Guest Columns

The 2012 elections meant many things to many people. The bad news is, that issues that should enjoy bipartisan support, such as water and wastewater infrastructure investment, are threatened to end up a casualty of this hostile political environment.

Jefferson County, Ala., mired in a financial crisis that could lead to bankruptcy proceedings, came one step closer to a resolution on Sept. 16 when the County Commission approved an agreement that included debt concessions and sewer rate hikes.

For many years, the need to accurately map underground utilities was not a priority for cities and utilities. But as the underground space has become increasingly congested and development has encroached on what had been open land, knowing the precise location of pipelines is becoming more and more critical.