Endorsements and Support
Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce
The Executive Committee of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce passed a resolution on Feb. 25 supporting the legislation for the Clean Water Infrastructure Program. The resolution reads in part:
“Whereas, one of the Chamber’s Partnership 2010 goals focuses on infrastructure development and recommends that the region invest in the infrastructure and planning necessary to improve the quality of life of new and existing residents and businesses;
“Whereas, one of the objectives in this infrastructure development goal encourages local governments to invest and plan for water and sewer infrastructure to prepare for population and business growth;
“Whereas, the water and sewer rate adjustments will fund a five-year capital improvement plan that will upgrade Nashville’s aging water infrastructure by providing economic benefits that will prevent further infrastructure deterioration and costly repairs, will protect the environment by meeting Clean Water Act requirements, and will ensure public health and safety by having a system that provides clean and safe drinking water, and sufficient water supply for fire protection…”
“Therefore, be it resolved, that the Chamber Board of Directors accept the consensus discussion of the Chamber’s Government Issues Committee and that it also goes on record in support of the legislation submitted to the Metro Council by Mayor Dean’s administration that will create a Clean Water Infrastructure Program for Metro and amendments that permit the fair allocation of costs incurred by the Metro Water Department…”
Greater Nashville Hotel & Lodging Association
The board of directors of the Greater Nashville Hotel & Lodging Association voted on Feb. 18 to support the legislation to resolve the clean water and storm water infrastructure issues facing Davidson County.
“It is our collective belief that Nashville is a great city. A great city is one that not only provides a high quality of life for its citizens, but also provides a mechanism for maintaining the elements that deliver and enhance that quality of life.
“For too long, our city has ignored the essential infrastructure matters involved in providing a growing city the basic element of life – water. And, for too long, our city has not taken the steps to address storm water pollution naturally resulting from the growth in new buildings, homes and other structures that have overtaken the permeable ground that had previously absorbed rainwater and forced it into overloaded storm drains, creeks and the Cumberland River.
“While no one likes to pay more for any services, it is obvious to this organization that there is the clear and compelling need to address this critical issue. Additionally, it is clear to this organization that your administration has developed a comprehensive plan that is ultimately fair, reasonable and affordable.
“The members of the Greater Nashville Hotel & Lodging Association fully support the initiative your administration has placed before the citizens of Davidson County and encourage the Metro Council to adopt this plan in due course.”
– Walt Baker, CEO of the Greater Nashville Hotel & Lodging Association
World Wildlife Fund’s Southeast Rivers and Streams Program
“The program is fair, balanced and promises to provide Nashville with a sustainable water system for years to come. We are especially excited about the inclusion of stormwater impact fees and incentives for on-site stormwater management. Parking lots, rooftops, roads and other impervious surfaces have huge impacts in urbanized watersheds like Nashville, causing flash flooding and increased sedimentation of our rivers and streams. The impact fees and incentives included in the plan provide good motivation for addressing these stormwater runoff issues on-site while providing dedicated funding for addressing existing stormwater impacts.
“Nashville’s Clean Water Infrastructure Program can provide the basis for the mayor’s plans for a sustainable Nashville and we look forward to working with both Metro Water and the Mayor’s Office on the implementation of the program.”
– Wendy Smith, Founder and Director of WWF’s Southeast Rivers and Streams Program
Associated General Contractors of Tennessee, Middle Tennessee Branch
“As Nashville grows, more pressure will be put on our storm water and aged water/sewer system. This could become a major issue for residents in Davidson County in the near future. Associated General Contractors of TN, Middle TN Branch supports this water/sewer bill because we feel it will improve our environment and infrastructure while helping to stimulate our economy through capital projects.
“AGC of Tennessee is a chapter of the nationwide organization, Associated General Contractors of America. AGC of America supports increased investment in our infrastructure and believes that Americans deserve to know the dire state of our neglected and aging water infrastructure systems. Some estimates suggest that modernizing and replacing aging water infrastructure will be the single largest public works endeavor in our nation's history. AGC has contributed $100,000 dollars to PSU Public Broadcasting to help create the documentary Liquid Assets because it is imperative that the public understand the critical state of our water infrastructure.”
– Kelly Dando, Executive Director of Associated General Contractors of TN, Middle TN Branch
Middle Tennessee Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors
“Associated Builders & Contractors supports the passage of proposed ordinance BL2009-407. This proposed ordinance will provide the funding for, the badly needed upgrading of Nashville's water & sewer infrastructure. It will also provide many jobs for unemployed construction workers. We urge the Council to pass this ordinance on second reading next Tuesday.”
– Pete Dickson, President of the Middle TN Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors
Cumberland River Compact
“Increasing funding through the proposed rate increase and stormwater utility fee will improve the health of our urban streams and overall water quality. It will lead to improved habitat, which is a clear sign of the health of our rivers and streams. It is an investment in the city that we want to leave our children, ensuring that they have as much or even more of an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful natural resources that Middle Tennessee has to offer.”
– Doug Hausken, Executive Director of the Cumberland River Compact
Harpeth River Watershed Association
“The Harpeth River Watershed Association is very supportive of Metro’s Clean Water Infrastructure Program because significant funding will go directly into making the rivers and streams in Davidson County healthy for all of us to enjoy. The Harpeth River is a State Scenic River in Davidson County and will directly benefit from improved water quality from the CWIP stormwater projects that will address ways for rainwater as it runs off developed areas to be cleansed before it enters the Harpeth that many people around Middle TN come to enjoy. Nashville Parks and Greenways Commission is working with HRWA, and TN Scenic Rivers Association to construct a canoe access at the Bellevue Soccer field that will complete the Harpeth River Blueway access points along the Harpeth State Scenic River section with the Harpeth River State Park from the highway 100 crossing of the Harpeth all the way to the Narrows in Cheatham County.”
– Dorene Bolze, Executive Director of the Harpeth River Watershed Association
Questions which are not addressed through this web site, please email Sonia Harvat.