►
Description
The Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities of the Council of the City of Philadelphia will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, May 8, 2023, at 9:00 AM to hear testimony on the following items:
230061
Resolution authorizing the Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities to hold hearings to examine the Philadelphia Water Department request to increase water, sewer and stormwater rates and charges and its impact on the citizens of Philadelphia.
A
A
Good
morning,
everyone
thank
you
equipment.
The
committee
is
present
and
this
hearing
is
now
called
to
order.
This
is
the
public
hearing
of
the
committee
on
transportation
and
Public
Utilities.
Regarding
resolution
number
two:
three:
zero:
zero.
Six
one
would
a
clerk.
Please
read
the
title
of
the
resolution.
A
A
By
continuing
to
be
in
the
meeting,
you
are
considering
to
being
recorded
additionally
prior
to
recognizing
limits
for
the
questions
or
comments
they
have
for
Witnesses.
I
will
no
put
a
record
at
this
time
that
we
will
use
the
chat
feature
available
at
Microsoft
teams
to
allow
members
to
signify
that
they
wish
to
be
recognized
in
order
to
comply
with
the
sunshine
act.
The
chat
future
must
only
be
used
for
this
purpose.
When
a
clerk,
please
call
the
panel
for
resolution
number
23061.
E
E
E
Additional
revenues
are
needed
to
ensure
that
clean
water
is
delivered
as
safely
and
reliably
as
possible
and
that
one
wastewater
treatment
and
storm
Water
Management
Services
meet
our
community's
needs.
In
November,
2012
Philadelphia
residents
voted
to
amend
the
home
Rule
Charter,
to
allow
city
council
to
establish
an
independent
body,
the
Philadelphia
water,
sewer
and
stormwater
rate
board.
The
board
was
formed
to
replace
the
water
department
as
the
entity
responsible
for
setting
water,
Wastewater
and
storm
water
rates.
E
E
Pwd
is
not
a
corporation
designed
to
make
a
profit
when
we
request
higher
rates.
We
only
request
what
we,
what
we
project
will
be
needed
in
the
coming
years
and
we
show
our
customers
why
we
are
requesting
the
amounts,
through
the
public
rate.
Setting
process
managed
by
the
rate
board,
has
explained
that
the
Department's
testimony
to
the
rate
board,
which
is
available
online
on
the
rate
board's
website,
a
rate
increases
necessary
now
to
sustain
our
operations.
E
Chemical
costs
are
beyond
our
control
and
alone
add
tens
of
billions
of
dollars
to
our
annual
operating
budget.
Likewise,
the
cost
of
electricity
and
natural
gas
used
to
power
our
treatment
plants
and
pump
water
to
Residents.
It's
increasing
with
costs
projected
to
increase
by
nearly
11
percent
for
electricity
and
19
for
gas
in
the
next
fiscal
year.
E
You
can
count
on
one
of
the
ways
Philadelphia
water
is
working
to
save
customers.
Money
and
reduce
costs
is
by
applying
for
low
interest
loans
from
state
and
federal
sources
to
lessen
the
burden
of
capital
program
costs.
We
are
also
pursuing
grant
opportunities
where
feasible,
as
was
announced
during
President
Biden's
February
visit
to
our
Belmont
plant.
The
department
also
signed
a
341
billion
dollar
low
interest
loan
Master
agreement
with
the
water
infrastructure,
finance
and
Innovation
act
with
you.
The
first
loan
closed
for
19
million
dollars
over
the
next
three
years.
E
E
To
date,
Philadelphia
water
has
been
approved
for
low
interest
loans
of
386
million
dollars
from
pinvest.
We
will
continue
to
seek
Philadelphia's
share
of
this
funding
and
we
have
no
shortage
of
worthy
projects
ready
to
implement.
However,
the
department
has
been
informed
that
pinvests
by
pinvest
and
under
their
current
methodologies
for
determination
of
whether
the
applicant
qualifies
for
Grants
Philadelphia,
does
not
qualify
for
any
grant
funding
to
access
bipartisan
infrastructure
law
dollars,
while
low
interest
loads
are
invaluable.
Providing
funds
for
projects
will
be
crucial.
E
The
lack
of
grant
funding
for
Philadelphia,
which
serves
some
of
the
poorest
communities
in
the
Nations,
was
a
central
focus
of
the
Department's
testimony.
This
marched
before
United
States
Senate
Additionally.
The
city
is
working
with
Governor
Shapiro's
office.
To
address
these
barriers,
the
department
remains
firmly
committed
to
water
affordability.
E
With
with
I'm
sorry,
we
are
currently
backing
efforts
to
create
a
permanent
Federal
safety
net
program.
Modeled
after
this
program
in
2022,
we
introduced
new
policies
that
greatly
reduced
the
number
of
customers
eligible
for
payment
related
water,
shutoff
and
we'll
continue
to
work
with
the
administration
to
find
two
of
those
policies
and
increase
Outreach
to
customers
facing
shut
off
or
who
have
growing
debt.
Households
that
are
facing
hardship
can
access
these
programs
on
our
website
at
www.villa.gov
water
bill
help.
But
by
calling.
E
A
Thank
you
very
much,
commissioner,
for
your
testimony
and
before
I
open
it
up
for
questions
from
members
of
the
committee.
Just
a
couple
of
questions,
and
so
obviously
in
this
hearing
we're
examining
the
water
rate
increase
on
residents
here
in
the
city
of
Philadelphia,
and
one
of
the
main
questions
has
risen
throughout
this
process.
A
Not
not.
That
will
not
be
used
toward
reducing
the
rate,
but
specifically
we're
going
to
be
raising
the
rates
and
using
the
funds
for
a
variety
of
different
other
projects.
So
can
you
just
elaborate
why
we
have
to
move
forward
with
the
rate
increase
with
the
significant
funds
that
are
coming
down?
Two
I
want
to
also
get
an
idea
of
your
conversations
with
the
Director
of
Finance
regarding
funding
for
capital
projects
and
using
the
Opera
money
as
well
to
support
this
rate
increase
on
our
residence.
E
E
The
logic
I
believe
behind
it
is
that
Philadelphia
water
is
a
separate
entity
and
should
be
able
to
develop
a
rate
system
that
allows
it
to
to
remain
sustained
and
the
feeling
is
if
we
received
that
money
from
the
city
and
intertwine
the
two
pots
of
money,
that
it
would
lead
to
a
Lloyd
of
our
of
our
rates.
And
so
that's
what
I.
That's
my
understanding,
but
for
further
clarification.
I
ask
that
you
speak
with
the
finance
department.
A
E
A
E
Okay,
I
know
that
we
have
46
000
individuals
who
benefit
from
the
tap
program
and
our
senior
citizen
discount
program
and
I
do
want
to
say
that
Philadelphia
is
known
across
the
country.
You
know,
I've
worked
for
two
other
water
utilities
and
everybody
looks
to
Philadelphia
as
a
leader
on
having
a
safety
net
for
those
who
are
unable
to
pay
their
water
bills.
As
I
said,
we
have
46
000
that
are
in
tap
and
in
the
senior
citizen
program
and
are
being
protected.
A
F
Good
morning
Susan
Crosby
Deputy
Revenue
Commissioner
for
water.
We
are
very
proud
of
the
assistance
that
we're
able
to
offer
our
low-income
neighbors
here
in
Philadelphia.
As
the
water
commissioner
mentioned,
we
have
one
of
the
nation's
most
expansive
Assistance
programs
for
our
low-income
customers.
They
can
receive
up
to
a
customized
bill
as
low
as
12
dollars
per
month.
F
We
have
recently
increased
the
subscription
rate
to
that
program
over
the
last
five
months
by
5
000
customers,
and
we
are
continuing
efforts
to
increase
those
numbers
through
Auto
enrollment
using
the
live
WAP
grantees,
and
we
expect
to
have
another
5
000
customers
added
through
that.
So
when
you
combine
that
with
our
current
senior
citizen
discount
customers,
we
are
nearing
the
45
of
50
000
customers
subject
to
check
I
will
let
you
I'll,
give
you
an
official
number
with
today's
numbers,
so
we're
excited
about
that.
F
E
E
Now
there
are
a
number
of
items
that
are
rising,
that
we
at
Philadelphia
water
do
not
have
control
over.
As
we
know,
inflation
is
ravaging
the
country,
and
so
we
have
labor
costs
raising
about
14.3
million
I
mentioned
chemical
cost
earlier.
It's
at
15.7
million
and
materials
equipment
and
supplies
were
3.5
million.
So
we
look
at
our
Capital
Improvement
plan.
E
It's
now
estimated
for
fiscal
year,
23
to
fiscal
year,
28
at
4.5
billion
dollars
that
is
14.3
higher
than
the
previously
estimated
3.98
billion
dollars,
and
so
we're
in
a
position
because
of
covid
also
keep
in
mind
during
covid.
We
did
not
do
shutoffs,
we
continued
to
supply
money.
No
supply
of
water
and
individuals
were
not
were
not
able
to
pay.
It
was
okay
because
we
thought
it
was
the
right
thing
for
health
and
safety
to
to
allow
people
to
have
to
have
water
to
make
water
present
but
understand.
E
We
cannot
continue
to
mitigate
increases
using
our
financial
reserves.
That's
what
kept
us
afloat.
Reserves
have
helped
manage
Revenue
adjustments
in
the
past.
Reserves
are
now
at
a
minimum
level.
There's
no
guarantee
they
will
be
adequate
to
address
future
challenges
without
rate
relief
and
credit-rated
agencies.
This
is
very
important
because
credit
rates
determine
future
money
that
we're
able
to
obtain
the
cost
of
it.
Credit
rating
agencies
have
been
clear,
pushing
rate
stabilization
fund
reserves,
Beyond
120
million
dollars,
result
in
a
downgrade
raising
future
borrowing
costs,
but
I
just
want
to
share
that
information.
Sure.
G
G
A
A
A
E
E
Basically
comes
down
to
this
is
how
they
feel
that
we
are
not
our
rates,
aren't
High
Enough
and
are
not
enough
of
a
burden
on
the
on
the
individuals
that
warrants
us
to
increase,
to
get
to
be
able
to
receive
the
grants.
Now.
Just
a
couple
of
elements
they
would
like
to
see
us
have
a
separate
water,
Wastewater,
Billing
System,
which
is
outside
what
our
system
is
able
to
do
at
this
time.
It
costs
millions
of
dollars
to
change.
E
Then
they
also
have
the
rate
comparison
to
their
pit,
vest
affordability
targets,
that's
what
I
was
mentioning
earlier.
They
think
that
our
rates
aren't
high
enough,
not
high
enough
and
then
loan
and
forgiveness
impact
criteria
for
Grant
funds.
The
impact
of
an
additional
of
an
individual
residential
bill
must
be
at
least
15
annually
for
Philadelphia.
This
amounts
to
a
single
project
in
excess
of
300
million
dollars,
and
then
they
have
an
issue
regarding
grant
funding.
Availability
pitfest
has
limited
Grant
capacity.
E
Historically,
around
15
million
dollars
a
quarter,
given
the
cost
of
single
project
that
would
provide
15
a
year
because
I
don't
mentioned
just
a
minute
ago.
User
rate
impact
and
pit
invest,
limited
Grant
capacity,
Grant
funds
and
the
amount
needed
are
simply
not
available.
So
basically,
what
we're
saying
our
rates
aren't
high
enough.
They
have
a
limited
amount
of
money
that
they're
going
to
provide.
E
They
would
like
for
us
to
restructure
our
Billing
System,
which
would
cost
us
millions
of
dollars
to
do,
and
so
there's
a
number
of
factors,
but
mdo
has
reached
out
to
Harrisburg
and
we're
going
to
be
having
conversations
with
pinvest
and
I
testified
before
the
Senate
to
try
to
put
a
light
on
this
issue
just
two
months
ago,
and
we
may
be
able
to
see
some
change.
I
do
not
know,
I
cannot
guarantee,
but
we'll
certainly
welcome
any
Grant
dollars
that
we're
able
to
receive.
A
D
A
D
A
D
Thank
you,
Mr,
chair,
I,
listen
I
could
not
get
that
chance
to
work
and
I'm,
not
even
going
to
try,
but
a
good
morning.
Commissioner,
good
morning
to
everyone
represented
from
the
water
department
and
I,
see
my
Carol
there
from
infrastructure.
I
wanted
to
respectfully
request
of
the
administration,
and
whoever
can
arrange
this
into
organize
this,
for
the
hearing
this
morning
is
if
we
can
have
someone
from
Finance
to
please
get
on
the
hearing.
D
If
that
would
be
possible,
because
I
asked
questions
during
our
budget
hearing
with
you
all
relative
to
how
you
all
interface
interdepartmentally,
to
determine
how
and
when
you
all
could
use
your
inflation
Reserve
spending
and
for
what
and
I
know
that
we
weren't
able
to
have
a
I
know.
You
did
respond
to
the
questions,
but
I
wanted
to
have
someone
from
Finance.
D
Also
on
this
call
to
help
us
sort
of
walk
through
that
as
we
go
down
this
process,
because
I
do
think,
we
need
to
better
understand
that
moving
forward
so
that
we
know
when
it's
appropriate
to
then
come
back
to
our
customers
and
to
our
citizens.
To
then
say
we
have
to
do
a
20
increase
for
you
know,
whatever
the
reasons
may
be,
we
have
to
know
that
we've
exhausted
all
internal
possibilities
before
we
move
in
that
direction.
D
So
I
just
want
to
be
on
the
record
again
and
I've
said
this
multiple
times
us
as
being
against
this
proposed
water
rate
increase
for
our
consumers.
I
think
that
they
are
overburdened
during
this
time,
particularly
because
of
the
rising
rates
previously,
but
also
because
of
everything
else.
That's
going
on
in
our
economy
overall
and
also
specifically
in
the
city
around
our
property
taxes.
D
H
H
Funds
and
that
the
finance
department,
you
know,
sent
a
letter
back
formally
denying
that
request
so
I
mean
that's
the
that's
the
heart
of
the
interaction
that
took
place
and
I'm
imagining.
What
you're,
actually
maybe
more
interested
in,
is
the
reasoning
why
Finance
decided
to
turn
out
that
request.
I!
Think
that's
what
the
commissioner
tried
to
speak
to
before,
but
we
will
have
somebody
to
join
and
if
there's
some
clarification
we
can
give
you
know.
A
E
The
finances
yes
and
and
resend
a
letter,
oh
just
three
months
ago,
and
they
responded
so
within
the
last
three
months.
They
responded.
But
this
issue
was
brought
up
before
so
that
there
are
earlier
letters,
but
the
one
I'm
referencing
is
that
they
said
to
us
just
in
the
last
three
to
two
months,
that
they
could
not
intermingle
the
two
that
it
would
lower
the
bond
rating
for
both
Philadelphia
water
and
for
the
city
if
they
did
so
because
Philadelphia
water
has
to
be
a
standalone
in
the
eyes
of
the
rating
agencies.
Okay,.
D
So
if
you
could
just
I
think
it'll
be
helpful
too.
If
you
can
describe
for
us
the
relationship
you
just
mentioned
the
the
relationship
between
the
water
fund
and
the
general
fund,
because
there's
been
a
ton
of
discussion
during
all
of
our
budget
proceedings
and
I.
Think
just
when
all
these
letters,
you
know
started
going
back
and
forth.
D
Hold
on
I'm
sorry
Mike,
one
second,
before
you
begin
to
your
point
and
I
understand
that
Finance
is
stating
they
don't
have
anyone
available,
but
Mr
chair
would
I
would
respectfully
request,
because
this
is
such
an
important
issue
to
our
constituents.
It
will
impact
the
lives
of
you
know
almost
every
single
Philadelphian
that
we
I
respectfully
request
that
we
have
an
additional
hearing
where
Finance
can
come
on
with
the
water
department
so
that
we
can
receive
questions
with
everyone
in
the
same
hearing
at
the
same
time.
D
So
it's
not
a
lot
of
back
and
forth
and
you
know
not
a
lot
of
you
know
letters
we
all
should
be
able
to
be
on
at
the
same
time,
because
a
lot
of
these
questions
do
interface
with
their
Department
as
well.
So
I'll
request
that
we
have
an
additional
hearing,
I'm.
Sorry
Mike,
you
can
thank
you
Mr
chair
and
you
can
go
ahead.
H
D
Okay,
that'll
be
great,
and
then
my
next
question
is
is
really
to
that
point.
We
recognize
that
it
does.
You
know
obviously
make
sense
that
the
water
fund
is
separate
from
the
general
fund,
because
we
have
to
make
sure
that
all
of
our
rate
payer
dollars
are
not
being
used
for
initiatives
and
projects.
You
know
better
suited
for
the
general
fund.
H
H
You
know
I
think
from
that
finance
that
bondholders
perspective
it
starts
to
look
like
I'll,
be
a
little
bit
careful
like
we're.
We're
messing
around
with
the
numbers
a
little
bit
to
make.
It
seem
like
the
water
department
can
stand
on
its
own
two
feet
when
in
fact,
the
more
reasonable
Common
Sense
we're
looking
at
it
is
it
it
couldn't
it
couldn't
do
it
without
the
city.
Stepping
in
right.
D
But
Mike
to
your
point,
though,
we
have
defrayed
some
of
the
pension
costs
right.
So
why
can't
we
defray
something
like
energy
costs
like
it's
not
like?
That
does
not
happen.
Okay,
we
know
it
like
we've
defrayed,
some
of
the
pension
costs
right,
meaning
meaning
meaning
there's
a
way
to
help
defray
cost.
H
Well,
energy
markets
are
very
peculiar
and,
in
general,
what
we
try
to
do
in
the
energy
markets
is
to
establish
long-term
contracts
for
energy.
Those
are,
you
know,
regulated
in
an
entirely
different
way
than
pensions.
Are
you
know
we
come
in
not
under
not
just
under
you
know,
puc
rules,
but
also
the
kind
of
the
energy
purchasing
Market,
which
is
well
I,
can't
even
remember
the
name
of
it.
H
D
But
if
we're
doing
this
every
few
years-
and
it's
still
unaffordable,
that's
a
problem
and
it's
something
that
needs
to
be
evaluated,
meaning
we
have
to
evaluate
everything
to
ensure
that
we
don't
continue
to
come
back
every
few
years
with
the
same
problem
and
then
saying
it's
again
unaffordable.
You
know
it's
just
you
know
we
can't
keep
doing
the
same
thing
and
think
we're
going
to
get
different
results
relative
to
our
ability
to
keep
things
affordable
for
our
rate
payers.
Recognizing
that
you
know
we
have
the
level
of
poverty
that
we
have
in
our
city.
D
H
I'll
I'll
ask
the
commissioner
to
step
in
what
I'll
say,
though
I
think
we're
on
the
right
track
with
the
efforts
to
get
you
know,
grants
and
and
focus
on
Capital
Investments
that
will
lower
all
operating
costs.
I
mean
that
is
going
to
be
a
long-term
undertaking
and
we
have
to
first
move
the
needle
on
some
of
the
lawmaking,
which
is
probably
mostly
focused
right
now
at
the
state
level,
with
the
constraints
that
are
put
on
pendvest
funding,
but
also
we're
we're
hearing.
H
People
around
the
country
are
facing
the
same
issue.
All
the
conversations
I
have
with
our
our
team
in
DC
with
our
delegation
in
DC
with
the
bite,
Administration
Municipal
Water
utilities
are
getting
kind
of
edged
out
in
in
a
way
where
they're
not
getting
the
access
to
the
capital
they
need
to
take
on
the
projects
which,
over
time,
you
know,
I
need
to
be
clear
about
that.
H
H
D
I'm,
sorry
to
your
point,
though,
what
I
think
would
be
helpful
is
if
this
could
be
in
writing
if
we
could
get
something
from
the
water
department
from
infrastructure
to
State.
These
are
the
three
to
five
things
that
we
really
want
to
focus
on
at
the
state
level,
and
if
these
things
move
and
if
we're
able
to
move
the
needle
on
these
issues,
it
can
help
us
with
whatever
it
may
be
and
I'll
start
with
just
pinvest
right.
You
mentioned
pinvest
and
in
the
stringent
guidelines
around
the
the
loan
requirements.
D
But
we
have
to
know
that
information
from
you
all.
We
need
to
know
what
you
know.
Your
sort
of
three
to
five
things
are
that
that,
in
the
immediate
short
term,
will
help
us
in
the
long
term
and
I've
even
talked
to
the
committee
members
Nationwide
on
the
local
government
advisory
committee
for
the
EPA
about
this
issue
about
the
loans.
Okay,
because
it
was
something
else
that
came
up
and
it
was
only
alone
I'm
like
well.
D
E
We
received
14
million
dollars
to
pay
off,
philadelphians
did
to
pay
off
water
bill
debt
and
the
Senate
was
talking
two
months
ago
about
trying
to
make
a
national
program.
So
that's
something
else
that
we
will
push
for,
and
then
we
could
also
coordinate
with
the
city
council
if
they
wish
in
any
way
on
with
with
Harrisburg
anyway,
to
try
to
push
that
forward,
because
that
too
would
give
rate
relief
to
to
the
individuals
who
can't
afford
it
right.
D
Well,
that
I
mean
to
your
point:
I
would
welcome
taking
any
of
these
issues
to
the
local
government
advisory
committee
as
well,
so
that
we
can
get
additional
assistance
from
the
federal
government
to
help
us
with
defraying
any
of
our
calls
so
that
we
don't
have
to
move
in
the
direction
of
a
increase.
Okay.
Thank
you.
Thank
you.
Mr
chair.
A
I
I
just
want
additional
Clarity
Mike
and
commissioner
Heyman,
as
well
as
Deputy
Commissioner
Carol,
just
around
the
interaction
you've
had
with
the
Shapiro,
Administration
and
Pennville.
Then
this
particularly
around
support
for
addressing
our
issues
around
Capital,
Improvements
water
infrastructure
and
the
funding
barriers
that
are
the
funding
barriers
that
we
encounter.
So
so
what
this
can
you
just
elaborate
on
that
just
a
little
bit
for
me.
Please.
H
Yeah
I
can
speak
to
that
and
it's
been
a
little
bit
of
a
roller
coaster.
I'll
tell
you
that,
but
it's
not
I
won't
I
won't
blame
anybody
for
that
and
I
think
the
fact
is,
is
the
Shapiro
Administration
came
in
and
you
know
after
the
inauguration,
Brian
ragley,
who
works
as
kind
of
the
infrastructures
are
under
the
governor
met
with
us
and
he
meets
with
us
regularly
and
in
fact,
actually
he
is
now
kind
of
leading
up
the
penvest
board.
H
So
he's
expressed
us
a
lot
of
passion
about
these
issues
and
a
desire
to
work
with
the
water
department
and
us
to
find
a
resolution
and
as
they
were
getting
their
feet
on
the
ground,
we
were
hearing
really
great
stuff,
very
encouraging
that
they
were
going
to
change
the
rules
kind
of
as
the
board.
They
were
going
to
change
the
rules.
H
Unfortunately,
a
couple
weeks
back,
we
had
a
meeting
and
I
guess
they
had
been
talking
to
their
attorneys
and
it
turns
out
that
the
board
on
its
own
does
not
have
the
authority
to
modify
those
rules.
It
can
propose
some
rule
making,
but
they
need
to
work
through
the
legislature
in
order
to
get
the
the
key
issues
addressed,
and
so
that's
why,
although
I
I
had
heard
before
it
was
the
legislator,
we
kind
of
hit
pause
on
some
of
the
things.
H
H
A
Okay
and
I
do
know
on
the
state
level
young
lady
who
has
been
advocating
around
this
issue
with
state
representative,
dareisha,
Parker
and
so
I'm,
not
sure
what
committee
she
sits
on,
but
I
know
she's
been
a
Advocate
particularly
around
this
issue,
with
the
rate
hiking
trying
to
see
how
they
can
be
supportive
on
the
stake
level.
So
maybe
we
get
everybody
in
the
same
room
from
the
legislative
to
see
how
we
can
get
some
additional
support
on
the
state
level.
A
I
J
Good
good
morning,
benjold
Deputy
Commissioner
of
operations,
Philadelphia
water
department.
Thank
you,
commissioner.
Thank
you,
council,
member
Jones,
council,
member
Johnson,
I
I.
Don't
have
the
data
in
front
of
me
right
now,
but
we
do
perform
an
annual
water
audit
that
looks
at
Water
losses.
Those
water
losses
are
from
various
sources
through
water
main
breaks
on
the
public
side
through
service
leaks
on
the
private
side,
between
the
public,
Mains
and
the
meters
and
and
then
there's
obviously
a
thyroid
suppression
system
losses
that
are
unmetered
as
well.
J
I
So
I
just
would
encourage
us,
as
we
look
at
rate
Heights
to
look
at
the
savings
that
we
can
get
from
the
reduction
of
you
know.
You
know
it's
a
nightmare
when
we
wake
up
and
watch
the
news,
water
main
break
at
Point
Breeze,
and
you
know-
and
you
know
that
infrastructure
often
is
over
a
hundred
years
old
as
I
remember
and
if
we
just
started
repairing
lymphs
of
it
today
that
I
I
just
think
it
will
employ
a
lot
of
at-risk
people
at
risk.
I
Young
people,
if
we
just
had
a
Marshall
plan
for
that
activity,
Mr
chairman,
so
if
they
will
update
you
with
that
info
infrastructure
information,
remember
Gilmore
Richardson
is
constantly
looking
to
get
young
people
in
employed
and
I.
Think
it
just
will
help
the
city
of
Philadelphia.
If
we
just
took
advantage
of
what
needs
to
be
repaired
and
put
it
out
there
to
our
at-risk
youth
I
just
know
it
will
will
help
us
out.
Thank
you,
Mr
chairman.
A
Thank
you
on
the
topic
of
Shifting
costs
and
my
notes.
Storm
won't
manage
stormwater
management
regulations
require
new
and
or
Redevelopment
sites.
Distributing
greater
than
15
000
square
feet
of
Earth
to
infiltrate,
retain
or
treat
a
certain
amount
of
storm
water
on
site.
Can
you
give
us
an
idea
more
about
that
requirement
and
then
also,
if
we
would
amend
that
requirement
to
cover
sites
Distributing
greater
than
5
000
square
feet
like
what
would
be
the
impact.
K
Good
morning,
everyone
Mark
Camerado
Deputy
Commissioner
planning,
Environmental
Services
here
with
Philadelphia
water.
Thank
you
for
the
question
council
member.
We
thought
our
stormwater
regulations
in
place
since
2006,
knowing
that
anyone
Who
develops
in
the
city
may
have
an
impact
on
our
stormwater
management
requirements.
So
it
was
our
way
of
of
trying
to
allow
for
sustainable
development
to
happen.
K
Throughout
the
city,
we
have
seen
hundreds
and
hundreds
of
projects
meet
the
requirements
of
our
stormwater
regulations
to
date,
and
it's
been
instrumental
in
allowing
us
to
manage.
Stormwater
and
Abate
combine
two
overflows
in
this
combined
Seward
section
of
the
city
as
well
as
providing
benefit
in
our
separate
Seward
section
of
the
city.
It
is
one
of
the
things
that,
across
this
country,
people
look
at
of
having
these
stormwater
regulations
in
place.
K
When
we
looked
at
the
Earth
disturbance
threshold
of
15
000
square
feet,
it
really
kind
of
met.
What
where
nationally
folks
were
going?
As
as
part
of
looking
at
development
regulations,
we
looked
at
5
000
square
feet
and
thought
that
that
threshold
would
be
a
significant
administrative
burden
to
try
to
manage
it's,
not
a
very
big
area.
K
So
we
had
to
kind
of
use
some
data
to
say
how
often
do
we
see
development?
What
development
you
know,
quantities,
knowing
that
the
water
department
has
injected
itself
into
the
development
process.
We
do
significant
amount
of
utility
reviews,
the
stormwater,
Plan
reviews,
pre
and
post
construction
related
inspections,
all
for
the
sake
of
trying
to
make
sure
that
we
can
get.
You
know
the
stormwater
management
benefits.
K
The
the
burden
of
the
administrative
burden
of
trying
to
regulate
those
sites
was
a
little
more
than
that
we
could
handle
and
the
return
wasn't
where
we
really
needed
it
to
be.
We
still
regulate
in
some
way.
We
are
delegated
responsibilities
from
the
state
to
do
erosion
and
sediment
control
related
activities.
K
But
again,
those
regs
have
been
in
place
since
2006
had
have
been
absolutely
instrumental
for
us
to
meet
regulatory
requirements
over
the
last
you
know,
17
years
plus
and
and
and
honestly,
a
successful
and
an
instrumental
tool
in
allowing
us
to
to
think
about
water
quality
improvements.
Moving
forward.
A
A
Two
we
can't
use
the
I
call
it
Opera
arpa
funding
the
federal
funding,
because
it
would
impact
our
bond
rating
by
moving
the
funding
from
by
accepting
that
funding
to
to
our
traditional
water
department.
Funding
account
will
have
an
impact
on
our
bond
reading
according
to
on
the
finance
department.
Okay,
I
just
want
to
try
to
make
sure
that
we're
doing
all
soft.
A
This
is
Shapiro
Administration
but,
most
importantly,
the
legislators
in
Harrisburg
to
help
us
Rectify
and
get
in
front
of
this
issue
for
the
future
and
so
don't
go.
We
do
have
a
couple
of
other
individuals
on
other
panels
and
I
may
come
back
with
some
additional
questions
as
well,
based
upon
their
testimony
as
well.
Thank
you,
commissioner.
Thank.
A
Yeah
one
more
question:
I
want
to
slide
in
there,
commissioner,
in
terms
of
what's
the
process
for
the
water
department
to
actually
do
an
analysis
of
all
of
our
piping
right
throughout
the
city,
as
relates
to
replacing
our
water
mains
right
and
the
level
of
priority.
That's
dedicated
to
doing
that.
How
frequent
are
key
water
mains
expected
inspected
and
pipes
are
replaced.
E
E
That's
an
increase.
We're
going
to
increase
that
to
42
miles
per
year
by
2024
that
cost
us
2.6
million
dollars
per
mile.
So
again,
over
the
last
26
years,
we
were
doing
18.6
we're
raising
that
to
42
miles
per
year
and
that
cost
2.5
million
dollars
per
mile
soon
replacement.
In
the
past
26
years
we
did
eight
miles
per
year,
we're
increasing
that
to
10
miles
per
year
and
that
will
cost
us
5.4.
E
Yes,
okay,
I'm,
sorry,
all
right.
What
I
would
say
was
the
water
main
replacements.
We
have
26
so
the
last
26
years
we
had
18.6
miles
per
year,
we've
increased
that
to
42
miles
per
year,
and
that
comes
to
2.5
million
dollars
per
mile
and
then
with
the
sewer
replacement,
we're
at
26
years.
We
had
eight
miles
per
year,
we'll
increase
that
to
10
miles
per
year,
and
that
has
cost
us
5.4.
E
But
my
computer
has
a
mind
of
its
own
and
that's
the
AI
I'm,
not
I'm,
not
touching
it,
but
I'm
good.
Nevertheless,
I
I
gave
you
what
our
water
made
replacement,
sewer,
Replacements
are,
and
so
I
would
like
big
Jules,
Deputy
Commission
of
operations
to
talk
about
how
we
look
and
evaluate
the
individual
veins
in
the
city
and
prioritize
those
Replacements.
Thank
you.
J
J
You
know
are
reported
to
us
through
the
public
and
we're
engaged
in
trying
to
you
know:
stop
those
leaks
as
quickly
as
possible,
prevent
impact
on
our
infrastructure
on
private
infrastructure
in
the
public
right-of-way
as
quickly
as
we
possibly
can.
We
also
have
some
preventative
Leak
Detection
methods
that
we
utilize.
J
J
It's
it's
yielded
some,
some
really
nice
initial
benefits
that
we
think
we
can
probably
leverage
on
a
larger
scale,
but
we're
still
really
in
the
pilot
phase.
But
the
goal
of
that
is
really
to
be
able
to
literally
look
from
a
high
level
down
at
the
city
and
more
effectively
and
more
efficiently
deploy
our
employees
on
the
ground.
Doing
that,
like
really
refined,
I,
think
there's
a
leak
at
this
location.
Is
it
on
the
water
main?
Is
it
on
service?
J
So
we
can
kind
of
find
efficiency
by
perhaps
like.
If
we're
going
to
do
a
sewer
already,
we
know
we're
going
to
be
there
if
the
water
main
is
in
need
of
replacement.
We'll
do
it
at
that
time
and
create
some
kind
of
some
of
those
cost
savings
by
you
know
two
birds
with
one
stone,
but
to
to
more
generally
answer
your
question.
J
I
think
that
you
know
we
are
proactively
trying
to
assess
the
system
every
day
and
the
information
and
the
data,
that's
that's
developed
in
the
field
is
being
fed
into
a
risk
assessment
model
that
is
being
used
to
prioritize
those
water
mains
that
are
feeding
into
our
Capital
Improvement
program.
With
the
goals
that
the
commissioner
laid
out
of
over
40
miles
per
year,
most
Capital
replacement.
J
Yeah
and
and
commissioner,
our
council
member
Johnson,
just
in
response
to
that,
you
know,
because
we
are
aware
of
that
Trend,
you
know
we
really
step
up
our
field
operations
during
the
winter
we
go
into.
What's
called
our
winter
schedule,
we're
working
two
offset
12-hour
shifts
and
and
our
the
employees
of
the
water
department,
the
residents
of
Philadelphia
like
those
folks
that
are,
you
know
in
the
ditches
in
the
winter
you
know,
Knee
Deep
in
water
really
show
up
and
really
work
hard
through
the
winter
season.
E
Have
to
say
I
can't
say
thank
you
enough
to
the
the
men
and
women
that
dedicate
themselves
to
that
job
in
the
winter
and
the
code
of
winter.
Now
there
are
times
when
their
shift
ends
at
midnight
and
they'll
say
no
I
want
to
stay.
I
want
to
finish
I'm
trying
to
finish
this
I
have
an
obligation
and
that's
the
kind
of
Pride
that
they
have
in
the
with
the
water
main
replacement,
but
that's
the
type
of
product
they
have
throughout
the
organization.
They
think
they
take
ownership
of
the
problems.
E
I
I
I
just
wanted
to
Echo
that
I
have
seen
in
sub
freezing
temperatures.
Members
of
the
water
department
out
there
fixing
water
main
breaks
so
much
so
I
remember
giving
a
resolution
citation
to
the
Department.
The
gentleman's
beard
had
frozen
over
from
the
water
that
was
spraying
on
it
and
he
kept
working,
which
was
incredible
to
me
and
so
I
I
concur
one
one
quick
question:
are
you
or
the
streets
department
responsible
for
the
sewer,
inlets.
I
I
J
J
I
I
So
if
you
could
keep
that
kind
of
data
and
the
cost
differential
between
the
concrete
versus
the
the
the
metal
and-
and
you
might
remember
this
Mr
chairman-
maybe
10
years
ago,
during
the
height
of
some
of
the
folk
that
were
addicted,
there
was
a
a
surge
of
people,
stealing
the
the
tops
of
the
capsular
water
polls
and
service
holes,
and
they
were
recycling
them
and
getting
the
value
of
the
metal
and
that
and
that
was
really
dangerous.
So
how
has
that
dissipated
that
has
changed
now.
J
A
L
Good
morning,
Mr
chairman,
thank
you
very
much.
I
am
Adam
Nagel
and
I
serve
as
campaign
manager
for
Citizens
for
Pennsylvania's
future,
also
known
as
pen
future.
So
good
morning
again,
chairman
Johnson
members
of
Transportation
Public
Utilities
committee
and
I
also
acknowledge
that
councilmember
Catherine
Gilmore
Richardson
is
with
us
here
today.
L
Opportunity
to
provide
testimony
today
in
relation
to
resolution
number
230061
pen
future
is
a
membership-based
non-profit
environmental
organization
dedicated
to
Leading
the
transition
to
a
clean
energy
economy
in
Pennsylvania
and
Beyond.
Penn
future
strives
to
protect
our
air
water
and
land
and
to
empower
citizens
to
build
sustainable
communities
for
future
Generations.
A
main
focus
of
our
work
is
to
improve
and
protect
water
resources
and
water
quality
across
Pennsylvania,
with
particular
emphasis
on
the
Delaware
River
Basin
and
Philadelphia
through
public
Outreach
and
education,
advocacy
and
litigation.
L
The
Philadelphia
water
department
formally
filed
notice
on
January
24
2023
of
its
desire
to
increase
rates
for
residential
and
Commercial
rate
payers.
The
department
requested
a
total
increase
of
about
20
percent
over
two
years
for
residential
ratepayers.
This
represents
a
substantial
increase
for
Philadelphia
residents,
who
are
already
dealing
with
Rising
energy
costs.
L
L
Our
organization
has
advocated
at
every
level
of
government
to
secure
funding
for
water
infrastructure,
to
improve
water
quality,
reduce
flooding
and
help
pennsylvanians
access
clean
natural
resources
to
provide
relief
from
increasing
heat
due
to
climate
change.
We
recognize
that
many
of
the
financial
challenges
facing
the
water
department
are
not
unique
to
Philadelphia
and
are
a
direct
result
of
prolonged
under
investment
in
our
water
infrastructure
system.
At
the
federal
level.
According
to
the
American
Society
of
civil
engineers,
the
federal
government
accounted
for
63
percent
of
total
spending
in
the
water
sector.
In
1977.
L
it
accounted
for
just
nine
percent
of
total
Capital
spending
in
2017..
The
burden
to
maintain
the
city's
water
system
has
fallen
to
Residence
in
the
absence
of
sustainable
and
Equitable
Federal
funding.
Not
only
has
the
federal
government
often
left
funding
for
infrastructure
to
local
municipalities.
The
nature
of
the
support
it
does
provide
has
changed
from
a
pre
from
the
previous
era
as
well.
The
Clean
Water
Act
established
the
Construction
Grants
program
upon
its
passage
in
1972.
administered
by
the
Environmental
Protection
Agency.
L
This
program
delivered
grants
directly
to
municipalities
and
helped
fund
much
of
our
nation's
current
water
infrastructure.
Despite
the
program's
early
success,
it
was
replaced
by
the
Clean
Water
State
revolving
Fund
in
1987,
which
was
followed
by
the
creation
of
the
drinking
water,
save
revolving
Fund
in
1996..
L
Although
These
funds
provide
critical
funding
to
address
water
infrastructure
needs,
they
are
loan
programs
that
require
the
state
to
match
the
allocated
federal
funds.
This
is
increased
state
and
local
Financial
capacity
requirements,
while
placing
additional
burdens
on
paying
for
investments
in
water
infrastructure
on
communities
in
need,
like
Philadelphia,
recognizing
the
constraints
that
exist
for
the
water
department.
Funding
provided
via
the
American
Rescue
plan
act
or
arpa
to
the
city
should
serve
as
a
critical
Lifeline
to
the
Department.
L
L
To
date,
mayor
Kenny's
Administration
has
spent
roughly
600
million
dollars
of
these
funds,
leaving
approximately
800
million
that
must
be
allocated
by
the
end
of
2024.,
and
although
it
appears
from
type
of
money
provided
in
connection
to
the
rate,
proceeding
and
as
a
part
of
the
city
of
Philadelphia's
budget
proceedings
that
Arbor
funding
would
not
necessarily
provide
immediately
for
relief
for
residents.
It
would
significantly
reduce
the
Department's
Debt
Service
in
the
future.
This
would,
in
turn
mitigate
Rising
costs
for
those
who
can
least
afford
them.
L
It
is
also
unclear
thus
far
from
the
city's
testimony
provided
during
the
budget
process.
To
what
extent
PWD
has
advocated
for
greater
assistance
from
the
recession,
inflation
and
reopening
Reserve.
We
also
note
that
there
may
be
a
follow-up
hearing
related
to
today's
proceedings
and
we
look
forward
for
greater
Clarity
on
that
item.
L
Testimony
from
the
finance
department
indicates
that
PWD
was
allocated
13.9
million
from
this
reserve
and
FY
23
to
cover
the
impact
of
inflation
on
costs
for
materials
and
chemicals,
but
the
finance
department's
testimony
does
not
make
clear
whether
PWD
saw
support
from
the
reserve
for
fy24.
The
recent
threat
to
the
city's
drinking
water
supply
due
to
a
toxic
chemical
spill
highlighted
the
vulnerability
to
one
of
the
city's
most
precious
resources.
All
residents
deserve
access
to
clean
water
at
an
affordable
rate.
L
The
the
ray
board
proceeding
and
previous
filing
seem
to
indicate
the
PWD
believes
that
it
cannot
sustain
operations
without
significant
cost
increases
for
ratepayers,
regardless
of
funding
opportunities
that
may
be
available
to
it.
This
is
not
a
sustainable
Pathway
to
ensure
that
all
residents
have
the
same
access
to
clean
water.
The
past
behavior
is
the
best
particular
predictor
of
future
performance.
Then
we
can
expect
that
PWD
and
the
City
of
Philadelphia
will
continue
to
place
more
burden
on
rate
payers
to
fund
the
city's
water
system.
L
As
time
goes
on,
this
will
have
significant
consequences
for
homeowners,
who
can
no
longer
afford
their
water
bills
and
for
renters
who
cannot
afford
to
pay
rent
in
the
face
of
increases
from
landlords
we'll
try
to
keep
up
with
Rising
utility
costs,
the
fundamental
resource
will
grow
ever
more
expensive
and
access
will
be
placed
Out,
Of
Reach
for
Philadelphia
residents.
This
approach
is
untenable.
As
such,
we
recommend
the
following:
achieve
greater
Clarity,
around
pwd's
ability
to
access
funding
from
the
recession,
inflation,
reopening
reserve
and
what
that
would
mean
relative
to
its
proposed
rate
increase.
L
If
funding
is
available,
this
must
be
allocated
to
the
department
to
offset
costs
for
rate
payers
and
subsequently
reduce
or
eliminate
the
request
to
increase
rates.
Two
utilize
available,
arva
funding
for
the
financing
of
capital
projects
to
reduce
long-term
Debt
Service
obligations
and
mitigate
Rising
costs
for
rate
payers.
Three,
to
the
extent
that
the
two
items
above
do
not
eliminate
the
need
for
a
rate
increase
utilize,
the
general
fund
to
account
for
any
short-term
costs
that
may
impact
pwd's
operations
through
fy24
and
fy25
for
continue.
L
The
conversation
around
amending
the
storm
water
management
regulations
to
cover
city-funded
projects
on
Earth
the
servants
over
five
thousand
square
feet,
rather
than
the
current
fifteen
thousand
square
feet.
Not
only
will
the
significantly
increase
Philadelphia's
ability
to
manage
storm
water
but
will
ultimately
reduce
costs
for
repairs
by
placing
the
Robert
the
burden
of
responsibility
on
developers
and
five
PWD
must
examine
alternative
financing
options,
as
it
relates
to
a
storm
water
management
to
ensure
that
costs
are
shared
equitably
throughout
the
city
as
our
ability
to
effectively
manage
our
storm
water
impacts
us
all.
L
We
hope
that
this
hearing
continues.
The
broader
examination
required
to
ensure
the
PWD
meets
its
obligations
to
ensure
that
philadelphians
have
access
to
clean
water
and
should
ensure
affordable
cost
for
ratepayers
change
is
needed
within
city
government
to
ensure
the
Department's
long-term,
sustainable
sustainability
and
affordability
for
residents.
Thank
you
again
for
the
opportunity
and
I
look
forward
to
answering
any
questions
that
you
may
have.
A
C
Thank
you,
chairman
Johnson,
and
members
of
the
transportation
and
Public
Utilities
Committee
of
city
council.
My
name
is
Robert
W,
Ballinger
and
I'm,
a
senior
attorney
and
director
of
the
energy
unit
at
Community,
Legal
Services,
also
known
as
CLS
I'm,
testifying
here
today.
As
a
CLS
lawyer,
who
represents
low-income
philadelphians,
not
in
the
capacity
CLS
serves
as
public
advocate
in
water
rate
proceedings.
C
Every
day,
CLS
speaks
with
philadelphians,
who
are
having
trouble,
affording
their
water
and
often
must
choose
between
paying
their
water
bill
or
paying
for
food
rent
or
their
mortgage.
In
a
typical
year,
tens
of
thousands
of
people
will
have
their
water
shut
off,
and
while
we
Advocate
to
get
the
water
department
to
reconnect
people,
there
are
significant
challenges
to
keeping
the
water
on
for
all
who
need
it.
Unaffordability
of
water
service
disproportionately
burdens
black
and
brown
people
in
Philadelphia
and
across
the
country
due
to
systemic
racism.
C
C
However,
city
council
and
the
city
Administration
can
help
to
increase
water
affordability
by
diversifying
funding
and
helping
to
identify
cost
savings
for
the
water
department
and
its
customers.
Without
those
changes,
we
are
going
to
see
even
more
expensive
water
bills.
Cls
recognizes
the
great
need
for
the
water
department
to
undertake
environmental
and
infrastructure
improvements.
Those
improvements
are
necessary.
C
C
The
first
thing
is
to
provide
Capital
funding
each
year
for
the
water
department
from
diverse
sources,
so
water,
customers
and
debt
financed
by
water
bill
payments
are
not
the
sole
sources
of
funding
for
environmental
and
infrastructure
improvements.
These
improvements
have
huge
benefits,
but
there
are
other
ways
to
pay
for
them
than
through
people's
bills.
C
As
a
starting
point,
a
portion
of
the
millions
of
dollars
in
the
city
coffers
from
the
American
Rescue
plan
act
should
be
dedicated
to
funding
the
water
Department's
storm
water
management,
capital
projects.
These
projects
provide
broad
benefits
to
the
city,
including
crime
reduction,
decreased
Public,
Health
costs
and
economic
benefits.
C
Second,
City,
Council
and
the
administration
can
convene
stakeholders
to
identify
initiatives
to
save
costs
for
the
water
department,
which
will
help
offset
future
needs
to
raise
rates.
For
example,
in
2013,
the
water
department
began
generating
its
own
power
at
the
Northeast
Water
Pollution
Control
plan
providing
up
to
85
percent
of
its
own
electrical
requirements.
Identifying
more
projects
like
this
in
Partnership
or
collaboration
with
other
City
departments,
businesses
and
stakeholders
would
save
customers
money.
Over
the
long
term,
the
water
department
anticipates
raising
operating
and
maintenance
costs
long
into
the
future.
C
C
C
The
city
should
create
a
rapid
response
and
repair
program
accessible
to
both
tenants
and
homeowners.
When
high
usage
is
detected,
this
program
should
be
broadly
available
to
those
without
adequate
means
to
hire
a
plumber
and
not
require
income
verification.
It
is
vital
that
people
do
not
get
left
out
if
they
are
unable
to
complete
burdensome
paperwork.
C
A
I
have
one
question
for
Adam
Adam:
one
of
your
recommendations
was
using
a
specific
pot
of
money
for
debt
relief.
Can
you
go
back
over
that
particular
recommendation
and
I'm
quite
sure
these
recommendations
have
been
submitted
to
the
committee.
Correct,
okay,
I
don't
have
enough,
but
I
will
follow
up.
But
can
you
just
reiterate
that
one
particular
recommendation
please.
L
Oh
for
yeah,
so
that
that
goes
back
to
again
America
the
American,
wrecking
plan
act
and
and
I
think
that
we
would
Echo
Mr
Ballinger's
testimony
that
we
believe
that
the
American
Rescue
plan
Acton
should
be
used
to
to
finance
storm
water
management
projects
based
on
the
co-benefits
that
are
related
to
that.
In
addition
to
you
know
improving
our
ability
to
manage
our
storm
water.
L
So
you
know
if
we-
and
this
is
something
that
I
believe
has
been-
has
been
detailed
by
the
finance
department
during
City
council's
budget
process
as
well,
that
if
you
were
to
provide
you,
know
funds
via
the
American
Rescue
plan
act,
it
would
help.
The
water
department
decrease
some
of
its
debt
financing
obligations,
it's
quite
simply
because
they
would
not
have
to
pursue
the
low
interest
loans
that
have
been
detailed
by
the
commissioner
and
deputy
director
Carol
in
this
hearing
and
in
others.
A
Now
I
have
to
ask
this
question
and
I'll
follow
a
finance
as
well,
so
with
a
finance
official
response
is
we
can't
provide
the
funding
to
the
war
department
because
we
have
an
impact,
our
bond
reading
right
because
that's
the
official
response
from
the
administration
like
like
officially
right
and
then
I
guess?
How
does
that
job
with
the
federal
government
saying
we're
giving
you
this
money
for
infrastructure,
so
I
think
I
got
two
two
answers.
A
I
mean
two
two
perspectives
that
at
some
point
in
time,
these
two
perspectives
have
to
be
resolved,
because,
if
you're
going
to
give
me
funding,
that's
going
to
impact
my
bond
rate,
then
what
else
are
we
using
those
funds
for
if
they
were
actually
given
to
us,
particularly
I?
Think
Joe
Biden
came
touting
the
water
department?
He
was
like
pretty
happy
pretty
proud
to
say
he
was
giving
us
Philadelphia
funding,
for
you
know
our
infrastructure
for
the
water
department.
L
I
I
think
that's
the
question
that
that
you
know
at
least
for
a
kind
of
future.
We
we
struggle
with
as
well
in
resolving
the
the
two
different
perspectives
here.
I
think
it's
important
that
we
come
up
with
some
sort
of
a
solution
and
I.
Think
under
your
leadership
in
this
committee
that
we
can
we
can.
We
can
hopefully
see
something
if
not
in
the
near
future,
before
arpa
funds
must
be
allocated
and
ultimately
spent.
A
Yes,
it
seems
like
okay,
all
right.
Well,
we
got
some
marching
orders,
particularly
around
those
two
perspectives
that
came
out
of
this
hearing
is
very,
very
glaring
for
me,
and
so
we'll
definitely
do
I
do
diligence
and
follow
up
in
a
transparent
way,
so
the
public
can
know
how
we
are
going
to
be
moving
forward.
A
C
C
But
again
the
long-term
need
here
is
to
to
to
turn
the
corner.
A
little
bit
is
to
offset
the
capital
program
costs
because
we
all
recognize
like
the
storm
water
program
it
it.
It
definitely
contributes
to
a
lot
of
different
things
in
the
city
in
terms
of
quality
of
life
that
do
not
directly
sort
of
align
with
the
experience
a
customer
has
when
they
go
to
the
tap
and
turn
on
the
water.
D
A
Make
sure
that
they're
operating
as
efficiently
as
possible,
Right,
oh
and
again,
I'm
thinking
about
from
the
bomb
reading
standpoint
and
then
us
providing
additional
funding
on
the
top
of
them,
maintaining
their
books
so
to
speak
and
everything
is
being
done
properly,
but
because
you're
receiving
additional
funding
to
me
as
added
value,
not
so
much
as
supplement
right,
because
I'm
I'm
already
doing
what
I'm
supposed
to
be
doing.
But
nothing
takes
away
for
me
to
be
receiving
additional
funding
from
the
long
for
additional
funding
to
do
capital
projects.
Just
the
offset.
A
The
impact
rate
increase
are
going
to
have
in
the
future
on
a
customer,
but
something
you
just
mentioned,
which
is
which
is
interesting.
Is
that
and
I
see
a
lot
of
storm
water
management
projects
all
throughout
particularly
I,
see
in
my
district
and
I
know:
councilman
Curtis,
Johnson,
there's
some
big
ones
taking
place
in
his
district
as
well
and
that's
the
result
of
you
know
the
development
and
the
pressure
on
our
system
right,
but
you
just
mentioned
that
doesn't
directly
impact
the
customer
drinking
the
water.
A
A
Okay,
all
right!
Well,
listen
I
want
to
thank
the
two
of
you
for
being
here
and
providing
testimony.
We
will
do
our
due
diligence
to
do
a
follow-up
to
answer
some
of
these
key
questions
as
we
stay
on
top
of
it,
and
we
thank
you
for
taking
time
out
of
your
schedule
and
testifying
today.
Thank
you,
Mr
chairman.
N
M
M
Thank
you
so
much
for
allowing
me
to
testify
to
be
appearing,
so
it
go
to
that
saying
that
PWD
has
many
crucial
responsibilities
related
to
water,
that
protect
our
health
and
environment
and
improve
our
communities
in
quality
of
life
like
other
clean
water
utilities
across
the
country,
PWD
much
work
to
ensure
if
drinking
water,
tackling
lead
and
drinking
water.
Maybe
some
infrastructure,
traveling,
pears,
like
Waterman
breaks
and,
of
course,
complying
with
its
federal
legal
requirements
to
produce
pollution
from
entering
Philadelphia's.
M
Great
rivers
and
streams
like
the
Delaware
and
the
school
and
cities
across
the
country
are
making
great
strides
and
addressing
these
threats.
But
sadly,
discharges
of
billions
of
gallons
of
raw
sewage
from
Antiquated,
combined
sewer
systems
are
significant
sources
of
pollution
from
Philadelphia's
food
rivers
and
the
communities
through
which
state
line,
and
while
the
water,
Department's
long-term
control
plan
also
often
referred
to
as
Green
City.
Clean
Waters
program
has
begun
to
reduce
the
volume
of
these
discharges
abroad.
Sewage
into
Philadelphia's
represent
streams.
It
isn't
happening
fast
enough
to
ensure
the
cleanup
services
it.
M
However,
in
2021
historic
opportunities
were
put
forth
by
Congress
and
by
the
white
Administration
to
distribute
unprecedented
amounts
of
federal
funding
which
can
be
used
to
tackle
the
steward
problems,
making
Philadelphia's
Rivers.
This
includes
grants
to
cities
like
Philadelphia
that
do
not
have
to
be
repaid
to
the
federal
government.
Unfortunately,
it
appears
that
the
water
department
has
Not
Taken
full
advantage
of
this
historic
funding
opportunity,
essentially
free
money
for
the
city's
water
infrastructure.
M
There's
numerous
examples
of
cities
across
the
country.
Taking
advantage
of
this
once
in
a
lifetime,
Federal
funding
for
water
quality
improvements.
A
few
examples
from
our
neighboring
cities
include
Chester
just
down
the
road.
I
got
a
3.4
million
dollar
grant
for
BPA
sewage,
overflow
and
storm
water,
reduced
new
programs
on
the
OSG,
and
that
was
awarded
to
Chester
City
to
address
storm
water
and
flooding
problems
that
will
reduce
both
reduce
flooding
and
improve
recreational
access.
M
And
then
Wilmington
received
a
15
million
dollar
Grant
and
Congressional
directed
funding
for
clean
water
infrastructure
improvements.
The
Philadelphia
water
department,
in
light
of
these
resources,
shouldn't
be
burdening
everyday
philadelphians
rate
increases
without
first
proving
that
they
have
maximized
the
revenue
available
through
these
new
federal
sources
of
money.
And
so
we
think
in
order
to
know
if
the
Philadelphia
water
department
is
taking
full
advantage
of
the
funding
being
put
forth
through
the
federal
programs
associated
with
clean
water.
M
We
recommend
that
the
city
council
request
the
Philadelphia
water
department,
deliver
a
detailed
report
from
city
council
and
array
pairs
that
address
a
the
steps
that
PWD
has
taken
to
date
to
tap
into
Federal
funding
opportunities
identified
in
this
testimony,
which
I'll
be
able
to
support
consumers
and
cavias
B.
How
much
money
they've
applied
for
from
each
of
these
programs
to
the
specific
projects
that
they
proposed.
M
So,
where,
where
these
resources
are
going
towards
within
the
city
and
at
a
hearing
for
City
Council
on
October
24th
2022,
commissioner
Heyman
and
Mike
Carroll
say
that
there
are
barriers
associated
with
penvest
procedures
for
access
to
key
source
of
significant
Federal
grant
funding
the
epa's
Clean
Water
State,
resolving
Loan
Fund,
often
just
called
srf
funding
at
that
hearing
and
then
again
in
April
2023.
They
assured
the
council
members
that
they
were
taking
the
steps
to
attempt
to
convince
to
invest,
to
remove
these
barriers,
but
to
David's
unclear.
M
What's
up
if
any
PWD
has
taken
to
advocate
for
this
change,
so
we
recommend
that
city
council
request
information
from
PWD
that
lays
out
the
steps
PWD
have
taken
to
communicate
these
concerns
when
these
communications
took
place.
Any
responses
from
Pemba
and
many
other
jurisdictions,
water
utilities
are
collaborating
with
local
electric
officials
like
yourself
to
advocate
for
policy
change
on
their
behalf
and
so
to
date,
it's
unclear
to
us.
If
gwd
has
asked
members
of
the
council
the.
B
M
So,
finally,
beyond
the
new
sources
of
federal
funding,
EPA
has
encouraged
the
use
of
Provisions
related
to
borrowing
and
targeting,
if
PWD,
utilized,
penvest
low
interest
loan
increases
instead
of
their
current
loans
with
higher
interest
rates,
it
could
save
the
PWD
in
turn
fully
rate
payers
up
to
50
million
dollars
each
year.
So
we
recommend
that
Council
offices
request
PWD
to
report
on
its
plans
to
save
taxpayer
resources
and
repair
resources
through
refinancing
and
allocation
of
these
savings
to
other
water
pollution
reduction
measures.
Those
improve
community
life,
clean
water
is
critical
rate.
M
Increases
may
be
necessary
at
some
point,
however,
until
and
unless
Philadelphia
water
department
proved
the
need
for
raising
rates,
but
they
have
fully
tapped
into
all
the
other
costs
of
money
available
and
ensure
that
the
funds
are
going
to
Priority
projects
that
have
been
then
shown
for
public
officials
and
elected
officials
to
see
and
to
understand
and
for
the
public
to
see
and
understand.
They
should
not
be
saddling.
Philadelphia
repairs
and
increased
rates
thanks
so
much
for
the
opportunity
to
testify
today's
hearing
I'll
be
submitting
this
writing
as
well.
N
N
Sadly,
the
water
rate
boards
appointed
public
Advocate
we
just
heard
from
is
supporting
two
years
of
successive
rate
hikes
totaling
over
92
million
dollars,
so
I
am
fighting
them
as
well.
Excuse
me,
council,
member
Jones
asked
about
how
much
water
is
being
lost
during
the
hearings.
The
number
wasn't
21,
it's
actually
40
percent.
N
That's
what
came
out
of
the
hearings
I'm,
not
sure
why
Mr
Jewell
didn't
acknowledge
that,
but
at
the
hearings
that
is
the
number
that's
being
used.
The
facts
are
undeniable.
The
water
department
has
sought
to
raise
rates
before
it
has
taken
available
steps
to
lower
its
costs
and
increase
its
revenues
for
the
water
department.
The
path
of
least
resistance,
with
the
help
of
the
rape
board's
Advocate,
is
through
our
bank
accounts,
while
I
agree
that
cutting
costs
and
finding
efficiencies
is
harder
than
just
getting
the
rate
award
to
raise
rates.
N
Avoiding
the
hard
work
by
well-paid
water
department
bureaucrats
should
not
be
rewarded
with
more
money
in
fancier
offices.
We
should
demand
that
before
any
rate
increase
is
granted
any
rate
increase.
The
water
department
be
forced
to
do
the
hard
work
of
saving
us
money
in
understanding.
I,
don't
have
much
time,
I'll
only
list.
A
few
of
the
steps
that
the
water
department
should
take
before
they
actually
filed
for
the
rate
increase.
N
The
water
department
should
combine
billing
meeting
metering
and
services
with
PGW.
This
would
save
ratepayers
millions
of
dollars.
Is
there
really
any
reason
that
the
two
municipally
owned
utilities
cannot
work
together
and
share?
Services
too
Philadelphia
water
department
should
stop
renovating
their
Center.
N
In
response
to
a
direct
question
from
a
member
of
the
public
refuse
to
answer,
and
the
hearing
examiner
claimed
that
no
one
who
worked
in
the
office
is
being
renovated
was
prepared
to
answer
that
question
three.
The
water
department
should
move
out
of
its
headquarters
in
out
of
Center
City.
There's
no
reason
for
ratepayers
to
pay
more,
so
the
water
department
can
be
in
the
high
rent
district
Philadelphia
water
department
should
find
the
pgw's
offices
in
North.
N
Philadelphia
has
extra
space
and,
if
not
Philadelphia
water
department
should
move
its
offices
to
one
of
Philadelphia's
many
business
districts
that
could
use
an
anchor
to
help
Economic
Development
Philadelphia
water
department
has
hired
at
least
six
consultants
and
two
law
firms
to
help
it
raise
its
rates
by
21
percent
and
not
a
single
consultant
to
find
ways
of
lowering
costs.
If
Philadelphia
water
department
were
more
interested
in
saving
ratepayers
money
than
in
raising
our
rates,
they
would
hire
Consultants
to
help
them
save
money.
N
During
last
week's
hearings,
it
became
clear
that
the
water
Department's
own
Consultants,
the
ones
they're
paying
for
believe
that
management
operating
and
revenue
audits
would
lead
to
cost
savings.
The
water
commissioner,
who
was
at
that
hearing
himself,
said
under
cross-examination.
He
would
support
such
Audits,
and
yet
no
such
audit
has
ever
been
done
for
the
water
department.
They
hire
Consultants
to
find
ways
to
raise
rates,
don't
hire
anyone
to
find
ways
to
save
costs,
save
expenses
and
become
more
efficient.
N
5.
Philadelphia
water
department
should
look
for
Innovative
Technologies
to
stop
water
from
leaking
out
of
the
system.
During
the
hearing
and
uncontested
fact
was
placed
on
the
record
for
every
100
gallons
of
water.
The
water
department
uses
great
pairs
pay
to
clean
and
process.
Only
60
percent
reaches
water
department
meters,
40
percent
of
the
water
we
pay
to
clean
and
make
usable
is
loss.
The
national
average,
which
includes
other
older
Water
Systems,
like
philadelphians,
loses
20
percent.
N
We
have
a
hundred
percent
more
loss
than
the
average
loss,
and
not
a
single
consultant
has
been
hired
to
help
people.
The
water
department
find
ways
to
stop
the
leaks
and,
by
the
way,
that's
a
very
simple
thing.
The
city's
operating
budget
could
use
the
Auburn
money
for
the
city
already
pays
for
certain
amount
of
water
money
has
to
be
done
is
set
aside
to
pay
for
the
Lost
water.
It
wouldn't
affect.
Bond
ratings
wouldn't
affect
any
of
that.
Those
are
just
excuses.
N
The
administration
comes
up
with,
so
they
don't
have
to
do
the
hard
work
of
figuring
out
how
it
can
work.
Instead
of
saying,
let's
figure
out
how
we
can
use
the
art
book
money,
they
set
aside
the
arbor
money
for
their
for
the
administration's
pet
projects
and
refuse
to
use
it
to
help
us
lower
water
rates
and
make
the
rate
increase
unnecessary
six.
We
should
make
it
easier
to
get
households
on
low-income
plans
and
pay
bills.
This
would
help
with
Collections
and
avoid
the
cost
of
shutoffs
and
turn-ons.
N
Pgw
should
accept
applications
for
low-income
plans,
as
well
as
payment
for
water
bills.
Check,
cashing
places
and
drug
stores
should
be
allowed
to
collect
water
bills
as
they
do
for
cable
and
other
utilities.
Why
should
it
be
easier
for
me
to
pay
my
Comcast
bill
than
it
is
for
me
to
pay
my
water
bill?
Philadelphia
water
department
should
lower
the
fee
charge
to
pay
online.
I
was
shocked
to
find
out
during
the
hearings
that
none
of
the
water
departments
Witnesses
or
their
Consultants
knew
what
the
fee
was
or
how
it
was
arrived
at.
N
N
N
Eight
Philadelphia
water
department
sailed
to
ask
City
councils
to
include
Arbor
money
for
the
water
department
in
the
budget
cycle,
as
I
said,
they
claim
all
these
reasons
why
they
can't
do
it,
but
they
didn't
have
a
meeting
with
city
council
and
figure
out
a
way
that
they
can
do
it
and,
of
course
it
may
be
impolite
to
point
it
out.
But
one
of
the
reasons
why
the
water
commissioner
can't
press
the
mayor
to
use
the
offer
money
to
make
the
rate
increase
unnecessary.
N
N
You
would
think
that
they
would
reach
out
to
council
and
say:
hey
here's,
a
former
employee
of
city
council
who's.
Now
a
State
Rep
on
them.
Excuse
me
on
the
penvest
board.
Could
you
help
us
and
get
that
money?
Instead,
it's
much
easier
for
the
water
department
to
get
the
rate
increase
from
the
mayoral
appointments
on
the
rate
board,
who's
on
the
rate
board,
the
former
water
commissioner,
the
former
Chief
legal
counsel
for
PGW,
two
real
estate
developers
and
Mr
papowski
10..
N
As
you
heard
earlier,
the
Philadelphia
water
department
keeps
approximately
150
million
dollars
in
a
bank.
The
bank
they
chose
is
U.S
Bank,
a
bank
that
has
no
retail
branches
in
Philadelphia
offers
no
mortgages
or
other
loans
to
Philadelphia
the
companies.
The
water
department
hired
to
read
the
meters
is
based
in
North
Carolina.
N
There
are
many
other
points
but
I'm
running
out
of
time
to
face
the
sex.
Suffice
to
say
the
rate
board's
public
Advocate
has
not
raised
any
of
these
points
in
the
hearings
does
not
have
a
client
relationship
with
the
public
fail
to
meet
with
any
registered
Community
organization,
and
despite
many,
many
requests
refused
to
form
a
client,
Advisory
Group.
N
The
only
way,
the
only
way
that
we
can
change
the
behavior
of
the
water
department
to
look
for
cost
efficiencies,
first,
to
look
for
cost
savings.
First,
to
look
to
bring
in
more
businesses
to
look
to
hire
local
philadelphians.
The
only
way
we
can
do
that
is
by
stopping
this
rate
increase
unless
the
rate
rate
increase
is
rejected.
The
water
department
will
continue
to
fail
to
hire
Consultants
to
cut
costs,
find
deficiencies,
speak
City
councils,
help
with
10
best
and
allocating
funds.
N
The
only
way
to
force
PDW
the
water
department
to
make
the
improvements
is
to
reject
the
rate
increase
in
its
entirety
and
force
the
water
department
to
make
the
needed
changes,
and
now
Philadelphia
water
department
will
not
run
out
of
money.
As
you
heard
from
the
water
department
itself,
it
has
over
150
million
dollars
in
the
bank
more
than
enough
to
cover
its
costs
as
it
works
to
become
more
efficient
and
better
Sarah
Philadelphia.
N
The
water
commissioner
himself
is
on
record
saying:
if
the
water
department
doesn't
get
the
rate
hike,
it's
seeking,
it
will
have
to
make
changes,
and
that
is
what
we
need.
Changes
in
the
operation
of
the
water
department
and
changes
in
the
people
who
advocate
for
the
public
I
do
appreciate
your
time
on
having
to
answer
any
questions.
I
Thank
you,
Mr.
Thank
you.
Mr
chairman,
the
testimony
just
given
cited
a
number
of
companies
and
Banks
that
have
less
than
a
commitment
to
the
city
of
Philadelphia
and,
in
particular,
I
wonder
what
the
economic
impact
of
those
decisions
not
being
philadelphia-based
not
being
within
our
borders.
How
much
does
that
affect
our
Treasury
and
I
I?
You
know,
I,
don't
know
if
the
commissioner
is
still
around,
and
maybe
he
can
respond
to
some
of
the
comments
just
given.
I
Because
the
the
gentleman
raised
a
number
of
interesting
points
by
Way
by
which
decisions
were
made,
that
weren't
necessarily
factored
into
the
economic
impact
of
the
city
and
everything
that
we
should
do,
it
should
have
a
Philly
benefit
Philly
first
flavor,
and
he
cited
that
relationship
I
mentioned
before
about
the
repairs
of
the
23
estimated
23
percent
water
leakage.
If
we're
talking
about
rate
increases
to
the
customers
which
I'm
not
necessarily
opposed
to,
but
I
would
like
to
think
we
looked
at
every
possible
savings.
E
Want
to
say
clearly
one
saying
that
I
use
around
the
office
repeatedly
is
sharpen
your
pencils
when
my
staff
is
working
on
the
rate
increase
on
any
project
and
they
bring
it
to
me.
I'm
often
saying
to
go
back
and
sharpen
your
pencils.
Where
is
there
more
money
that
we
can
trim?
So
it's
not
as
expensive
as
a
way
to
cut
back
and
still
provide
the
same
service?
That
is
our
Mantra
every
day,
and
so
we
they
have
been
pushed
regularly
in
a
professional
manner.
E
E
We
do
it
in
line
with
City
requirements,
and
then
we
successfully
hire
someone
to
do
the
individual
work
that
is
required
and
so
I'm
sure
that
all
that
we've
done
is
in
line
and
in
step
with
the
city
requires
we're
always
happy
to
have
a
philadelphia-based
groups
involved
and
I'm,
not
sure
that
they're
not
I'm.
Actually,
I
don't
have
the
paperwork
right
in
front
of
me,
but
everything
we've
done
as
far
as
procuring
contractors
to
assist
us
is
in
line
with
the
rules.
Regulations
of
the
city
of
Philadelphia.
I
No
I,
don't
doubt
that
that
is
true,
but
there
is
a
evaluation
process
called
best
value
and
what
best
value
takes
into
account
is
not
only
the
lowest
responsible
bidder,
but
those
impacts
that
the
company
makes
to
the
Philadelphia
local
economy
and
I'd
be
interested
and
now
now
I
am
interested
in
looking
at
those
contracts.
Contracts
that
you
issue
to
see.
If,
in
fact,
in
fact,
we
have
followed
that
Spirit
of
procurement,
and
could
you
provide
that
analysis
to
the
chair?
I
N
You're
welcome
any
other
questions.
Yes,
our
name
is
if
I
may
Mr
chairman.
The
easiest
way
to
see
what's
important
to
the
water
department
is
how
they
spend
money.
They
spend
money
on
Consultants
seeking
rate
increases.
They
don't
spend
any
money
on
Consultants
to
find
ways
to
save
money.
It's
really
that
simple.
If
they
were
concerned,
if
there
was
as
concerned
about
saving
us
money
as
they
are
about
reaching
to
our
pocket
and
taking
more,
they
would
use
the
same
number
of
Consultants
to
save
money
as
they
do
to
raise
rates.
E
I
disagree:
Mr
chairman
with
the
the
proposition
that
he's
presenting
our
Engineers
every
day,
look
at
a
project
to
try
we're
not
a
for-profit
organization
and
that's
what
I
think
is
being
lost
in
the
conversation.
We
are
not
a
for-profit
organization.
It's
our
utility
is
our
desire
to
Simply
receive
the
monies.
We
need
to
protect
the
health
and
safety
of
our
community
by
designing
projects
that
address
that
our
Engineers
are
trained
Engineers,
so
some
of
the
best
in
the
country
and
they
look
at
ways
to
save
money.
E
A
Okay,
well
hearing
none.
This
concludes
the
Herring
for
today,
I
did
get
a
request
for
additional
follow-up
regarding
the
finance
committee,
which
I
will
discuss
with
my
colleague
in
terms
of
how
we
move
forward,
but
we
thank
everyone
for
taking
time
out
of
your
busy
schedule,
testifying
as
well
as
those
who
are
in
attendance,
as
relates
to
the
city
council
members.
Thank
you
very
much.
This
concludes
the
hearing
for
the
day.
Take
care.