On March 20, the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee unanimously approved a Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). This bill represents a bipartisan effort to address our nation’s aging navigational system of inland waterways, coastal harbors and ports, locks and dams, and flood control protections and a commitment to restore critical environmental areas.
In the letter to EPW Committee Chairwoman Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and Ranking Member David Vitter (R-La.), AGC noted that the bill represents a positive step forward towards making long-desired, critical water resources infrastructure projects a reality. The bill would allow projects with completed Chief of Engineers reports to be authorized in an efficient manner. In addition, the bill would seek to further leverage government funds for water infrastructure projects through an innovative financing pilot project program—referred to as the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA)—which can help our nation meet its infrastructure improvement needs. Also, AGC noted its appreciation for the bill’s commitment to help ensure that the nation’s federally-maintained harbor and port navigation channels are fully maintained by expending Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund revenues for their authorized and intended purpose.
Although this WRDA bill is not perfect, it is the first step in what needs to be a truly bipartisan and a bicameral effort. As the bill works through the legislative process, AGC will support additional reforms in the area of project delivery and environmental streamlining to more quickly complete critical water resources infrastructure so taxpayers can reap the rewards of their benefits.
For more information, contact Jimmy Christianson at 703-837-5325 or christiansonj@agc.org.
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