MPC Participates in Great Lakes Day in DC

MPC Manager Justin Williams (third from right) joins fellow water advocates at Great Lakes Day in DC.
Photo credit: Justin Williams

This March, MPC Manager Justin Williams travelled to Washington DC as part of the Healing Our Waters Great-Lakes Coalition for Great Lakes Day. Nearly 100 advocates from across the Great Lakes region journeyed to Washington to urge members of Congress to continue their support for federal investment in Great Lakes priorities. The Illinois team included diverse partners from community organizations, non-profits, and the business community.

Justin talked with seven Illinois Congressional offices about the critical importance of funding the State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs at their fully-authorized amounts. Funding these programs helps communities keep down the cost of water infrastructure projects, which saves water customers (that’s most of us!) money. This is especially important in the utility areas that serve predominantly low-income populations.  This advocacy work is part of MPC’s Equitable Infrastructure pillar of work, as MPC seeks to ensure that all residents have equitable and affordable access to water systems. Justin travelled to DC to be part of the strong team of Illinois advocates sharing their stories. This kind of communication with the region’s elected officials is vital to the policy process. Upon returning, Justin shared that he is “always inspired by the generosity, interest, and commitment to water infrastructure issues demonstrated by Illinois’ fantastic Congressional delegation.”