As we prepare for this upcoming legislative session, we at the New York Rural Water Association (NYRWA) pledge to continue to represent our members at the local, state and national levels. For those NYRWA members who have stepped up to the plate and actively participated in our past legislative efforts we are truly grateful and hope you will continue to do so in 2001.

Your Association is encouraging system member participation in all legislative and regulatory matters that impact rural water and wastewater entities. Please stand with us, get involved, write those letters, make those phone calls. Municipalities often must deal with an array of environmental rules and regulations. Contemplate how these rules and regulations will affect your small system.

Upcoming challenges for both small and large systems will need our attention. By taking an active role, you will be helping steer the future of this industry. If you think you don’t have the time to devote to these efforts, talk to your elected officials and get them involved, if not, you will be allowing others to steer the course.

We will keep you abreast through e-mails, newsletters, special alerts and our website of any legislative actions that may be of importance to your operations. We can reach you quickly if we have your e-mail address, so please provide this information to our office.

Our goal is the same – to provide safe drinking water at an affordable cost to your family, friends and customers. Together we can provide vital information to influence state and national issues of concern.

I wish to commend our dedicated and professional industry members who face many challenges in their day-to-day operations. Be proud of who you are and what you do, you are a great asset to your communities. I look forward to working with you on issues of mutual concern in 2001. Have a safe and happy holiday season with friends and family