Congressman Denny Heck Visits Lakewood Water District

Congressman Denny Heck visited the Lakewood Water District on April 2, 2015. Congressman Heck had wanted to visit our District for some time but had been unable to because of his demanding schedule, so we were happy that we were able to work with Congressman Heck’s staff to schedule this visit.
 
During the Congressman’s visit, the District shared with him and his staff information on subjects such as the differences between surface water and deep-well ground-water supplies; how our District operates; and how we treat and deliver safe, reliable, potable drinking water that supports the city of Lakewood, town of Steilacoom, and our wholesale partners.
 
We discussed with the Congressman the need for the Federal Government to understand: 1) the level of importance of continuing to fund ways for low-cost funding for water utility projects such as the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Authority (WIFIA); 2) the importance of Congress continuing to introduce legislation on cybersecurity; and 3) the government’s ability to help and/or to assist utilities if needed against any terrorist attacks involving chemicals or biological agents only testable by the Federal Government.
 
President Larry Ghilarducci, General Manager Randy Black, and other management staff also discussed with Congressman Heck other current and upcoming water concerns and issues, what could be done at the federal level to address these matters, and how they impact /benefit us at the local level.
 
Lakewood Water District would sincerely like to thank the Congressman for his time and feedback on the topics we shared with him regarding the important responsibility we have in providing safe drinking water to our nation’s communities.