So much to do, so little money with which to do it. That paraphrasing of the familiar adage sums up the mood of contractors regarding the water and wastewater infrastructure market. With expansion and upgrade projects in many parts of the country curbed by anemic economic growth and cutbacks in government spending, the market is now focused on helping clients keep their aging systems one step ahead of both time and tightening water-quality mandates.
Pat McCann, CEO of Weston Solutions, West Chester, Pa., says many markets are suffering from a “stimulus hangover” as American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding dries up. “ARRA money kept things going when the other sources ran out,” McCann explains. “With that funding running out, contractors find themselves back where they started.”