New York Rural Water Association

On March 14, 2001 a delegation from New York Rural Water Association traveled to Washington, DC to meet with Congressman Jim Walsh and Congressman Maurice Hinchey to discuss the importance of the rural water programs and the USDA Rural Development Loans & Grants Program. The delegation included myself, John O'Connell from Sennett; Mayor Fred Eisenberg from Marcellus; Mayor Ron Hayes and Bob Mills, Supt. for the Village of Deposit; and Mayor Al Englebert and Supervisor Mike Steck from the Village of Waverly, NY.

We were graciously received at both offices and each member of this delegation contributed greatly to these visits by providing the Congressmen opportunity to hear directly how these important programs have effected their communities and their day-to-day operations. Our combined voices delivered the message of the importance for the continuation and expansion of our on-site technical assistance and training programs and the very necessary USDA Loans & Grants Program that provide the funding for the betterment of our small communities back home. Both Congressman Walsh and Congressman Hinchey continue to stand up for rural communities, ensuring that federal funding programs adequately recognize our small towns, villages and cities. We appreciate the excellent relationship we enjoy with Congressman Hinchey and Congressman Walsh.

We wish to commend these dedicated elected officials and members of the New York Rural Water Association that took time out of their busy schedules to accompany us to Washington, DC to support our request for continuation of our programs and the funding for infrastructure projects in New York. Our thanks go out to Mayor Fred Eisenberg, Mayor Ron Hayes, Mayor Al Englebert, Bob Mills, Mike Steck, and John O'Connell.

As small systems are continually challenged, please know that the dedicated staff of the New York Rural Water Association is here to serve you in meeting those challenges.