In the midst of the many concerns facing our nation and the world, a new element has been added to U.S. foreign policy. For the first time, the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act of 2005 (HR 1973) makes water aid a foundational component of U.S. foreign assistance. MWA contributed to the passage of this landmark legislation by convincingly communicating to legislators the compelling human need for and economic benefits of safe drinking water.

The FY 2006 Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill (HR 3057) allocates $200 million for drinking water supply projects and related activities, up to 100 percent over the prior year’s
appropriation. At least $50 million of this amount is designated for programs in Africa. In report language, the Appropriations Committee recommends a portion of these funds be provided to the Millennium Water Alliance.

On the program front, MWA continued into its second year of concerted water development activity in Ethiopia funded by USAID and the State Department. MWA began a similar
program in Kenya with funding from USAID and a Coca-Cola Africa Foundation grant. Other foundations have participated with and are inviting proposals from the MWA for expansion
of these programs.

The advances made in 2005 encourage us to press on toward the goal that all people should have access to safe water and sanitation. We invite you to join MWA in this global movement.

Malcolm S. Morris   (Chairman)
David E. McCauley  (President)