AWWA JAW62334

Faced by the need to repair and replace aging infrastructureand at the same time build new systems tomeet population growth, US water utilities must makeincreasingly complex decisions about where, when, andhow to invest their capital improvement dollars. What'smore, their decisions must involve a range of stakeholdersand win their "buy in" in order for projects toreceive necessary financial and community support.A decision-making process has been developed to helputilities systematically and objectively prioritize capitalimprovement projects on the basis of financial risk andother defensible planning criteria. In addition, the methodologydescribed in this article enhances both internal andexternal communication, can help stabilize rate increases,and potentially lower bond interest rates by providingrating agencies with evidence of comprehensive planning.Water suppliers can use this information to begintransforming the way they establish and prioritize theircapital improvement programs. By following the step-by-step approach described here, utilities can turn thedaunting challenge of capital improvement choices intoa process that leads to sound financial policies andfosters collaborative partnering with their customersand communities. Includes 2 references, table, figures.

Product Details

Edition:

Vol. 98 - No. 1

Published:

01/01/2006

Number of Pages:

8

File Size:

1 file , 270 KB