PPI Provides Glimpse of Potential Inflation Impacting Infrastructure Projects

News about increasing prices seem to be everywhere. When we hear about inflation in the news, we often see the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This is the measure that tracks the prices we see at the grocery store, gas pump, etc. Another significant measure is the Producer Price Index (PPI). The PPI tracks the prices … Read more

How do your rates compare? Find out by participating in the 21st Annual Utility Rate Survey!

Watch your email inbox or mailbox for the 21st Annual Rate Survey questionnaire. The digital and print versions of the survey will be to utilities in early 2022.   Each year, AE2S conducts a survey of water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste utility rates throughout the region. Two unique reports are prepared based on community population. One … Read more

New App Finds Funding for Drinking Water Source Protection Projects

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has a new tool to help users navigate and leverage funding opportunities for projects that protect drinking water sources. The Funding Integration Tool for Source Water (FITS) shares information about 11 Federal funding options. The following entities could benefit from utilizing FITS: States Tribes Territories Federal agencies Watershed stakeholders … Read more

ARPA Investment: Cities and Counties Prioritize Infrastructure

With the beginning of $350 billion being injected into local economies through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, government officials are busy prioritizing needs and working through the guidance from the U.S. Treasury on how the funds can be used. A recent survey conducted by the International City/County Management … Read more

Preparing for Higher Prices

Talk about inflation seems to be happening more and more these days as we see news articles reporting anywhere from 2% to 5.4% annualized gains. These headlines, however, don’t tell the whole story as they’re often used as indicators for either the economy as a whole or more consumer focused aspects of the economy. Utility … Read more

Training and Technical Assistance Grants Available for Small Public Water Systems

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) announced $21.7 million in grant funding for technical assistance and training providers to support small drinking water and wastewater systems that are often located in rural communities across the United States. The USEPA says the funding will improve public health and environmental protection by helping ensure that drinking water … Read more