Rep. Van Orden praises House water legislation that will benefit Coulee Region

LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- Congressman Derrick Van Orden says new House water legislation is a big win for Wisconsin's Third Congressional District.

The Water Resources Development Act of 2024 authorizes improvements to critical water infrastructure across the country, including dams and levees.

It also authorizes feasibility studies for hundreds of proposed projects. Many of the proposed projects would help communities mitigate flood risks or restore natural ecosystems.

The bill passed in the House this week with widespread bipartisan support, including Van Orden's.

He's excited about the legislation, which he says will have a range of benefits across the Coulee Region.

"I came to Congress to work for the people of the Third. And this bill is awesome. It does everything from helping our locks and dams to wetland preservation. It is really a remarkably good bill," Van Orden told News 8 during a virtual interview this week.

The Water Resources Development Act directs the Army Corps of Engineers to conduct studies on numerous proposed projects here in the Coulee Region.

They include building a levee in La Crosse, upgrading infrastructure on the Trempealeau River, and overhauling the flood risk management system.

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