University assists in planning for new Clean Water Act

The municipal association recently awarded a $57,000 contract to the Mississippi State University-based institute to organize "a working partnership among state and local governments and industry" that will "offer public policy and legislative recommendations to deal with expected impacts of new mandates on water quality."

The Clean Water Act is up for renewal by Congress.

"It's uncertain whether Congress will act this year or next, but whenever it does, the renewal provisions are likely to be more stringent than now exist," said Dr. Marty Wiseman, institute director.

Wiseman said it will be the responsibility of the state Department of Environmental Quality to develop and implement any new state regulations. For DEQ to do so, he said the Mississippi Legislature will be called on to make changes through enabling legislation.

Initially, the state partnership will include the municipal association, DEQ, and Mississippi Association of Supervisors, along with the Mississippi Manufacturers Association and related business sector organizations.

Jim Borsig, the Stennis Institute's project director and former Hattiesburg chief administrative officer, will lead the effort.

Borsig said funds to support the project originated with the Mississippi Department of Economic and Community Development.

In addition to analyzing the act's impact, the institute will prepare technical briefs and educational material to be disseminated at a series of statewide seminars.