March 26, 2015 – John Weinstein, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority, today created a subcommittee of the board to work with ALCOSAN staff to develop a comprehensive program to provide assistance to low income ratepayers throughout the ALCOSAN service territory. Members appointed include Gregory Jones, Executive Director of Economic Development South, who will serve as chair; Sylvia C. Wilson, School Director for District #1 on the Pittsburgh Public School Board; and Pittsburgh City Councilmember Corey O’Connor. The appointments were made at the regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors.

"ALCOSAN has long worked to reduce the financial impact on the region in meeting the Federal consent decree to end sewer overflows into our rivers and streams," said Weinstein, who is also the Treasurer of Allegheny County. "We are working diligently in negotiations with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Justice to cut the cost of the required plan from $3.6 billion to $2 billion.

"Success in these negotiations is key to making rates more affordable," continued Weinstein. "But as the plan is implemented, low income families and communities may be impacted. We intend to create a comprehensive program to help alleviate that pain.

"Here at ALCOSAN, we are proud to be one of the region’s premiere environmental and public health organizations, treating up to 250 million gallons of dirty and unhealthy wastewater for 83 Allegheny County communities, and returning the water to the river, often cleaner than the river itself," continued Weinstein. "We are committed to enhancing our citizens’ quality of life and safety, and making the Pittsburgh region a great place to live, work, and play – for everyone."