Sewer-Water Association names Chase its Outstanding Legislator of 2015
The Washington Association of Sewer & Water Districts has recognized Sen. Maralyn Chase for her Outstanding Support of Special Purpose Sewer & Water Districts.
Chase was the prime sponsor of SB 5048, which provides for a vote of the ratepayers in the event of an assumption of a water-sewer district by a city. Until the passage of this law, these special purpose districts were the only form of local government that was subject to a hostile takeover without the consent of the districts’ duly elected governing bodies or the citizens affected by the takeover. This short video illustrates the problem Chase’s legislation addressed.
Through Chase’s leadership, the bill passed the Senate 28-21 and passed the House of Representatives 96-1. Chase was also recognized for her continued support of infrastructure funding through the Public Works Assistance Account, which provides low cost loans for water-sewer districts, cities, and counties. This model program has been the subject of numerous budget raids over the past several sessions.
A plaque recognizing was presented to her in late September at the Annual Conference in Wenatchee.
Founded in 1995, the Washington Association of Sewer & Water Districts represents the state’s special purpose sewer and water districts. These districts provide services to 25 percent of the citizens of Washington. There are 176 special purpose sewer and water districts in the state.
One of the Association’s roles is to provide education and training to elected district commissioners and continuing education classes for general managers and certified operators of water and wastewater treatment plants. It also fosters increased communication between members and encourages standardization of water and sewer methods and services bringing benefits to ratepayers. The Association represents the interests of special purpose districts in the Washington legislature and with state and local regulatory agencies.