Welcome to the inaugural New Jersey Urban Water Conference!€¦ · New Jersey Urban Water...

1N e w J e r s e y U r b a n W a t e r C o n f e r e n c e

Welcome to the inaugural New Jersey Urban Water Conference!

The urgency of the water-infrastructure problem in New Jersey’s older cities and towns cannot be overstated. Water systems in some areas are more than 100 years old, with pipes that leak or break, and are unable to handle the increasing volume that comes with successful urban revitalization. On top of that, 21 cities in New Jersey have combined-sewer systems – systems that, when overwhelmed by stormwater, discharge raw sewage into waterways, streets and even basements.

But with crisis comes opportunity. New Jersey cities, towns and utilities are adopting new approaches that lay the groundwork for truly robust, sustainable, 21st-century water systems. That is what we’ll be discussing today – what these systems should include, how decisions on them should be made, and how we can pay for them.

Today also marks the official debut of Jersey Water Works, a collaborative organization that has formed to help make sure we make the most out of this infrastructure crisis. You’ll find more information, including a list of members, elsewhere in this program book. If you are interested in becoming involved, please feel free to speak to anyone on that list about joining us or submit the membership agreement in your folder. You would be most welcome.

These achievements didn’t happen by themselves. We extend our deep gratitude to the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, which has been a generous financial supporter and partner for the Jersey Water Works endeavor. In addition, please join us in thanking our sponsors for helping us to present such a high-quality event.

Finally, our thanks go to you for being here today, and being a part of this inaugural celebration of smart infrastructure for strong communities. We must upgrade these systems; let’s seize the opportunity to make them great.

Mark Mauriello Edgewood PropertiesCo-Chair, Jersey Water Works

Jane Kenny Whitman Strategy Group Co-Chair, Jersey Water Works

2 J e r s e y W a t e r W o r k s

CONFERENCE ADVISORY COMMIT TEE MEMBERSJANE KENNY, WHITMAN STRATEGY GROUP

MARK MAURIELLO, EDGEWOOD PROPERTIESCHRIS DAGGET T, GERALDINE R. DODGE FOUNDATION

DENNIS DOLL, MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANYKIM GADDY, CLEAN WATER ACTION

BARBARA GEORGE JOHNSON, JOHN S. WATSON INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC POLICY, THOMAS EDISON STATE COLLEGE

PEGGY GALLOS, NEW JERSEY ASSOCIATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORITIESANDREW HENDRY, NEW JERSEY UTILITIES ASSOCIATION

BOB IACULLO, UNITED WATERDEBBIE MANS, NY/NJ BAYKEEPER

MEISHKA MITCHELL, COOPER’S FERRY PARTNERSHIP

MICHELE SIEKERKA, NEW JERSEY BUSINESS & INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

PROMOTIONAL PARTNERSTHE ASSOCIATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORITIES OF NEW JERSEY

ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSIONSAMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION - NEW JERSEY CHAPTER

CLEAN WATER ACTIONDELAWARE RIVER URBAN WATERS FEDERAL PARTNERSHIP

DEWBERRYESSEX COUNTY PLACE

THE FUND FOR NEW JERSEYHOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NET WORK OF NEW JERSEY

THE LOUIS BERGER GROUP, INC.LOWER RARITAN WATERSHED PARTNERSHIP

MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANYNATURAL SYSTEMS UTILITIESTHE NATURE CONSERVANCY

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CLEAN WATER AGENCIES NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL

NEW JERSEY ASSOCIATION FOR FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENTNEW JERSEY BUSINESS & INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONNEW JERSEY UTILITIES ASSOCIATION

NY/NJ BAYKEEPERNEWARK DIG

PLANSMART NJQUENCH NJ

REGIONAL PLAN ASSOCIATIONDEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, RUTGERSSTONY BROOK-MILLSTONE WATERSHED ASSOCIATION

STORMWATER REPORTSUSTAINABLE JERSEY

TRUST FOR PUBLIC LANDTGEINK

URBAN LAND INSTITUTE

WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION

MEDIA PARTNERNJ SPOTLIGHT

ADVISORY COMMIT TEE AND PROMOTIONAL PARTNERSJersey Water Works appreciates the support of our colleagues, who help us in many ways, notably with outreach and advising on this inaugural conference.


AGENDA

8:00 AM BREAKFAST and REGISTRATION

8:30 AM WELCOME

HON. RAS BARAKA, Mayor, City of Newark, Introduction: Joseph Della Fave, Ironbound Community Corporation*

8:35 AM ROBERT MARTIN

Commissioner, NJ Department of Environmental Protection Introduction: Daniel Kennedy, NJ Department of Environmental Protection*

8:55 AM JOAN LEARY MATTHEWS

Director, Clean Water Division, US Environmental Protection Agency Region 2 Introduction: Kate Anderson, US Environmental Protection Agency Region 2*

9:05 AM KEYNOTE ADDRESS

RADHIKA FOX, Chief Executive Officer, U.S. Water Alliance Introduction: Bob Iacullo, SUEZ*

9:50 AM BREAK

10:05 AM PLENARY SESSION

Water Infrastructure: Laying the Groundwork for Economic Development and Suistainable Communities

MODERATOR: MICHELE SIEKERKA, President, New Jersey Business & Industry Association*

ALBERT CHO, Vice President, Strategy and Business Development, Xylem, Inc

MICHAEL DEANE, Executive Director, National Association of Water Companies

RAHWA GIRMATZION, Program Director, PUSH Buffalo ANTHONY PERNO, Chief Executive Officer, Cooper’s Ferry Partnership*

11:30 AM JERSEY WATER WORKS

Smart Infrastructure, Strong Communities

MARK MAURIELLO, Edgewood Properties; Co-chair, Jersey Water Works* MARGARE T WALDOCK, Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation*

12:00 PM WATER INFRASTRUCTURE THAT WORKS FOR CITIES

MODERATOR: BARBARA GEORGE JOHNSON, Executive Director, New Jersey Urban Mayors Association*

HON. CHRIS BOLLWAGE, Mayor, City of Elizabeth HON. WILDA DIAZ, Mayor, City of Perth Amboy HON. DAWN ZIMMER, Mayor, City of Hoboken (invited)

12:25 PM CLOSING REMARKS

PE TER KASABACH, Executive Director, New Jersey Future*

*Member of Jersey Water Works


SP

EA

KE

R B

IOS


KEYNOTE ADDRESS

9:05 AM

ONE WATER, ONE FUTURE

RADHIKA FOXCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, U.S. WATER ALLIANCE; DIRECTOR, VALUE OF WATER COALITION

In the face of water crises – aging infrastructure, water scarcity, droughts, flooding, sea-level rise – the need to accelerate innovative, inclusive and integrated water stewardship is more important than ever. A One Water approach views all water – drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, gray water and more – as a vital resource for our present and our future. Our collective future depends on sustainable water management. It is the backbone of strong economies, vibrant communities, and a healthy environment. In her keynote remarks, Radhika Fox will discuss the One Water movement under way around the country that is securing a more sustainable and resilient water future, now and for future generations.

INTRODUC TION: BOB IACULLO,

Executive Vice President, SUEZ


A B O U T CO N T I N U I N G E D U C AT I O N C R E D I T S

• 3.5AICP Certification-maintenance credits

T H E N E W J E R S E Y

U R B A N WAT E R

C O N F E R E N C E

PLENARY SESSION

10:05 AM

WATER INFRASTRUCTURE: LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES

The flooding, service disruptions, exposure to contaminated water and other ill effects stemming from inadequate water infrastructure in New Jersey’s cities and towns is having a growing negative impact on residents, businesses and the communities at large.

The multi-billion-dollar price tag for the necessary upgrades is daunting, but leaders are testing innovative infrastructure designs and approaches that can lower costs while at the same time strengthening the communities they serve. Plenary speakers will highlight water infrastructure investments that renew cities, make neighborhoods safer, create local jobs, and enhance climate resilience. They will discuss new ways to raise funds and build support among the public, since the public will ultimately foot the bill.

MODERATOR: MICHELE SIEKERKA, President, New Jersey Business & Industry Association

ALBERT CHO, Vice President, Strategy and Business Development, Xylem, Inc

MICHAEL DEANE, Executive Director, National Association of Water Companies

RAHWA GIRMATZION, Program Director, PUSH Buffalo

ANTHONY PERNO, Chief Executive Officer, Cooper’s Ferry Partnership


Jersey Water Works is a cross-sector collaborative of individuals and organizations focused on transforming New Jersey ’s inadequate urban water infrastructure by investing in sustainable, cost-effective solutions that provide communities with clean water and waterways; healthier, safer neighborhoods; local jobs; flood and climate resilience; and economic growth.

Jersey Water Works is led by its inaugural Steering Committee (see back inside cover) and receives administrative and programmatic support from its “backbone” organization, New Jersey Future.

Through their participation on committees, as supporting members, and through their own work, member individuals and their organizations advance the following goals:

JERSEY WATER WORKS

GOALS

Engaged Stakeholders Financially Sustainable Systems

Effective Green and Gray Infrastructure

Smart Combined Sewer Overflow Plans

Urbanized communities maintain and improve drinking water, wastewater

and stormwater infrastructure systems to reduce flooding, protect the environment, and deliver quality

water services in a way that maximizes community benefits.

Municipalities and utilities adopt innovative CSO Long Term Control Plans (LTCPs) with cost-effective solutions and multiple community benefits that meet

or exceed permit requirements.

Operating budgets and capital investments for drinking water,

wastewater and stormwater infrastructure are adequate and

affordable, resulting in systems that operate efficiently and in a state of good

repair.

Well-Informed decision makers, community partners and ratepayers

participate actively and influence the planning and management of their

water infrastructure.

To learn more about Jersey Water Works and its full set of goals,visit njfuture.org/water

(Coming soon: jerseywaterworks.org)


SE

SS

ION

I PAN

ELS

2015 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

By providing a forum that enables members to share information, identify opportunities, and leverage their actions, Jersey Water Works and its predecessor, the Urban Water Solutions Initiative, get things done:

Local officials and the New Jersey League of Municipalities support 21st-century water infrastructure by adopting proclamations and resolutions.

New resources highlight “win-win” approaches for sewer and stormwater systems, including NJ AIMS4, a handy guide to strategies that improve cost efficiency and provide community benefits, and Water Infrastructure That Works for Cities, a report highlighting best practices nationwide.

Recommendations identify key opportunities. For example, Jersey Water Works’ Oct. 5, 2015, memo explains the opportunity for NJDEP guidance on the existing requirement for for combined sewer systems to consider green infrastructure.

New events bring people together across sectors. Almost 200 attendees explored combined-sewer solutions at the Jan. 8, 2015, conference co-hosted with NJDEP and US EPA. Quarterly meetings of five active committees advance projects.

Easy-to-understand flyers explain combined sewers in English, Spanish and Portuguese, facilitating engagement among community organizations and residents.

Partners are changing the way they do business:

The Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission is using smart strategies like regional coordination, green infrastructure, water conservation and robust stakeholder engagement for its combined sewer plan, as recommended in our model RFP.

The New Jersey Environmental Financing Program improved its loan program for preparation of combined sewer plans, leading to a jump in applications.

C i t ies and towns are explor ing new funding approaches, inc luding integrat ing water infrastruc ture upgrades with park and road projec ts, explor ing revenue streams re lated to stormwater generat ion, and engaging developers to manage stormwater on s i te.

Stay tuned for Jersey Water Works’ 2016 Work Plan of Collaborative Actions

(Or join the collaborative and be part of establishing them!)


HON. RAS J. BARAKA Mayor, City of Newark

Ras J. Baraka, who became Newark’s 40th mayor in May 2014, first ran for mayor in 1994 at age 24. He later became a deputy mayor under former Mayor Sharpe James, and served appointed and elected terms on the City Council. For 10 years he was also an elementary-school teacher and a high-school principal. He has focused his public service on issues of public safety, employment, health, economic development, and civic engagement, spearheading legislation to address violence as a public health issue and to ameliorate abandoned properties and blight. He is also deeply involved in efforts to bring more affordable housing to urban areas. Mayor Baraka received a B.A. from Howard University in Washington, D.C., and a Master’s in Education Supervision from St. Peter’s University in Jersey City.

HON. J. CHRISTIAN BOLLWAGEMayor, City of Elizabeth

Chris Bollwage is now in his 23rd year as mayor of Elizabeth, during which time he has sparked $800 million in economic redevelopment. His role in redeveloping a former brownfield site into what is now The Outlet Collection -- Jersey Gardens earned him the American Planning Association’s Distinguished Leadership Award for Elected Officials. He has been co-chair of the U.S. Conference

of Mayors Brownfields Task Force and has worked with other cities to encourage the development of these types of properties. Before becoming mayor, he was a city councilman and a member of the Planning Board. He is an adjunct professor in the Public Administration Department at Kean University. Also a graduate of Kean University, Mayor Bollwage holds a graduate degree with honors in Public Administration.

ALBERT CHOVice President, Strategy and Business Development, Xylem, Inc.

Mr. Cho leads Xylem’s business strategy, market intelligence, and business development activities. Previously, he worked as senior advisor at the State Department, where he was a White House Fellow and served on then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s policy planning staff. Mr. Cho has also worked as an executive at Cisco Systems, leading projects that applied information technology to environmental challenges; at McKinsey & Company, where he helped found the Sustainability and Resources Practice, and at the United Nations on a global plan for achieving the Millennium Development Goals. He was appointed to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Environmental Technologies Trade Advisory Committee. He received an M.Sc. in Development Economics and an M.B.A. from Oxford University, and

SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES


SP

EA

KE

R B

IOS

a B.A. from Harvard College.

MICHAEL DEANEExecutive Director, National Association of Water Companies

Before assuming his current role, Mr. Deane worked for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, first with the state revolving fund and public-private partnership programs, and later as senior policy advisor in infrastructure finance for its Office of Water and associate assistant administrator for water. He has held executive positions at United Water, its parent company Suez, and Vivendi, where he focused on innovative financing and infrastructure policy. He serves on the Pictet Water Fund advisory board, the board of directors of the National Council for Public-Private Partnerships, and the executive committee of the International Federation of Private Water Operators, and he chairs the Association for the Improvement of American Infrastructure’s water subcommittee. He holds a master’s in environmental management from Duke University and a bachelor’s degree from Gustavus Adolphus College.

HON. WILDA DIAZMayor, City of Perth Amboy

When Wilda Diaz was sworn in as mayor of Perth Amboy in 2008 she was the first woman to hold that office, and she is currently the only elected Latina mayor in New Jersey. She also currently serves as the chairwoman for the Perth Amboy Redevelopment

Agency. In 2015 Mayor Diaz became the first woman elected to lead the New Jersey Urban Mayors Association, in which capacity she is working with state and federal lawmakers to develop appropriate and effective public policy measures that affect all New Jersey cities. Mayor Diaz was named by El Diario La Prensa as one of its Mujeres Destacadas, or Outstanding Women, of 2012, and was featured in Real Simple as “The Accidental Politician” among only four female mayors in the nation.

KEYNOTE: RADHIKA FOXChief Executive Officer, U.S. Water

Alliance; Director, Value of Water Coalition

Ms. Fox is the chief executive officer of the U.S. Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to uniting people and policy for water sustainability. Ms. Fox also serves as director of the Value of Water Coalition, a collaboration of water agencies, business leaders, and national organizations dedicated to educating and inspiring people about how water is essential, invaluable, and in need of investment. Ms. Fox has more than 20 years of experience in developing policies, programs, and issue-based advocacy campaigns, having previously directed the policy and government affairs agenda for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. She holds a B.A. from Columbia University and a Master’s in City and Regional Planning from the University of California at Berkeley, where she was a HUD Community Development Fellow.


RAHWA GHIRMATZION

Director of Programs, PUSH Buffalo

People United for Sustainable Housing (PUSH Buffalo), where Ms. Ghirmatzion is the director of programs, is a local membership-based community organization working to mobilize residents to create strong neighborhoods with quality, affordable housing; expand local hiring opportunities; and advance economic justice. PUSH’s Green Development Zone combines green affordable housing construction, community-based renewable energy projects, housing weatherization, green jobs training, green infrastructure, and vacant land restoration projects toward the goal of creating pathways to employment for neighborhood residents while reducing the region’s carbon footprint. Ms. Ghirmatzion also serves as the executive director of Ujima Company, Inc., a political and activist theatre company, as a community health worker and trainer for the Community Health Worker Network of Buffalo, and a founding board member of the Partnership for the Public Good.

ROBERT MARTINCommissioner, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

Gov. Christie named Robert Martin to serve as commissioner of the Dept. of Environmental Protection in 2010. During Gov. Christie’s 2009 campaign he was a policy advisor, and assisted in shaping the administration’s energy and environmental policies. During the transition he worked with Lt. Gov.-

elect Kim Guadagno on the Red Tape Review Commission and chaired the energy and utilities transition team. Prior to that he worked at Accenture LLP, retiring in 2008 as a partner after more than 25 years. During his career he has worked with large utility and energy companies in the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and throughout Europe. Commissioner Martin holds a B.A. from Boston College and an M.B.A. from The George Washington University.

JOAN LEARY MAT THEWSDirector, Clean Water Division, United States Environmental Protection Agency

Ms. Leary Matthews is the director of the Clean Water Division, U.S. EPA Region 2, where she focuses on watershed protection, water infrastructure, permitting, coastal and ocean water protection, and surface and groundwater protection. Previously Ms. Leary Matthews served as associate commissioner at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; a professor at Albany Law School; and an assistant attorney general in the Environmental Protection Bureau of the New York State Department of Law. Ms. Leary Matthews received a B.A. from the University of Maryland and a J.D. from Albany Law School. She is a past chairwoman of the Environmental Law Section of the New York State Bar Association and past president of the Capital District Women’s Bar Association.


SP

EA

KE

R B

IOS

ANTHONY J. PERNO III ESQ.Chief Executive Officer, Cooper’s Ferry Partnership

Mr. Perno joined Cooper’s Ferry Development Association in 1999, and has developed and administered several major infrastructure initiatives including the Interior Gateway Initiative, the extension of Wiggins Waterfront Promenade, the Camden GreenWay, and the historical rehabilitation of Johnson Park. In his current role, Mr. Perno oversaw the merger of Cooper’s Ferry Development Association, Inc., and the Greater Camden Partnership to create Cooper’s Ferry Partnership. The new corporation is focused on a city-wide targeted development and civic programming strategy to create transformative change throughout the neighborhoods and downtown. Mr. Perno received a law degree from Rutgers University Camden and a B.A. from The College of New Jersey.

MICHELE SIEKERKA ESQ.President, New Jersey Business & Industry Association

Ms. Siekerka became the 11th president of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association in October 2014. She came to NJBIA from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, where she served as deputy commissioner and, prior to that, as assistant commissioner for water resource management. Ms. Siekerka’s background includes serving as the president and chief executive officer of the Mercer Regional Chamber of

Commerce, senior legal counsel and vice president of human resources with the Automobile Association of America, and as a partner in a Mercer County law firm. She also served on Gov. Chris Christie’s Red Tape Review Group. Ms. Siekerka earned a B.A. from Rutgers University and a J.D. from Temple University School of Law.

HON. DAWN ZIMMER Mayor, City of Hoboken

Dawn Zimmer became the first female mayor of Hoboken in 2009 after having served on the City Council. Since taking office, she has steadily reduced taxes and established a responsible cash surplus for the first time in many years. Following audits of the police and fire departments, restructuring and redeployment allowed the city to save millions of dollars per year while enhancing community safety. Through privatization, she saved the city’s hospital from closing, saved more than 1,200 jobs, and relieved taxpayers of a $52-million bond guarantee. Mayor Zimmer is using technology to make government more efficient and provide new services and information directly to residents at minimal cost. Under her watch, Hoboken is moving from a car-centric city into a nationally-recognized leader in progressive transportation initiatives. Previously, Ms. Zimmer worked in communications for a large Japanese trading company and did crisis communications for a large relations firm. She is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire.


SP

EA

KE

R B

IOS


JOIN THE COLLABORATIVE!Recognizing that no one organization or sector can solve complex problems alone, Jersey

Water Works facilitates collaboration across organizations and industry sectors.

Jersey Water Works is open to all interested individuals and organizations who commit to working towards the shared purpose and goals (see the handout in your conference folder as

well as page 8 of this program book for more information.)

Interested in joining?

Fill out the Jersey Water Works Membership Agreement in your conference folder and either give it to a Jersey Water Works staff member or scan and send to [email protected]

OR

visit NJFuture.org/Water (coming soon: JerseyWaterWorks.org!) to fill out the form electronically

A staff member will be in touch shortly afterward to thank you for your interest and welcome you to Jersey Water Works!

For more information contact Jane Rosenblatt at [email protected]

or 609-393-0008 ex. 110

Workshop immediately following the New Jersey Urban Water Conference

New Jersey Combined Sewer Overflow Long Term Control Plan

Workshop 12:30pm - 5:00pm

Ballroom A, Campus Center, New Jersey Institute of Technology

Specifically tailored for New Jersey clean water utilities and city departments, this free workshop will focus on key issues related to planning and implementation of

combined sewer overflow Long Term Control Plans

Lunch is available to those who are pre-registered: however, walk-ins are welcome.

The National Association of Clean Water Agencies

Presented by

Welcome to the inaugural New Jersey Urban Water Conference!€¦ · New Jersey Urban Water...

Documents

Transcript of Welcome to the inaugural New Jersey Urban Water Conference!€¦ · New Jersey Urban Water...