NSSGA Commends House on WRRDA Bill

The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Water Resources Reform & Development Act of 2013 on an overwhelmingly favorable vote of 417 to 3. House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.), ranking committee member Nick Joe Rahall (D-W.Va.) with Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio) and ranking subcommittee member Tim Bishop (D-N.Y.) are to be congratulated for shepherding this bill through the Committee and the House on a bipartisan basis.

“With the passage of this bill, NSSGA hopes Congress will return to a biannual process for approving water resources development legislation, which authorizes important navigation, flood control, recreation, and environmental protection projects,” said Michael Johnson, NSSGA president and CEO. “Congress also should fully fund the projects through the Energy & Water Appropriations bill. Too often projects are halted or slowed due to inadequate funding resulting in longer completion timelines and higher costs. Fully funding important water infrastructure projects will return dividends to the American people through an increasingly efficient water transportation network, better environmental protection, and increased recreational opportunities.”

NSSGA supported WRRDA, which is a vital piece of legislation aimed at strengthening America’s vast water transportation network. The House action demonstrates that lawmakers can work together to draft and pass major legislation to improve the nation’s aging infrastructure. NSSGA urged House and Senate leaders to appoint conferees without delay in order to speed strategic investments in the bill that are necessary throughout the United States.

NSSGA also thanked its Aggregates in Action grassroots who contacted their House members to urge passage. Fully funding important water infrastructure projects will return dividends to the American people through an efficient water transportation network, better environmental protection and increased recreation opportunities.

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