MINEOLA -— Nassau Executive Ed Mangano announced a proposal Thursday that would have New Jersey-based private company United Water manage the county's sewer system in an effort to eliminate a $750 million debt. With privatization, Mangano argues United Water would maintain and improve Nassau's sewer system, adding that county employees would not lose their jobs. The county executive said rates would remain the same through 2015 and that the contractor can not pass costs onto Nassau that exceed the consumer price index.

Officials said the plan has to be approved by the Nassau County Legislature and the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority before Mangano can authorize the takeover.