The National Council for Public-Private Partnerships? (NCPPP) Board of Directors has elected a new leadership team for 2014 to accelerate the non-profit, non-partisan organization?s mission to advocate for public-private partnerships (PPPs) and provide related training and educational programs to a growing list of public- and private-sector members and organizations.

Last month, a federal jury unanimously ruled that JM Eagle, which claims to be the largest pipe manufacturer in the world, knowingly manufactured and sold to government entities substandard plastic pipe that was used in water and sewer systems in various states around the country.

According to a recent report released by Standard & Poor?s, bonds issued under U.S. clean water and drinking water state revolving fund programs (SRFs) continue to enjoy very strong and stable credit quality.

On Nov. 27, Steve Edwards became the new chairman, president and CEO of Black & Veatch succeeding Len Rodman. The formal transition occurs as Rodman retires from Black & Veatch after 42 years with the company and 15 years as CEO.

Last month, a bipartisan coalition of 10 senators led by U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-Va.), introduced legislation for a new infrastructure financing authority to help states and localities better leverage private funds to build and maintain the nation?s outdated infrastructure.

Dr. Tom Iseley, clinical professor and director of construction engineering management technology at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), will speak at a pre-conference workshop for the China Hong Kong Society for Trenchless Technology (CHKSTT) conference in March.

Last week, Texas voters approved a plan that will authorize $2 billion in state funding to finance 50 years of water infrastructure projects.

Recently, Sen. Tom Udall (N.Mex.) and Rep. Donna Edwards (Md.) introduced the Innovative Stormwater Infrastructure Act of 2013, which will provide essential tools for communities looking at investing in advanced stormwater strategies to manage polluted runoff and protect clean water.

The City of Baltimore?s Board of Estimates has awarded Itron, Inc., the contract for its Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and Water Meter System Installation Program.

The Water Design-Build Council has announced the publication of a new guide on design-build delivery methods for water and wastewater projects.