Ann Arbor, MI. Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner, Evan Pratt, has accepted a two year term serving as part of the Government Affairs Committee for the American Public Works Association (APWA). This committee is responsible for identifying and informing the US Congress, along with other federal agencies, of priorities within the public works sector. This group raises awareness to the important issues and challenges surrounding clean water- including drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater as well as transportation.
The APWA is a nationwide organization of nearly 30,000 public works professionals that encourage planning efforts addressing environmental conservation, proactive risk mitigation and land use planning, while encouraging more public education to increase the nationwide preparedness and funding to ensure appropriate infrastructure investment for both basic needs and emergency situations such as flooding or drought.
The APWA’s Government Affairs Committee develops public policy priorities for each congressional cycle. 
These policies aim to update water regulations that will enhance protections for people, property, and the environment. Current key issues include the need for increased federal funding to build and maintain clean water infrastructure, PFAS contamination, and proposed revision to the Lead & Copper Rule.
Above-Evan Pratt at a November, 2019 Congressional “Water 101” briefing with (left to right) APWA President Bill Spearman, Executive Director Scott Grayson, Evan Pratt, and Water Resources Committee Chair Barry Sheff
Pratt states “Infrastructure is vital to our economy and everyday life, from brushing our teeth to supply chain logistics. American investment in infrastructure has been near the bottom of developed nations for decades and as a result has been graded a “D+” overall by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) in their 2019 Report Card, with little change in the past two decades. We would never buy a new car and drive it until the brakes fail, but that is how infrastructure is treated. I plan to increase awareness that water, roads, ports and all other infrastructure are the largest asset class in nearly every community across America – we need to focus on a wiser investment strategy.”
As part of a team that influences federal policy, Pratt will give a voice to local concerns surrounding water quality, flooding and rising lake levels, clean drinking water, and advocate for adequate funding for necessary improvements. In addition to elected office, Pratt brings nearly 25 prior years of experience with planning, funding, and construction in most municipal infrastructure sectors and looks forward to working with expert peers.
Pratt is currently serving his second four-year term as Washtenaw County’s Water Resources Commissioner and is up for re-election this November.
To report an issue on a County Drain call 734-222-6860 or enter a service request online at https://www.washtenaw.org/196/Report-an-Issue
The mission of the Office of the Water Resources Commissioner is to provide for the health, safety and welfare of Washtenaw County citizens and the protection of surface water and the environment and to promote the long term environmental and economic sustainability of Washtenaw County by providing storm water management, flood control, development review and water quality programs. Visit www.washtenaw.org/drains.
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