The Water Research Foundation (WRF) has hired Beate M. Wright as executive director of its Washington, D.C. office. Wright will contribute to the strategic direction of WRF as part of the senior management team and director of subscribers? services and communications and marketing.

According to Fitch Ratings, the recent legislation lifting a ban on the use of tax-exempt bonds in conjunction with federal loans provided by the WIFIA pilot program will result in lower borrowing costs for U.S. water utilities.

Last week, the Water Asset Management Conference, which has its roots dating to 2001, headed back to Arlington, Va., Wednesday and Thursday, gathering leading professionals in the field of water utility asset management.

Last Thursday, Congress passed legislation that will lift a ban on the use of tax-exempt bonds with WIFIA loans. Water utilities and advocates are considering the decision a huge step forward for WIFIA funding.

The Ohio Supreme Court has closed the case on efforts to prevent the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD) from setting up a stormwater management program, cleveland.com reported Thursday.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $26 million to the State of Connecticut to help finance improvements to water projects that are essential to protecting public health and the environment.

The Water Environment Federation (WEF) has announced that Chris French has joined the organization as its new director of stormwater programs. French will work to expand this core competency area for WEF and guide the efforts of the WEF Stormwater Institute.

House lawmakers returning to Washington this week are scheduled to vote on a broad energy bill. The bill incorporates the text of the ?Smart Energy and Water Efficiency Act,? introduced earlier this year.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is developing new national guidelines to protect people taking part in recreational activities who may be at risk to the growing threats posed by toxic algae in lakes and rivers.

Hatch and Mott MacDonald have announced that the Hatch Mott MacDonald (HMM) joint venture will be separated into two distinct businesses.