Governor Patrick Announces $1.5 Million for Water Technology Innovation to Support Massachusetts Emerging Water Innovation Industry

Press Release

Governor Deval Patrick today announced $1.5 million in funding to build on the Patrick Administration's efforts to make Massachusetts a hub for the emerging water innovation sector. Governor Patrick was joined by University of Massachusetts Amherst and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials as they announced $4.1 million in federal funding for a national center for drinking water innovation at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

"All over the world and right here at home in the Commonwealth, water challenges are threatening the environment and the economy," said Governor Patrick. "Investing in the development of water innovation technologies not only protects precious natural resources and public health but creates high-quality local jobs."

The Water Infrastructure Bill, signed by Governor Patrick in August, calls for $1.5 million in investments from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for water innovation. The federally funded center, announced today by the EPA, will be one of two national research centers focused on testing and demonstrating cutting-edge technologies for small drinking water systems. The Patrick Administration, through MassCEC matched the federal investment with a $100,000 grant.

"Under Governor Patrick's leadership, Massachusetts has pursued cost-effective innovations to address environmental concerns," said Curt Spalding, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator for New England. "We are very pleased to join the Governor as both EPA and the Commonwealth announce investments in further research and technology development at UMASS Amherst that will help continue to provide clean and safe drinking water to people."

"Providing safe, clean drinking water is critical for maintaining the health and security of the Commonwealth," said UMass Amherst Chancellor Kumble R. Subbaswamy. "Researchers here at UMass Amherst are on the front lines of efforts to make sure that clean water is a reality for all our communities and citizens. This new funding will help the Commonwealth's flagship campus make an important contribution to this key public need."

During the Massachusetts-Israel Innovation Partnership Mission in May 2014, Governor Patrick announced the winners of the first Massachusetts-Israel Innovation Partnership (MIIP) water innovation challenge. The Governor made this announcement with Israeli Chief Scientist Avi Hasson during the U.S. - Israel Connected Summit "Going Global with Water Tech" forum. The MIIP was launched in 2011 as a direct result of Governor Patrick's first Innovation Partnership Mission to Israel. During that ten-day trade mission in March 2011, a coalition of the state's leading business executives and senior government officials explored growth opportunities of common interest for Massachusetts' and Israel's innovation industries. During that mission Governor Patrick and Shalom Simhon, Israeli Minister of Economy signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Jerusalem resulting in this partnership.

"Safe, reliable drinking water has always been a critical need. In the 21st Century, we will need to develop new technologies to meet growing demand," said Congressman Jim McGovern. "I'm pleased that the federal government is joining with the Commonwealth and UMass Amherst in this promising effort."

"By working together across the federal and state levels, we can help solve the world's water challenges, while capturing the environmental and economic benefits of this growing sector," said Secretary Maeve Vallely Bartlett.

"Supporting facilities that help companies test and research their cutting-edge technologies will provide the infrastructure needed to make Massachusetts the go-to place for water innovation entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses," said MassCEC CEO Alicia Barton.

The Patrick Administration's ambitious clean energy initiatives have made Massachusetts a leader in energy efficiency, renewable energy and emissions reductions. The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) recently named Massachusetts number one for energy efficiency for the fourth consecutive year. In 2007, Massachusetts had just over 3 megawatts each of solar and wind capacity installed. Today there are 687 megawatts of solar installed, with a goal of 1,600 megawatts by 2020. The Commonwealth has installed 107 megawatts of land-based wind and is poised to be home to the nation's first offshore wind farm.

"The federal and state funds committed today for drinking water innovation research is further recognition of UMass Amherst's emerging status as a world-class research institution," said Amherst Town Manager John P. Musante.

"The flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts has long been a national leader on sustainable living and green technology research," said State Representative Ellen Story. "I am delighted to hear this news, and can think of no more suitable home than Amherst for this Drinking Water Innovation Center."

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