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Medical copays reduce health care access in MS prisons; Israel planted explosives in pagers sold to Hezbollah according to official sources; Serving looks with books: Libraries fight 'fast fashion' by lending clothes; Menhaden decline threatens Virginia's ecosystem, fisheries.

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JD Vance calls for toning down political rhetoric, while calls for his resignation grow because of his own comments. The Secret Service again faces intense criticism, and a right to IVF is again voted down in the US Senate.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Report: Cities and Towns Left “Out to Dry” on Water Infrastructure

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Friday, January 18, 2008   

Brockton, MA – Every water main break in Massachusetts is a cry for help from the state's aging water infrastructure. A new report says Massachusetts cities and towns will need about $8 billion in additional funding over the next 20 years to fix pipes, water mains and treatment plants. As it now stands, they're flooded with water-related repairs and maintenance issues that they don't have sufficient funding to handle.

State Senator Pam Resor is sponsoring a bill to create a water task force, which would diagnose the state's water problems and find funding sources to fix them. Resor says the water supply is every bit as important, and deserves the same attention, as other hot topics like transportation.

"I think it's right up there with roads and bridges. The only difference is because this is out of sight, out of mind, you aren't aware of the 'potholes' unless they spring a leak -- and then, you are very aware."

Report author John McNabb says one of the problems is that information about water system maintenance is fragmented, so part of the battle is getting the state to organize the data, and then take charge of prioritizing and funding the repairs. He adds continued delays will compromise the quality and safety of the state's water supplies.

"We need more statewide attention on a statewide basis, because it's public health statewide and public safety statewide that's at risk."

McNabb and some lawmakers will discuss the report today at a news conference in Brockton. Resor's bill has passed in the Senate and is now being considered in the House.



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