Black & Veatch Global Water Leader Urges Water Industry to Rise above Protectionist Attitudes

KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(Business Wire)--
Dan McCarthy, President and CEO of Black & Veatch`s global water business, today
advocated continued international collaboration and cooperation by the water
industry despite protectionist approaches adopted by the United States and
becoming more prevalent in other countries. His white paper, titled "Water
Didn`t Start the Fight: Potential Impact of Protectionist Attitudes on
Water/Wastewater Industry," is available at:
http://www.bv.com/Downloads/Resources/Reports/20090831_WaterDidntStartTheFight.pdf.

"As industry leaders, we didn`t start the fight," McCarthy said. "But we must
win it by continuing to promote a global perspective that moves beyond
isolationism."

In the paper, McCarthy notes that economic problems have fueled protectionist
attitudes not only in large water and wastewater markets like the United States
and China, but also in smaller markets like Canada. He expresses concern that
the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) may have done more
harm than good for the U.S. water/wastewater industry by providing much less
stimulus money than needed to address infrastructure needs and less than what
may be lost as other countries respond to the "Buy American" legislation.

McCarthy points out that increasing protectionist measures and potential
retaliation threaten to undo the industry`s strides to look beyond borders in
addressing water and wastewater issues.

"We need to continue to share best practices and help water utilities around the
world understand each other`s points of viewsso that we reach a common goal of
providing safe, clean, reliable water supplies for future generations in both
developed and developing countries," he said.

The white paper includes additional information and insights about ARRA and
related waivers, the recent "Buy Chinese" edict, and retaliatory protectionist
action under consideration in Canada. McCarthy calls for water industry leaders
to "refuse to resurrect barriers that it has taken years to break down."

As the senior executive of Black & Veatch`s global water business, McCarthy has
experience in the provision of engineering, consulting and construction services
for the sector worldwide. With Black & Veatch and through professional
organizations, he has served the water industry for more than 30 years.

Black & Veatch is a leading global engineering, consulting and construction
company specializing in infrastructure development in energy, water,
telecommunications, management consulting, federal and environmental markets.
Founded in 1915, Black & Veatch develops tailored infrastructure solutions that
meet clients` needs and provide sustainable benefits. Solutions are provided
from the broad line of service expertise available within Black & Veatch,
including conceptual and preliminary engineering services, engineering design,
procurement, construction, financial management, asset management, program
management, construction management, environmental, security design and
consulting, management consulting and infrastructure planning. With US$3.2
billion in revenue, the employee-owned company has more than 100 offices
worldwide and has completed projects in more than 100 countries on six
continents.

Black & Veatch`s global water business provides innovative, technology-based
solutions to utilities, governments and industries worldwide. Local project
teams work with multinational water and wastewater treatment process experts to
address site-specific challenges through a broad range of consulting, study,
planning, design, design-build and construction management services. The
company`s Web site address is www.bv.com.

Black & Veatch
Linda Lea, 913-458-4629
24-hour Media Line: 1-866-496-9149
leala@bv.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009