April 2019
Video of the Month
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New Report from JWW: Policy Options for Water, Sewer Affordability in New Jersey

A major deterrent to proper investment in water infrastructure is affordability . . .   Low-income customers, in particular, can face water and sewer utility costs that represent a significant, and growing, share of their household income.

Read this new report: Promoting Affordability of Public Water and Sewer Service for Low-Income Households in New Jersey: Policy Options . The state Legislature, state agencies, individual water and wastewater utilities, and the federal government can draw from these options — none of them mutually exclusive — to ensure water and sewer service is affordable for all New Jerseyans. 

Next steps: Jersey Water Works aims to use this paper to spark discussion among state and local policy makers, utility managers, water and sewer customers, community organizations, and other public sector, private sector, and non-profit stakeholders, and to use it as a basis for further analysis and development of priority recommendations.
 
This paper was prepared for and reviewed by the Jersey Water Works Asset Management and Finance Committee . Lead authors are Larry Levine, Director of Urban Water Infrastructure & Senior Attorney, Natural Resources Defense Council ; and Vivian Chang & Chris Gough, interns, New Jersey Future. Special thanks to committee members, Peggy Gallos, Andrew Hendry, Alan Karnovitz, Andy Kricun, Fred Pocci, Don Shields, Chris Sturm, Dan Van Abs, and David Zimmer for their detailed comments on the draft and their input throughout the development of this paper, and to all of the interviewees.
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Water Your Plans for Infrastructure Week? Join Us!

 Infrastructure Week , the annual event raising awareness around infrastructure needs, is May 13-20 this year. Jersey Water Works is compiling a list of all water infrastructure activities taking place across the state so we can promote them -- share your participation activities with Brian Caycho ! 

Upcoming events:

  • Workshop: Green Infrastructure Municipal Toolkit. Register today for the chance to learn how to use the new toolkit as a resource to plan, implement, and sustain green infrastructure in your town. The event is on Tuesday, May 14 at 6 pm in Evesham, and it is presented by New Jersey Future and Pinelands Preservation Alliance. This workshop is approved for continuing education credits.

  • Discussion: 'Is It Safe to Drink Our Water?' Attend this discussion featuring DEP Commissioner Catherine McCabe, the third part in a series of civic questions. The event is on Tuesday, May 14 at 7 pm in Princeton, and it is presented by Princeton Public Library.

  • Workshop: Obtaining Water Bank Financing for Green Infrastructure Projects. Register today to learn how to finance your town’s project through the Water Bank, using the new applicant’s guide and its integrated web components. The event is on Thursday, May 16 at 10 am in Newark, and it is presented by Jersey Water Works, the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank, Department of Environmental Protection, and New Jersey Future.

  • Plant Tour and Happy Hour. Register today for a free tour of Asbury Park’s wastewater treatment plant. Afterwards, join us at Anchor’s Bend for a networking opportunity. The event is on Thursday, May 16 at 3 pm in Asbury Park, and it is presented by the Jersey Water Works Education and Outreach Committee and the City of Asbury Park.
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67 Days: Combined Sewer Overflow Countdown

By Monday, July 1, New Jersey’s CSO permit holders are required to submit to DEP reports on their development and evaluation of alternative solutions for reducing CSOs. This is your opportunity to engage with CSO communities to help ensure that each CSO reduction alternative reflects early input of community stakeholders and delivers significant additional community benefits including improved public health, green space, economic revitalization, and local jobs.
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The Cost of Inaction

Often overlooked, our water infrastructure isn't noticed until something goes wrong. This section spotlights everyday consequences felt by residents of New Jersey of not investing in our water systems.

News:
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Jersey Water Works Updates
Members Go To Camden for Annual Meeting!

Who needs the beach when you can come to the collaborative’s fourth annual membership meeting? Our fourth annual membership meeting will be hosted at the new American Water headquarters in the City of Camden . Attendees will get updates from state leaders on water infrastructure issues; opportunities to connect and strategize with others in the water sector; and hands-on learning activities and workshops to grow water knowledge and skills. Learn about last year's meeting .
One Water Summit: Join the New Jersey Delegation

Jersey Water Works is convening a state delegation to attend the 2019 One Water Summit Sept. 18-20 in Austin. Discounted tickets are available for members of the delegation. Interested in joining us? Contact Brian Caycho , (609) 393-0008 x106. Read about the delegation’s experience last year in Minneapolis joining hundreds of top water leaders focused on sustainable, integrated, and inclusive approaches to managing water.
Our Water Transforming

By aligning individual efforts and diverse perspectives to advance shared goals , JWW can realize "Smart Infrastructure. Strong Communities." Together, members will achieve healthier, more prosperous and just communities and a more sustainable environment!

Effective and Financially Sustainable Systems


Empowered Stakeholders


Successful and Beneficial Green Infrastructure


Smart Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Plans

Job Openings for Jersey Water Works

New Jersey Future, the collaborative’s backbone organization, seeks:
  • Program Manager for the Jersey Water Works Measurement System. An experienced, motivated individual to create a robust, transparent system of performance metrics designed to accelerate the improvement of water infrastructure systems. The position combines project management, work with metrics and data, stakeholder consultation and convening, and written and oral communications.
  • Program Assistant. A skilled, organized and motivated individual to provide administrative and communications support to the program team involved with projects dedicated to improving the state’s water quality and infrastructure. This includes assisting the team who serve as the backbone staff of the Jersey Water Works collaborative.
New Resources


Funding Opportunities

Funds available: Up to $30,000
Deadline: May 29
Provides financial assistance to local governments and shade tree commissions to assist in the implementation of their approved Community Forestry Management Plan. These grants are for small-scale reforestation and tree planting.

Funds available: Approximately $1,336,000
Deadline: June 14
All applications must be for projects that develop or refine state/tribal/local government wetland programs.
Water Infrastructure in the News

New Jersey:

Nationwide:
Jersey Water Works   is a collaborative effort working to transform New Jersey's inadequate water infrastructure through sustainable, cost-effective solutions that provide communities with clean water and waterways; healthier, safer neighborhoods; local jobs; flood and climate resilience; and economic growth.
Want to see your new resource, blog post, event, etc. highlighted in the next email? Share it with Brian Caycho to be included!

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Staff contacts:
Program Manager
New Jersey Future
(609) 393-0008 x112
Program Coordinator
New Jersey Future
(609) 393-0008 x106
Planning and Policy Manager
New Jersey Future
(609) 393-0008 x108
Community Outreach Manager
New Jersey Future
510-452-7178