“This report shows unequivocally that increasing investment in our water systems is a tremendous boon for our fiscal health as well as our public health," said Bob Briant Jr., CEO of UTCA.

An additional $1 billion annual investment dedicated to improving New Jersey's drinking water, wastewater and stormwater systems would generate $3 billion in economic benefits and support nearly 14,000 jobs, according to a new analysis conducted by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA).

Current spending on the networks that supply clean drinking water, treat wastewater, and drain stormwater is estimated to average about $1 billion per year, according to the Utility and Transportation Contractors Association of New Jersey (UTCA), while there is about $2 billion in needed investment annually.

"New Jersey is looking at a $1 billion shortfall every year," said Bob Briant Jr., CEO of UTCA. "This report shows unequivocally that increasing investment in our water systems is a tremendous boon for our fiscal health as well as our public health. With an ROI that benefits our communities as well as our coffers, it is clear that the time for talk is over. Now we must get to work."

"A major commitment to improving New Jersey's water infrastructure systems is a ‘win-win' proposition," said Alison Premo Black, the study's author. "The increased investment will not only help prevent future service disruptions and potential public health hazards, but also have enormous positive impacts on the state's economic productivity and job creation."

Among the other key findings in the report:

• Sales and output by businesses in all sectors will increase by $2.1 billion for every $1 billion invested;
• 13,787 jobs would be supported or created throughout the state economy every year;
• Those workers will earn a cumulative $739.5 million per annum and will generate $143 million in additional state and local tax revenues, including $62.8 million in state and federal payroll taxes, $61.1 million in state income tax and corporate business tax revenues, and $19.3 million in state and local sales and use tax revenues; and
• These investments will contribute $1.2 billion to the state's GDP annually.

Capital investments to repair, replace and upgrade aging drinking water, wastewater and stormwater systems generate and sustain jobs directly through needed repair projects, but also stimulate economic activity in other related sectors, as water projects depend on materials such as pipes, fittings, cement, and aggregates. Such investments also will help ensure safe water and reliable wastewater treatment; necessary criteria to attract and retain industry, businesses and qualified workers.

For more information, visit artba.org.

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