Input Stories

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on Wednesday unanimously approved the bipartisan Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act, infrastructure legislation aimed at improving marine navigation, managing flood risks and restoring ecosystems nationwide (The Register-Herald).
 
What’s going on: Introduced by Chairman Carper (D-DE), Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Sens. Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Ben Cardin (D-MD), WRDA “is biennial legislation that authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers … to continue implementation of key projects and studies that address water resources challenges in communities across the country.” 
 
What’s in it: The bill accelerates inland waterways lock and dam projects. It also authorizes eight new or revised construction projects and other infrastructure improvements, including:

• Improvements at the Port of Baltimore;
• Environmental infrastructure programs that support drinking and wastewater projects; and
• Maintenance dredging for small harbors. 

Our take: “The biennial approval of water resources infrastructure projects and programs authorized by this legislation is critical to our nation’s supply chains and the protection of communities from natural disasters,” said NAM Managing Vice President of Policy Chris Netram.