The 2019 AWWA Water Matters! Fly-In was held March 27-28, at the Marriott Metro Center in Washington, D.C.. AWWA’s Government Affairs Office had notified Section leaders in 2018 to coordinate participation and select Fly-In delegates.
More than 150 water managers from 49 states and Puerto Rico met with their elected leaders in Congress this year to urge support for programs that fund water infrastructure and protect water quality.
As seen here, from left, AWWA President David Rager, former WUC Chair Aurel Arndt, Grace (Aurel's granddaugher), Aiden (Aurel's grandson), Chris Wheland (back), and Jane Arndt welcomed Rep. Paul Tonko, center.
Read more about this year's event.
AWWA always covers travel expenses based on apportionment in the US House of Representatives. For every 10 members of the House in a given state, AWWA will reimburse one delegate. If your state has fewer than 10 members, AWWA will reimburse one delegate. Sections are free to send additional delegates at their own, their employer’s or the Section’s expense.
Hosted by AWWA’s Water Utility Council, the Fly-In is the focal point for the association’s grassroots lobbying efforts. It serves to advance the water community’s legislative goals and further establishes AWWA members and staff as sources of information on water issues in Washington.
Have additional Fly In Questions? Email us at Flyininfo@awwa.org
Issues for 2019
1) Reinvestment in water infrastructure (PDF)
a. Provide fully authorized funding in fiscal year 2020 for the drinking water state revolving loan fund (SRF) program at $1.3 billion and the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program at $50 million.
b. Begin discussions for reauthorization of the drinking water and wastewater SRF programs and of WIFIA.
2) Address concerns about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) (PDF)
a. Give the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the tools it needs to address PFAS accurately and effectively.
What is AWWA? (PDF)