Trenton, NJ – The Clean Water, Healthy Families, Good Jobs Campaign released the following statement on DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette’s testimony to the Senate Budget Committee.

“DEP Commissioner LaTourette testified yesterday to New Jersey’s significant water infrastructure needs–$30 billion in total–in front of the Senate Budget Committee.. We thank the Commissioner for his eyes-wide-open assessment of New Jersey’s total need and agree that sustained investment is needed.

We also applaud Commissioner LaTourette for recognizing that funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law isn’t enough. We, in the Commissioner’s words, “have an overwhelming need” when it comes to drinking water infrastructure. Clearly recognizing New Jersey’s water infrastructure needs is a crucial first step.

Looking at the next five years, New Jersey is facing a $6 billion clean water funding gap. That’s why we’re calling on Governor Murphy and the State Legislature to use $1.2 billion from remaining American Rescue Plan funds to expand water infrastructure funding. Combined with funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this would represent a robust down payment on closing this gap.

The effect of expanded investment is clear. Removing lead and PFAs from our drinking will protect the health of our families. Investing in stormwater and sewer infrastructure will bolster resiliency. And, as Commissioner LaTourette noted, funding water infrastructure will create good jobs. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that New Jersey cannot afford to miss.”

About the Clean Water, Healthy Families, Good Jobs Campaign
The Clean Water, Healthy Families and Good Jobs Campaign is a coalition of diverse organizations and individuals representing the environment, labor and business.

Steering Committee Members include:
* Chris Sturm, New Jersey Future, Co-chair
* Mo Kinberg, New Jersey Future, Co-chair
* Chrissy Ballard, Association of Environmental Authorities
* Ray Cantor, NJ Business & Industry Association
* Tom Churchelow, NJ Utilities Association
* Kim Gaddy, South Ward Environmental Alliance
* Kate Gibbs, ELEC 825, Operators
* Barbara George Johnson, NJ Urban Mayors Association
* Dan Kennedy, Utility and Transportation Contractors Association
* Larry Levine, Natural Resources Defense Council
* Andy Kricun, US Water Alliance
* Nicole Miller, MnM Consulting
* Doug O’Malley, Environment New Jersey
* Ed Potosnak, NJ League of Conservation Voters
* Ciro Scalera, NJ Laborers Union – Labor-Management Trust Fund
* Cheryl Stowell, NJ SHARES
Endorsing Members
* Senator Bob Smith, NJ State Senate
* Amy Goldsmith, Clean Water Action
* Mayor Andre Sayegh, City of Paterson
* Anthony Abrantes, Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters
* Bill Armbruster, Journal Square Community Association’s Green Committee
* Bill Schultz, Raritan Riverkeeper
* Brenda Swinney, Garfield Ave Block Association
* Bruno Figueiredo
* Caroline Koch, WaterNow Alliance
* Crystal Wessel, New Jersey Tree Foundation
* David Smith, Trenton Water Works
* Deandrah Cameron, New Jersey Future
* Debra Italiano, Sustainable Jersey City
* Elliott Ruga, New Jersey Highlands Coalition
* Fallon Davis, STEAM URBAN
* Future City Inc.
* Frances Harrison, Paterson Green Team
* Gail Rottenstrich, Borough Councilmember, Borough of Fair Lawn
* Greg Remaud, NY/NJ Baykeeper
* Heather Fenyk, Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership
* Howard Levsion, South Orange Village Water Utility
* James McGroarty, Clyde N Lattimer & Son Construction Company, Inc
* Jamie Bruno, Urban Agriculture Cooperative
* Jane Kenny, The Whitman Strategy Group
* Jennifer Adkins, American Rivers
* Jill Pustorino, Morris Park Neighborhood Association
* Jocelyn Patrick, Riverview Neighborhood Association
* John Algera, Urban Wilderness Renewal
* Jose Amarante, Perth Amboy
* Joseph Maraziti
* Klaus Buschan, Friends of Weequahic Park
* Kristin Epstein, Trenton Water Works
* Laurie Howard, Passaic River Coalition
* Louis Prezeau, La Casa Don Pedro
* Lucia Ruggiero, American Littoral Society
* Martha Arencibia, Paterson Green Team
* Michele Langa, Hackensack Riverkeeper
* Missy Frankil
* Moriah Kinberg, Sewage-Free Streets and Rivers
* Nancy Grier, Neighborhood Assistance Office
* NewarkDIG (Doing Infrastructure Green)
* Newark Green Team
* Noelle Thurlow, Resilience Adventures
* Pam mount, Terhune Orchards
* Patricia Lindsay-Harvey, Willingboro Community Development Corporation
* Richard Lawton, New Jersey Sustainable Business Council
* Robert Maybury, Mount Holly Municipal Utilities Authority
* Sabrina Ross, Unified Vailsburg Services Organization
* Shaquille Fearon
* Sheila Baker Gujral, Association of NJ Environmental Commissions (ANJEC)
* Steve Kehayes, Paterson Habitat for Humanity
* Taylor Kenerson, Connecting U
* Theresa Bocchino
* Tim Dillingham, American Littoral Society
* Tobias Fox, Newark Science and Sustainability Inc
* Troy Benavidez, American Standard/LIXIL
* Vera Figueiredo, Solar One
* William Kibler, Raritan Headwaters
* Wynnie-Fred Victor Hinds, Weequahic Park Association