LOUISVILLE, Ky. (July 11, 2018) – The U.S. Water Alliance on Tuesday named Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer the 2018 winner of the U.S. Water Prize for Outstanding Public Official, citing his commitment to water workforce development.
The U.S. Water Alliance awards Water Prizes each year in six categories to celebrate outstanding achievement in the advancement of sustainable, integrated, and inclusive solutions to our nation’s water challenges. It is the preeminent national recognition program for exemplary efforts to secure a sustainable water future for all.
“I’m honored to accept this on behalf of Louisville and all our partners helping us innovate and care for one of our most important resources,” Mayor Fischer said.
Fischer received the prize in Minneapolis, Mn; during the One Water Summit, an annual event that brings together 875 water leaders from across the country. Community groups, water utilities, private sector companies, environmental and agricultural groups and others come to One Water Summit to participate in discussion and problem solving around our nation’s most pressing water problems.
The Alliance said Fischer had “contributed to substantial growth and advancement in the water sector both locally and nationally. He has championed multiple water-related initiatives, including the One Water Initiative, 100 Resilient Cities, Water System Regionalization, and the Louisville MSD Critical Repair and Re-investment Plan. Through these innovative initiatives, Mayor Fischer has improved customer service, identified revenue opportunities, and realized cost savings for the Louisville community. Mayor Fischer’s work illustrates his understanding that investment in our aging water, wastewater, and flood protection systems are part of the formula that will lead to a resilient Louisville.”
The One Water Initiative, designed to improve customer service and realize cost savings through the sharing of services among Louisville MSD and Louisville Water Company, has produced benefits, savings and revenue of nearly $12 million.
As part of 100 Resilient Cities, Louisville joined an initiative dedicated to helping cities around the world become more resilient to challenges including aging infrastructure and risks due to climate change. Mayor Fischer also supported Louisville MSD’s Critical Repair and Re-investment Plan that includes upgrading Louisville’s flood protection systems and addressing aging infrastructure county-wide.
For more information about the U.S. Water Alliance, visit http://uswateralliance.org
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