[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 107 (Monday, July 18, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1348-E1349]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNITION OF ASIWPCA ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY

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                           HON. JOHN L. MICA

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 18, 2011

  Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Association of 
State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators, ASIWPCA, 
on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.
  ASIWPCA is an independent, nonpartisan, national organization of 
state and interstate water program directors, who everyday works on 
implementing water quality programs under the Clean Water Act, CWA. 
Founded in 1961, ASIWPCA was created by the states, to serve the 
states, and is the only nationally recognized organization completely 
led by state water directors. After five decades the ASIWPCA continues 
to protect and restore America's watersheds to achieve ``clean water 
everywhere for everyone.''
  Long before the enactment of the Clean Water Act, state and 
interstate professionals--including those from my own State--were 
working together through ASIWPCA to protect and improve water quality 
across America. In addition to serving as a liaison among these 
officials, ASIWPCA facilitates state communication with the federal 
government and promotes public education. ASIWPCA has built credible 
collaborative relationships with Congress, the United States 
Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Geological Survey, 
and the United States Department of Agriculture. ASIWPCA is a key 
contributor in the legislative, regulatory, and policy arenas. When the 
federal government collaborates with states through ASIWPCA, better 
regulations are drafted, superior policy is created, and the public is 
better served.
  As the chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure 
Committee, I can attest to the fact that ASIWPCA has met and exceeded 
the goals its founders established 50 years ago. In the future, we look 
to ASIWPCA to continue their work to help states develop and implement 
sound water quality policies that advance clean water and a healthy 
environment. This benefits all Americans, including those in my home 
State of Florida.
  Mr. Speaker, in light of ASIWPCA's state membership, national 
leadership on water quality issues, mission to serve the public, state 
government representation, and proven track record and collaboration 
efforts, it is my sincere pleasure to congratulate ASIWPCA on the 
occasion of its 50th anniversary. The Transportation and Infrastructure 
Committee has relied on ASIWPCA's assistance and expertise for decades 
and will undoubtedly continue to do so as we seek to protect and 
restore our Nation's waters in the future.
    

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