WWEMA Offers Advice on Federal Government’s Role in Hurricane Katrina Recovery Efforts

The Water and Wastewater Equipment Manufacturers Association (WWEMA) responded to a request by the U.S. Department of Commerce to identify ways in which the Federal Government can assist the water and wastewater equipment manufacturing community in ensuring that it remains competitive following the Hurricane Katrina tragedy.

In its letter to Joseph Bogosian, deputy assistant secretary for manufacturing at the U.S. Department of Commerce, WWEMA urged that communications and transportation systems be repaired quickly to expedite donations of potable water and wastewater treatment plants. “Appointing one person or department to be in charge of critical infrastructure reconstruction is essential,” wrote WWEMA President Dawn Kristof, noting “our member companies need direction as to how commerce will occur when reconstruction of water/wastewater infrastructure begins and who will lead the procurement efforts.”

Additionally, in anticipation of the enormous demand for raw materials that will be needed during the reconstruction phase, WWEMA recommended that the Federal Government act now by making special arrangements with neighboring countries and allies to commit shipments of specified raw materials, like lumber, steel and concrete, to the devastated region.

Source: WWEMa