a unique picture depicting alternative ways to de-stress fish, he stated that Mr. Sullivan always made himself and his staff available to the Advisory Board.
 
Mr. Sullivan always afforded the Advisory Board the opportunity to raise its perspectives and/or concerns directly to him.  His door was always open.  We may not always have agreed, but Rick was always accessible and attentive.
 
On behalf of the MWRA communities, the Advisory Board staff and me personally (Joe Favaloro), thank you for all you have done on behalf of ratepayers.
 
We wish you well in your new challenge as Governor Patrick's Chief of Staff.    
 
Budgets Set

On June 25th, the MWRA Board of Directors approved the FY15 Current Expense Budget at $674.5 million, of which $409.8 million (60.8%) is for capital financing and $264.7 million is for operating costs.

 

On the capital side, in the second year of the five-year cap, the Authority projects $137.6 million in spending, $82.6 million for wastewater projects, $45.2 million for waterworks projects and $9.8 million for business and operating projects.  

  

Highlights include:  

  • Landmark expansion of the community I/I Grant/Loan Programs
  • State Debt Service Assistance - "Pay It Forward"
To access all Advisory Board recommendations and the Authority's response, please click here.
 
August Field Trip
Save the Date!
 

On Thursday, August 21, the Advisory Board will be embarking on its Annual Field Trip.  

 

This year's sites will include:

  1. Going into the Spot Pond Covered Storage Tanks
  2. Touring Gillis Pump Station at Spot Pond Reservoir
  3. Touring Fresh Pond Stormwater Retention Basin
Plans are still being finalized.

Upcoming Events

 

July 4th - Have a happy and safe holiday!

 

July 16th - MWRA Board of Directors meeting - Carroll Water Treatment Plant - Marlborough

   

August 21st - 

Save the Date!  Advisory Board Field Trip 

 
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