Kishia L. Powell

The public meeting addressed proposed changes to customer bills and the customer affordability program, prompted by the need for an aggressive schedule of capital improvements to renew aging water and wastewater facilities. Key discussion points included proposals stemming from an infrastructure funding working group, such as moving to 30-year financing for assets, adjusting the account maintenance fee, and recovering more costs through a fixed fee. The customer affordability program was introduced to assist customers with lower incomes. Attendees raised concerns regarding the proposed rate structure changes, particularly the impact of usage-based fees on smaller households and those who practice high levels of water conservation, arguing that it is inequitable. Commission staff explained the financial projections, conservative assumptions used for budgeting, and clarified that the proposed changes are the first step in a multi-year transformation, with the rate structure itself subject to future review.

This document formally adopts the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission's Six-Year Capital Improvements Program for Fiscal Years 2022-2027. The program, approved by both Montgomery and Prince George's County Councils, outlines a total combined Capital Improvements Program of $5,584,388,000. It details significant investments in various water and sewer projects across both counties and specifies the associated funding sources and expenditure schedule, with the objective of implementing these approved projects over the designated six-year period.

This document summarizes the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission's (WSSC) multi-year Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment, Adaptation, and Mitigation Plan (CCVAAMP) project, developed between 2016 and 2020. The plan's core components include climate analysis and projections, vulnerability and adaptation assessments, and the development of adaptation recommendations and a climate change design guide. It also incorporates mitigation planning through a Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) Inventory and a GHG Reduction Action Plan. The overarching goal is to ensure long-term asset protection, integrate climate resilience into WSSC's operations, and guide future designs to mitigate the impacts of climate change on water and wastewater infrastructure.

This document details WSSC Water's comprehensive environmental management program and sustainability initiatives. Key focus areas include a greenhouse gas emission reduction goal of 80% by 2050, extensive environmental education and community engagement projects, robust waste reduction and recycling programs, significant investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy sources (wind, hydro, solar), sustainable transportation practices, and a dedicated water conservation plan. The overarching aim is to minimize environmental impact, enhance community involvement, and ensure operational sustainability.

This strategic plan for WSSC Water outlines the organization's direction for Fiscal Years 2025-2027, serving as a roadmap for innovation, transformation, and excellence. It is built upon eight strategic priorities: Workforce Development and Culture; Affordability and Financial Viability; Customer Engagement and Partnerships; Sustainability and Resiliency; Optimizing Operations; Asset Management & Infrastructure Reliability; Digital Transformation; and Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI). The plan aims to ensure all communities thrive by ethically delivering safe, reliable, and sustainable water and wastewater services, fostering a Smart One Water future where dependable and safe water is accessible for everyday life.