July 17, 2008, 1 a.m. - Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson said yesterday he was pleased to hear that President Bush signed legislation that will maintain the budgetary oversight of the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority, under the current multijurisdictional Board of Directors, which is comprised of Prince George's, Montgomery, Fairfax and the District of Columbia.

 

 This legislation also explicitly preserves equal eligibility of residents in all jurisdictions served by the District Water and Sewer Authority to perform as employees of the Authority.

 

"I firmly believe the budgetary oversight and hiring preference provisions would have ultimately harmed Prince George's County.  There would not have been a seat at the table for Prince George's County to discuss service delivery or rate concerns.  Additionally, it would have harmed applicants who chose to live in Prince George's County," Johnson said.

 

 "We were successful in stopping these provisions with the leadership of Congressman Chris Van Hollen.  He introduced the amendment that repealed Section 213 of D.C. Act 17-172, "Jobs for D.C. Residents Amendment Act of 2007".  Mr. Van Hollen was joined by the equally critical support of Senator Barbara Mikulski to insure this measure clarified the standing of the utility and became law," Johnson said.

 

Many Prince George's County residents are served by WASA and are employed by WASA, Johnson said.