IBEW Local Announces Support Of Desal Plant

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 363 announced on Monday its support of the Haverstraw Water Supply Project. The which represents more than 2,400 workers throughout Rockland County and the lower Hudson Valley, is the most recent to back the plant. 

The proposed desalination plant would treat Hudson River water to augment Rockland County’s water supply. The New York State Public Service Commission ordered United Water to have a new, long-term water supply online by the end of 2015.

The union president said job creation and the need for water is behind the support for the proposed plant. 

“We appreciate solution-driven policies and that’s why IBEW 363 supports the Haverstraw Water Supply Project,” said Business Manager Sam Fratto. “Rockland needs water, and this is the best way to get it. Not only will it create jobs, it will help us make sure Rockland continues to be a nice place to work and live.” 

“For seven years our team has been working to find the best option to meet Rockland’s growing water needs,” said Michael Pointing, vice president and general manager for United Water New York.

The IBEW joins the Rockland Construction & Building Trades Council, Construction Industry Council of the Hudson Valley, New York State Senator Bill Larkin, NAACP of the Mid-Hudson Region, Rockland Business Association and The Business Council of New York State in endorsements made within the past 10 days in favor of the desalination plant.