Governor LePage Congratulates Students on Winning Clean Water Week Competition

AUGUSTA, Maine - Today Governor Paul LePage met winners of the Maine Wastewater Control Association's (MWWCA) Clean Water Week poster contest. Ezra Smith of Brooks, Kaylee Townsend of Hudson, and Stephanie Ayotte of Kennebunk were the respective first, second, and third place winners of the contest. The students presented their artwork to the public at an event in the State's capitol honoring them for their accomplishments. Also speaking at the event were MWWCA Public Relations Chair Matt Timberlake and State Senator Tom Saviello.

For the contest, the MWWCA asked students in grades 3-8 to create posters around the theme "what clean water means to me." The first place winner won a television/DVD combination and educational tapes for his or her school. All three winning entries received cash prizes. Over 125 students participated in this year's contest.

"Maine has nearly 6,000 lakes, covering about one million acres of our state. These lakes generate about $3.5 billion annually and provides 52,000 jobs for Maine's economy," Governor LePage shared with the contest winners. "Keeping Maine's water clean means a stronger economy and a healthier environment, so I appreciate all the effort you put into this contest."

In 1983 the Maine Legislature made provisions to designate the first full week of June as Maine Clean Water Week. Maine Clean Water Week was created to increase the public's awareness of the improvements made in the quality of Maine's waterways.

The MWWCA is a nonprofit organization whose goals include promoting education and communication within the wastewater treatment industry and to the general public; enhancing the image of wastewater personnel; and supporting a balanced view of environmental policies.

"We must find a balance to protect our environment and ensure a prosperous economy. The answer should never be ‘either, or' - it should always be ‘both'," said Governor LePage.

For more information about the MWWCA and Clean water week, http://www.mwwca.org