| TRENTON, Jan. 15 — “We applaud Governor Murphy’s commitment today to modernize our essential water infrastructure,” said Jane Kenny, co-chair of Jersey Water Works and managing partner of Whitman Strategy Group. “The Jersey Water Works collaborative formed three years ago to address problems like lead in drinking water, crumbling underground pipes, and sewage overflows and back-ups. We bring a large and diverse constituency that is ready and able to help implement solutions.”
“The 500 members of Jersey Water Works represent every perspective on New Jersey’s drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure,” said Mark Mauriello, task force co-chair and director of environmental affairs and planning at Edgewood Properties. “We will continue to work with the Murphy administration, the New Jersey Legislature, and our congressional delegation to pursue effective approaches and new funding sources for smart infrastructure and strong communities.”
With the extent of lead in New Jersey’s drinking water becoming more apparent, Jersey Water Works convened a 25-member task force in December.
Concentrating on residences, schools, day care centers and small businesses, the group will examine the existing legal and regulatory framework as well as issues of health risk, transparency, environmental justice, public education and cost. The work will culminate with a report by September 30 identifying practical policies for eliminating lead in New Jersey’s drinking water.
“Our experience with Jersey Water Works has proven that a problem this complex can only be solved with focused attention from across the technical and policy spectrum,” said task force chair Chris Daggett. “I’m pleased we have been able to put together such a broad, committed and knowledgeable group.”
“As a new mother in the city of Newark, I’m grateful for Governor Murphy’s leadership in making sure that all children have safe tap water to drink,” said Nicole Miller, president of MnM Consulting and Jersey Water Works steering committee member. “Jersey Water Works will continue to work with this administration and the Legislature to ensure that our water systems support healthy children and families.”
“New Jersey cities are home to a fifth of the state’s population and have become its economic engine,” said Shoshanna M. Page, Jersey Water Works steering committee member and project specialist at the John S. Watson Institute for Public Policy of Thomas Edison State University for the New Jersey Urban Mayors’ Association. “State and federal investments in our water systems are an investment in New Jersey’s economic prosperity and quality of life, and I am delighted with Governor Murphy’s announcement today.”
“We all need safe, healthy drinking water every day, and New Jersey’s water systems work hard to provide it efficiently and affordably,” said Andrew Hendry, Jersey Water Works steering committee member and president and CEO of the New Jersey Utilities Association. “Jersey Water Works members are working together on innovative solutions that can make our state a national leader. We welcome the governor’s leadership.” |
