Water Resources Act Funds Army Corps Projects

The House of Representatives passed H.R. 7575, a bill authorizing at least $8.6 billion in federal funds for 38 new Army Corps of Engineers construction projects, including flood and storm protection, river and port navigation and environmental restoration improvements.

The 2020 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) has strong support from Transportation and Infrastructure Committee leaders and the rank and file from both parties, as well as the industry.

The Senate version would authorize $5.1 billion in federal funds for 26 Corps of Engineers projects but has not come to the Senate floor for a vote.

“Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA) reauthorization is a critical bill to ensure the Army Corps of Engineers can address vital infrastructure projects that enhance our national waterways; improve ports with additional dredging; protect our shorelines; and strengthen those areas prone to flooding and natural disasters,” said National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs Michele Stanley. “NSSGA members across the country are directly involved with these water infrastructure projects, and we fully support WRDA in its passage.

“We appreciate the bipartisan leadership of Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman DeFazio, Ranking Member Graves, Water Subcommittee Chairman Napolitano, Ranking Member Westerman and their staffs for their original work in introducing and passing WRDA out of Committee, which passed out of the House.

“We now look to the Senate to continue the momentum and pass its counterpart to turn this version into law. We urge Congress to continue the work in a bipartisan fashion as the current WRDA and highway surface authorization bills expire in less than 70 days on September 30. We look forward to continuing our work with Congressional stakeholders on both sides of the aisle to advance sound and effective infrastructure policies.”

Related posts