WATER CHALLENGE ACTION PLAN!
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2013-2016
Globally, one measure sets the annual water market at nearly $500 billion6. This number is a measure of actual dollars across markets, but a 2013 study of the externalized social and environmental costs, which includes the value of “free” water utilized by industrialized society, puts the annual number at $1.9 trillion5.
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Integrated water management is a watershed-oriented approach that bridges political boundaries and builds collaboration. Jobs in this sector fall into a “green” or “sustainable” category, and are anticipated to be high-growth with good pay. In its January 2013 report on Sustainable Water Jobs, the Pacific Institute identified 136 occupations of which 37 are expected to generate more than 100,000 jobs by 2020. The report also determined that for every $1 million invested in restoration and remediation, between 10 and 72 jobs are created7. Using Pacific Institute figures, the $50 billion Coastal Master Plan could theoretically contribute to more than one million jobs for Louisiana. The petrochemical and energy industries are one of the world's largest users of water. And the business of water technology includes liquid and gas flow products such as valves, pipes, tanks and controls. This industrial aspect is significant in Louisiana since the state is one of the world's leading petrochemical producers and processors. Integrating this reality into planning and development of entrepreneurial initiatives for water is an important step.
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In Louisiana, efforts to better manage industrial water use are still in early stages, but are anticipated to be economic drivers, as innovative technologies to improve water efficiency and waste recovery will impact other industries.
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Water management and related technologies are targeted as a focus of many of Louisiana’s economic development agencies. One reason: jobs in water management average more than $72,798, the fourth highest when ranked with all non-farm industries in the state8. In 2012, the Louisiana Legislature passed the Louisiana First Hiring Act in response to coastal restoration efforts to ensure residents of affected parishes are given priority access to the thousands of jobs anticipated in the sector9.
Louisiana momentum Coastal restoration projects, guided by the Louisiana Coastal Master Plan, are projected to cost more than $50 billion. Over the next three years, the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority anticipates spending more than $1.8 billion10. Nonstructural project such as home elevation, flood-proofing, upgrades to building codes and public education are a rich source of entrepreneurial possibilities. More than 100 nonstructural projects are included in the Coastal Master Plan.
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Wastewater and treatment systems are considered the biggest general sector of the water market11, and collaborative efforts to restore Bayou Bienvenue (the Central Wetlands Unit) via the " ! 12
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NOLA VIBE CONSULTING