The Annapolis Observer - January 27, 2020

WSSC Water’s Intergovernmental Relations Office (IRO) is on the front line advocating, for legislation that impacts our work. IRO covers a variety of subject matter and focuses on legislation that helps WSSC Water fulfill our mission to provide safe and reliable water, life’s most precious resource, and return clean water to our environment, all in an ethical, sustainable, and financially responsible manner.

The Annapolis Observer is IRO’s weekly update on happenings in Annapolis and highlights the progress of key bills of interest to WSSC Water, as well as updates and event dates.

Legislative Updates

The Montgomery County House Delegation voted PG/MC 103-20 Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission - Discrimination - Prohibited favorable with amendments on January 24th. This bill will be heard next by the Prince George's County House Delegation Bi-County Committee.

The Prince George's County House Delegation voted HB 370 Bi-County Commissions - Annual Reports - Conflicts of Interest and Lobby favorable with amendments and will be heard in the House Ways and Means Committee. HB 276 Income Tax - Subtraction Modification - Maryland-National Capital Park Police and Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission Police Force also received a favorable vote and will move into the House Environment and Transportation Committee.

Find the status of and position on WSSC-related bills in our weekly Legislative Update (PDF).

Around WSSC Water

Distinguished Budget Presentation Award - The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada presented an award of Distinguished Budget Presentation to WSSC Water for its annual budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2019. This is the twenty-fifth consecutive year that WSSC Water has received this award.

No Drinking Water Quality Violation – Ever! Recent news articles may have generated some questions about PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination in drinking water. WSSC Water remains committed to providing safe, clean, reliable drinking water – and has never had a drinking water quality violation in our 102-year history. Learn more about how we handle PFAS here .

Be Saltwise! Did you know using salt on walkways, driveways and roads is harmful to our environment? That includes sources of drinking water and the pipes and pumps needed to supply water to our customers. Throughout the winter season, help your local and state agencies keep excess salt out of our local waterways.

Celebrating 25 years of The Water Fund - The Water Fund was established in 1994 by WSSC Water employees to help residential customers experiencing financial hardship pay their water/sewer bills. In its 25 years, The Water Fund has assisted more than 4,000 customers with over $1.3 million. Consider donating to the fund by learning more at our website.

FY 2021 Preliminary Budget Public Hearings - WSSC Water will hold two public hearings to receive comments on our preliminary proposed Fiscal Year 2021 operating and capital budget at the end of the month.

January 27, 2020 at 7:30 PM
Stella B. Werner Building, 100 Maryland Ave, Rockville
February 4, 2020 at 7:30 PM
Department of the Environment Building, 1801 McCormick Drive, Largo
Inclement Weather Date - February 12, 2020 at 7:30 PM
WSSC Water Headquarters, 14501 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel

Calendar

Hearings

January 30, 2020 at 9 AM - Prince George's County House Delegation Bi-County Committee
PG/MC 103-20 - Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission – Discrimination – Prohibited

Key Dates

March 16, 2020 - Crossover Date
April 6, 2020 - Sine Die

Related Links

Maryland General Assembly

Montgomery County Delegation

Prince George's County Delegation

Maryland Association of Counties

Maryland Municipal League

About IRO

WSSC Water’s Intergovernmental Relations Office (IRO) team works to promote the value of water and the value of WSSC Water ; engage federal, state, county and local government and elected stakeholders and advocate for WSSC Water’s strategic interests and priorities; and foster relationships with organizations and promote collaborative interests.

In Annapolis, the IRO team works with members to support administratively and fiscally responsible legislation, in addition to championing policy that benefits all water utilities throughout Maryland. WSSC Water is committed to increased statewide investment in water and wastewater infrastructure and sound regulatory initiatives.

Meet the IRO Team

Karyn Riley, Esq. – IRO Director

Karyn.Riley@wsscwater.com

Guy Andes – Government Relations Manager

State Affairs and Prince George's County Affairs

Guy.Andes@wsscwater.com

Monica Marquina – Government Relations Manager

Municipal Affairs and Montgomery County Affairs

Monica.Marquina@wsscwater.com

Nicholle Vo – Legislative Aide

Nicholle.Vo@wsscwater.com

Terry Walker-Morris – Administrative Professional

Terry.Walker-Morris@wsscwater.com

(301) 206-8228

iro@wsscwater.com

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For over 100 years, WSSC Water has proudly served the citizens of Prince George’s and Montgomery counties – providing drinking water that has always met strict Safe Drinking Water Act standards and protecting the environment through vital water resource recovery services. Our vision is to be THE world-class water utility, where excellent products and services are always on tap. www.wsscwater.com