Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced the appointment of current New York City Water Board member Alan Moss as Chairman of the Water Board to replace James Tripp, who announced his resignation today. The board is responsible for setting water and sewer rates, and must ensure funding for the entirety of the water and sewer system's operating and capital needs.

"During his 15-year tenure on the Water Board, Jim Tripp has brought the perspective of a lifelong environmental advocate," said Mayor Bloomberg. "He has been a proponent of New York City's water supply system and a vigorous supporter of efforts to continue to improve the quality of New York's surrounding waters.

"As Chair for the past four years, Jim promoted efforts to be fair to all New York City property owners by making sure that everyone pays his or her water bill, and therefore his or her fair share. Jim has overseen the Water Board during a time when the Department of Environmental Protection has dramatically overhauled water billing and collection systems. Specifically, these efforts have included gaining passage of legislation that allows for lien sales even on properties that do not owe back taxes, initiation of service shut-offs for non-payment, and development of a safety net program for those most in need. Most recently, Jim was the driving force behind our initiating a national water rate study that will inform the future financing of New York City's water supply system, and in the development of a water conservation program for multi-unit buildings that is particularly important to affordable housing advocates.

"I would like to express my gratitude and that of all New Yorkers to Jim for his hard work on behalf of our environment.

"I would also like to announce the appointment of Alan M. Moss, a current Water Board member, to serve as Chairman. Alan retired as First Deputy Commissioner of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation in 2002 after a distinguished career in government service that spanned five decades and included several City and federal agencies. In addition to holding numerous senior positions at DPR, Alan served as General Counsel and Acting Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration, Region II, and General Counsel at the New York City Off-Track Betting Corporation.

"Alan's familiarity with the critical environmental, financial and energy issues that have such a dramatic role on infrastructure development and his experience in developing and managing capital construction programs will be particularly helpful in meeting the challenges that currently face water supply and wastewater treatment systems around the country."

Alan Moss said, "As a life long public servant, I am particularly grateful to the Mayor for his confidence in me and for the opportunity to continue to contribute to the City I love."

Water Board members serve for two-year terms and the Chair is appointed from among the sitting members.