[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8363]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNITION OF AMSA ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 35TH ANNIVERSARY AND NAME 
                                 CHANGE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR.

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 28, 2005

  Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I wish to take this opportunity to 
congratulate the Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies (AMSA) 
on the occasion of its 35th Anniversary and on its name change to the 
National Association of Clean Water Agencies, or NACWA. Its 35 year 
record of advocacy and leadership in meeting the goals of the Clean 
Water Act has helped guarantee the chemical, biological, and physical 
health of our Nation's rivers, lakes, streams, bays, and coasts.
  NACWA's members serve the majority of the sewered population in our 
Country and treat and reclaim over 18 billion gallons of wastewater a 
day. Simply stated, NACWA and its members deserve to be celebrated for 
their ongoing role in the remarkable revitalization of America's 
waterways.
  Despite the improvements made so far to our Nation's waters, NACWA 
understands that significant work remains to be done to achieve the 
goals of the Clean Water Act. From the Transportation and 
Infrastructure Committee's close working relationship with the 
Association, we know NACWA is well-positioned to continue building on 
our Nation's water quality gains.
  The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has looked to AMSA 
and will continue to look to NACWA as a valued informational resource 
and advocate on behalf of sound water quality policy. The Association 
has always been willing to share its expertise and to provide 
leadership in challenging times. For example, in the wake of the 
attacks of September 11, 2001, the Association responded immediately 
with creative ideas and vital leadership in developing tools and 
resources to help further secure our Nation's critical water 
infrastructure. The Association has been a vital resource on a host of 
clean water issues from wet weather control, nonpoint source pollution 
prevention, and the critical need for a sustainable, Federal-State-
local partnership to meet our Nation's clean water challenges.
  I have worked closely with the Association and know that NACWA will 
build on its tradition as a trusted resource for Congress and the U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency. I also am confident that NACWA will 
meet its strategic objectives and the goals of AMSA's original 
founders. Most importantly, NACWA's success is a direct result of its 
broad membership. NACWA (then AMSA) was established in 1970 by 
representatives of 22 municipal wastewater treatment agencies. Since 
then, AMSA has grown into an organization of nearly 300 municipal 
agency members and a total membership of nearly 400 organizations 
poised to ensure that the 21st Century will enjoy continued water 
quality improvement.
  The Association's public agency members not only represent what is 
best about public service; they exemplify what it means to be 
environmental practitioners. Their daily work enables us to enjoy our 
Nation's rivers, lakes, streams, bays, and coasts--something we, as a 
Nation, must never take for granted.
  Once again, I congratulate NACWA on this important milestone as an 
organization and applaud its members for their outstanding service.

                          ____________________