Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Privatization of water utilities The lure to privatize government services such as water and sewer is predicated on efficiency and getting the best return on fees and taxes. Here's an article about privatization from the Los Angeles Times. They write, "In recent years, cities across the U.S. have turned over a vital public service - providing safe drinking water - to private enterprise. Driving the trend was the idea that for-profit companies, mainly European conglomerates, could operate water and sewer systems efficiently, keeping water quality high and costs low. In some places, private-sector management helped trim bureaucracies and replace decaying infrastructure, local officials say. But in Indianapolis, New Orleans, Atlanta and other cities, privatization has been accompanied by corruption scandals, environmental violations and a torrent of customer complaints." Thanks to Politics in the Zeros for the link. Category: Colorado Water 5:37:57 AM     Arkansas Valley Conduit Here's an update on the Arkansas Valley Conduit from the Pueblo Chieftain. From the article, "While state funding for a drinking water conduit serving communities east of Pueblo looks promising, there are signs Congress may try to tie its progress to controversial water storage legislation. Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District President Bill Long, who has spearheaded efforts to advance the Arkansas Valley Conduit, returned from a trip to Washington, D.C., last week with mixed news. On the positive side, there is still good support for the conduit, Long said. In recent weeks, the U.S. House approved a $675,000 grant to help move the project to its preliminary design phase. U.S. Sen. Wayne Allard, R-Colo., assured Long the conduit remains a top priority. 'On the negative side, we have at least a couple of congressmen who want to see the conduit tied to the Preferred Storage Options Plan legislation,' Long said. The PSOP bill recently stalled in a Southeastern District committee over several issues, including Lake County recreation issues and negotiations between Colorado Springs and the Lower Arkansas Valley Water Conservancy District. U.S. Reps. Tom Tancredo and Joel Hefley, Republicans who represent Aurora and Colorado Springs, apparently are still insisting legislation for PSOP and the conduit move together, while Allard said it would be preferable, Long said... "Conduit backers are seeking legislation that would provide 80 percent federal funding for the $300 million conduit, which was part of the original Fryingpan-Arkansas Project. A separate effort in Congress is seeking to authorize, but not appropriate, $69 million for Army Corps of Engineers work on the conduit. Meanwhile, the conduit has a good shot at gaining state loan for the local share of costs, said Harold Miskel, Arkansas Valley representative on the Colorado Water Conservation Board." Category: Colorado Water 4:34:23 AM

© Copyright 2006 John Orr. Last update: 12/29/06; 11:42:50 AM.