The Water Resources Development Act of 2022 (WRDA 2022) – part of this year’s National Defense Authorization Act – was passed by a vote of 83-11 in the Senate after previously passing in the House.
WRDA 2022 will improve the nation’s water infrastructure by authorizing water resources development projects in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). This legislation will strengthen America’s economy through investments in ports, harbors and inland waterways; make communities more resilient in the face of extreme weather and climate change; and protect and restore our ecosystems.
The Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) and Chair of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment Grace F. Napolitano (D-Calif.) applauded the passage.
“The Water Resources Development Act of 2022 – the largest and most ambitious WRDA bill to date – demonstrates that when Congress works together, it can pass legislation on a bipartisan basis that benefits communities across the country,” DeFazio said. “WRDA 2022 helps provide much needed investment in ports, harbors, and inland waterways – easing supply chain problems – as well as flood mitigation infrastructure, and ecosystem restoration in both urban and rural communities alike. The bill also directs the Corps to carry out these projects in an economically and environmentally responsible manner, with an added emphasis on coordinating with state, local, and Tribal partners to execute projects equitably. I want to thank Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Sam Graves, Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment Chair Napolitano and Ranking Member Rouzer for their important work on this legislation.”
The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association’s (NSSGA) Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs Michele Stanley said, “WRDA 2022 is essential for all aggregates producers. NSSGA member companies across the country are directly involved with water infrastructure projects. Aggregates producers work to improve ports; develop flood control systems; reinforce shorelines; and maintain the waterways for the movement of goods and resources. The passage of WRDA creates certainty and funding with project planning, which is necessary to supply the building materials for these vital water infrastructure projects. NSSGA would like to thank both the Republicans and Democrats in the Senate and House for working together to pass this important legislation.”