Water Infrastructure Financing Focus of ACWA Conference

SACRAMENTO, CA--(Marketwire - Nov 21, 2011) - Financing much-needed water infrastructure improvements will be the focus of the Association of California Water Agencies' (ACWA) 2011 Fall Conference & Exhibition in Anaheim Nov. 29-Dec. 2. Themed "Financing Our Future," the event is expected to draw nearly 1,700 local water leaders around the state to the Anaheim Marriott hotel.

Newly retired U.S. District Court Judge Oliver Wanger will address attendees during a luncheon on Thursday, Dec. 1. Wanger has ruled on some of the most controversial water issues in the state in recent years and will share his thoughts and observations on California water. Other programs that day include a water debate on infrastructure financing titled "To Fee or Not to Fee" at 2:30 p.m. and a regional issue forum on water rates titled "Highs and Lows of Water Rate Changes: A Deeper Look at Prop. 218" at 10 a.m.

At a luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 30, pollster Mark DiCamillo of the Field Research Corporation will share insights into voter sentiment on taxes, fees, jobs and public works spending in today's economy. Earlier that morning, water quality expert Edward Means of Malcolm Pirnie / ARCADIS will shed light on public perceptions about the value of water they receive during a breakfast program.

Other program highlights on Wednesday include a Town Hall on the Delta Stewardship Council's Delta Plan at 2:30 p.m. and a statewide issue forum on flood preparedness at 10 a.m. A water trends program at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 1, will explore the impacts of hydraulic fracturing, known as "fracking."

California Forward Executive Director James Mayer will address attendees at the Hans Doe Forum Breakfast on Friday, Dec. 2, offering his organization's vision for getting the state back on track. ACWA will also present its 2011 Emissary Award during the three-day conference.

• WHAT: ACWA's 2011 Fall Conference & Exhibition
• WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 29 - Friday, Dec. 2
• WHERE: Anaheim Marriott Hotel

ACWA is a statewide association of public agencies whose 440 members are responsible for about 90% of the water delivered in California. For more information, visit www.acwa.com.