The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently issued its fiscal year (FY) 2014 to 2018 Strategic Plan, which provides a blueprint for advancing EPA?s mission to protect public health and the environment across the country.

The power of water has shaped the Earth?s landscape over millennia to create wonders of the world such as Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon. Yet for all of its influence, power and potential, water is a fragile resource.

Like many jurisdictions, Ontario, Canada is working to ensure the financial and environmental sustainability of municipal water, wastewater and stormwater systems. While ?doing more with less? is the reality for most utilities, Mark Knight says one of the biggest challenges for water and wastewater utilities remains raising additional funds to resolve growing infrastructure deficits.

The City of Columbus, Ohio?s water infrastructure is quickly coming to the end of its life expectancy. As a result, the city is significantly increasing its budget for large-scale pipe replacement projects.

The 82nd winter meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) was recently held in Washington, D.C., Jan. 22-24, at the Capital Hilton. Roughly 250 of the country?s mayors attended the multi-day program including the new mayor of New York City, Bill de Blasio.

Last month, the Obama Administration proposed a Fiscal Year 2015 (FY 2015) budget of $7.89 billion for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This request is $309.9 million below the EPA?s enacted level for FY 2014.

Stormwater drainage projects offer a variety of options to optimize funding and provide value to the public for infrastructure enhancements. Regardless of project scope or the size of investment, engineers and utility managers must always be prepared to ensure top value and that the best solutions for the long term are implemented.

After more than eight years as director of business development for Aqua-Pipe, Joseph Loiacono retired at the end of December 2013. However, he remains an Aqua-Pipe ambassador.