When the nation’s civil engineers rated America’s infrastructure in 2013, they issued an overall grade of D+.

California’s scores, assessed by the American Society of Civil Engineers’ report card, were not much better: Wastewater, C+; drinking water, C; levees and flood control, D.

The grades underscore two of the biggest challenges facing all levels of government: How to fund system improvements and how to finance new multi-purpose infrastructure.

A lively panel discussion at the Water Education Foundation’s March 17 Executive Briefing in Sacramento will examine traditional public funding and Prop. 218, private financing and the idea of impact investment to boost water infrastructure.

Lester Snow, executive director of the Water Foundation, will moderate the 10:30 a.m. panel “Investing in the Future: Breaking Ground on Funding Sources.” Panelists are:

• Xavier Irias, Committee Chair, Region 9 Water and Environment Committee, American Society of Civil Engineers
• Chris McKenzie, Executive Director, League of California Cities
• Ian Parker, Managing Director, Public Sector and Infrastructure Banking, Goldman Sachs
• Peter Culp, Partner, Squire Patton Boggs, and co-author of Liquid Assets: Investing for Impact in the Colorado River Basin

Other panels on tap at the annual event will discuss Delta issues, including the proposed tunnels, and the latest on groundwater management and the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act.

And don’t miss the opportunity to bid on some fabulous items at the silent auction held each year to benefit the Foundation’s Water Leaders program.

Click here to register today!