Water Resources Development Act Supports “Investment in Our Navigational Channels,” Westerman Says
WASHINGTON – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) issued the following statement upon passage of H.R. 5303, the Water Resources Development Act of 2016:
“Investment in our navigational channels, ports, locks, and dams is a necessity in Arkansas,” Westerman said. “The Water Resources Development Act supports infrastructure investment in both traditional and non-traditional ways, including cost-sharing partnerships with non-federal sponsors. Improvements possible through these cost-sharing partnerships will improve Arkansas navigational infrastructure, keeping millions of tons of product flowing throughout Arkansas rivers.”
According to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, WRDA 2016 improves America’s water resources infrastructure by:
- Authorizing needed investment in America’s ports, channels, locks, dams, and other infrastructure that supports the maritime and waterways transportation system and provides flood protection for homes and businesses;
- Authorizing Army Corps of Engineers Chief’s Reports received since WRRDA 2014; Chief’s Reports are the final recommendations to Congress by the Corps’ Chief of Engineers for water resources infrastructure priorities;
- These infrastructure improvements have been proposed at the local level, in cooperation and consultation with the Corps, and also have national economic and environmental benefits;
- All Chief’s Reports have been fully vetted by the Committee at hearings this year;
- Authorizing studies for future water resources improvements and makes modifications to previous authorizations;
- Maintains process reforms established under WRRDA 2014 that allow greater local participation in project selection;
Keeping American jobs in America by strengthening our competitiveness and ensuring that our transportation system remains attractive to private sector job creators.