National Infrastructure Week
May 16-23 is National Infrastructure Week. During this time, Federal, state, and local leaders will be highlighting the value that well maintained infrastructure can bring to our economy, our jobs, and public health and safety. The Value of Water Coalition will join with other business, labor, and government groups to share information on how specific gaps in our infrastructure – from failing water and gas pipes to deteriorating dams, bridges and highways, and public transit systems – matter to all Americans.
More specifically, the Value of Water Coalition is hosting a Local Innovators Tour across the country during Infrastructure Week. Participating cities will tell the story about why water infrastructure matters to their communities and the nation, and show how they are securing a sustainable water future. Here’s information about some of those events.
Cleveland, Ohio
Wednesday, May 11 through Monday, May 23
A series of events hosted by Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District includes “Someone forgot to Pay America’s Water Infrastructure Bill” program, an up close and personal sewer walk for media, green infrastructure tour for elected officials and social/traditional media, and “Sewer U” seminar series open to the general public.
Camden, New Jersey
Tuesday, May 17 – 11am
Press event hosted by American Water and the City of Camden to announce a major milestone in a public-private partnership to improve water and wastewater services, and provide workforce training and skill development in the community.
Alexandria, Virginia
Tuesday, May 17 and Thursday, May 19
Exclusive behind-the-scenes tours for press and elected officials of how Alexandria Renew Enterprises transforms 13 billion gallons of wastewater each year into reclaimed water, clean energy and nutrient-rich soil amendment. The tour will also preview the new LEED Platinum Environmental Center and innovative nutrient management facility and adjacent athletic field, the only one of its kind in the country
Chicago, Illinois
Saturday, May 21 – 9am-Noon
A day of open houses is scheduled at six of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago’s (MWRD) six water treatment plants across the Chicago region. The MWRD will be offering visitors an exclusive look at its plant operations and also promoting stormwater management practices by giving away hundreds of free potted oak tree saplings to restore the region’s depleted canopy and help reduce flooding.
Los Angeles, California
Date/Time TBA
Public tour of the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant, hosted by LA Sanitation, will spotlight a new advanced water purification facility used to purify recycled water for non-drinking purposes, a significant step toward meeting Mayor Garcetti’s goals of reducing the city’s reliance on imported water by 50% by 2024.
Find out more about Infrastructure Week at www.infrastructureweek.org
