LA Mayor Villaraigosa Accepts U.S. Water Prize
(Washington D.C.) The Honorable Mayor Villaraigosa of Los Angeles accepted the 2011 U.S. Water Prize from the Clean Water America Alliance this morning at a meeting of the LA Chamber of Commerce. “Los Angeles is connecting the dots and drops to show the nation how integrated resource planning, from sanitation to transportation, can save water and energy for the planet and money for people,” explained Alliance President Ben Grumbles. The Alliance presents the award annually to recognize achievement and inspire action for water sustainability.
Addressing business leaders Mayor Villaraigosa commented, “We’re proud to be recognized for our Integrated Water Resource Plan because we know it is the future in water management. We intend to build on the plan, do a lot more recycling and conserving. The sort of thing we’re doing now everyone will be doing in the future.” The Mayor concluded, “Los Angeles will not only be the epicenter of the creative economy, but the green economy as well.”
Five organizations were selected to receive the 2011 U.S. Water Prize reflecting the diversity of America. Each sets a shining example for innovating, integrating, and collaborating to sustain America’s liquid assets. In addition to the City of Los Angeles, the award will be presented to the Milwaukee Water Council, National Great Rivers Research & Education Center, New York City Department of Environmental Protection, and the Pacific Institute.
At a time when water challenges are reaching crisis proportions due to aging infrastructure, fiscal restraints, climate change, etc., 10 businesses have joined forces to sponsor the U.S. Water Prize. These engineering consulting firms and water services businesses intend to drive innovation toward integrating and collaborating for more sustainable water solutions. Lead sponsors include AECOM, Pirnie/ARCADIS, Veolia, CH2M Hill, and Brown and Caldwell. Supporting Sponsors are CDM, Black & Veatch, MWH Global, Burns & McDonnell, and HDR.
