Water resources infrastructure bill advances to Senate for action

The U.S. House of Representatives on Monday voted 359-13 to approve the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024, which would improve myriad aspects of the U.S. water resources infrastructure.

The WRDA now advances to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

“WRDA delivers critical water resource infrastructure improvements for communities across America, from ports to levees to navigation channels, and more,” said U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO), who sponsored H.R. 8812. “The bill also makes policy and programmatic reforms to streamline processes, reduce cumbersome red tape, and get projects done faster.”

Specifically, H.R. 8812 would authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Program for projects to improve the nation’s ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation, flood and storm protection, and other aspects of the U.S. water resources infrastructure, according to a bill summary provided by Graves’ staff.

The congressman introduced H.R. 8812 on June 25 alongside three original cosponsors: U.S. Reps. Rick Larsen (D-WA), Grace Napolitano (D-CA), and David Rouzer (R-NC).

If enacted, the bill specifically would authorize, deauthorize, and modify various water resources feasibility studies and projects of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, such as studies or projects to make certain waterways more navigable, reduce flood and storm damage, maintain ports and harbors, support water supply and storage projects, construct water and wastewater infrastructure, rehabilitate dams, and support other water resources infrastructure, according to the congressional record bill summary.

“The provisions of this bill impact every facet of our water resources across the country, making a better life for every American,” said Rouzer. “I look forward to its enactment upon reconciliation with the Senate.”

The proposed bill would authorize 161 new feasibility studies for locally proposed projects and 12 projects that have been thoroughly reviewed by the Corps and have culminated in a final report to Congress with approval by the Chief of Engineers or the director of Civil Works, says a summary provided by the lawmakers.

Among numerous other provisions, H.R. 8812 would reauthorize the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Dam Safety Program through 2028 and would bolster the High Hazard Potential Dam program, including requiring that rehabilitated dams are maintained and appropriate floodplain management plans are in place.

“I’m particularly proud that this bill charts a new path forward for systemic flood control on the Upper Mississippi River, takes significant steps towards ensuring flood control and navigation are the top priorities on the Missouri River, helps shore up the PL 84-99 program to better help states and local communities after floods, and provides long-overdue reforms to move rural projects forward,” Graves added.

Among the numerous stakeholders that support the bill are the American Public Works Association, the National Asphalt Pavement Association, the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association, Associated Builders and Contractors, the American Association of Port Authorities, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

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