In the struggles associated with today?s economy and aging infrastructure, many utilities are faced with the financial challenge of meeting their operating budgets while finding capital funds to make needed improvements.

Lifting the volume cap on private activity bonds (PABs) for water and sewer projects has been much-discussed over the last few years, with advocates saying that private investment could lead to more repair and replacement work on our aging infrastructure

Design and construction markets related to environment, infrastructure and facilities contracted in 2009, but management consultants Farkas Berkowitz & Co. forecast that these markets will bottom out in 2010 and enjoy at least modest growth in 2011.

The North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT) held its annual No-Dig Show May 2-7 and reported a record-breaking number of attendees for a non-international show ? a positive sign for the trenchless industry.

Perhaps it was the destination ? the magnificent Gaylord Texan Hotel & Convention Center in Dallas. Perhaps it was the coordination with the Design-Build Transport annual conference.

May 12-13 brought together 70 attendees from across the United States to discuss water issues facing large city mayors. Mayor Brian Stratton of Schenectady hosted the meeting.

JM Eagle, the world?s largest manufacturer of plastic pipe, recently announced it is issuing an unprecedented 50-year warranty against manufacturing defects for its pipe products.

AWWA named David B. LaFrance as its new executive director. He was scheduled to join the staff in May.

The Water Environment Federation (WEF) announced recently its plans to initiate a search for a new executive director to lead the 81-year old non-profit technical and educational water quality organization.