CONTACTS:
Erin Bzymek, erinb@bluegreenalliance.org, 202-706-6916

WASHINGTON, DC. (July 25, 2012) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Wednesday it’s providing $950,000 to help 17 communities across the country expand the use of green infrastructure to improve water quality, prevent water damage and create jobs.  The following is a statement from David Foster, Executive Director of the BlueGreen Alliance: 

“Immediate investment in our nation’s water infrastructure is critical and will create numerous good paying, green jobs and so we applaud EPA’s funding for water infrastructure projects in 17 communities across the country. 

“Apart from inefficient use of a limited resource, a community’s inability to manage storm water, treat drinking water and perform routine upgrades can have a devastating effect endangering homes, the water supply and public health. On the other hand strategic investments in our water infrastructure will both prevent future problems and can have a significant effect on unemployment.  

“Our ability to manage America’s water supply is interlinked with our continued economic competitiveness and environmental sustainability. Future generations depend on a clean, safe water supply; we must act now to address these pressing needs.”

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The BlueGreen Alliance is a national partnership of labor unions and environmental organizations dedicated to expanding the number and quality of jobs in the green economy. Launched in 2006, the strategic partnership now brings together ten major U.S. labor unions and four of America's most influential environmental organizations and unites more than 15 million members and supporters in pursuit of good jobs, a clean environment and a green economy. Visit www.bluegreenalliance.org.