Last week, a significant milestone was achieved as the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) came to a final agreement on the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA). This biennial legislation plays a crucial role in authorizing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Civil Works Program to undertake projects that enhance the nation's ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation, flood and storm protection, and other aspects of water resources infrastructure. These locally-driven projects not only bring regional and national benefits but also strengthen global competitiveness and the supply chain, fuel economic growth, facilitate the movement of goods across the country, and provide better protection to communities from flooding.

EPW Chairman's Perspective

EPW Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.), for whom the bill was named, emphasized the importance of the timely passage of the Water Resources Development Act. He stated, "The timely passage of the Water Resources Development Act every two years is essential to ensuring the Army Corps of Engineers can continue to address the diverse water resource needs of our nation. And today, I’m pleased to say we are one step closer to getting this bill across the finish line. This legislation will advance projects that invest in our waterways and improve our quality of life. It also reauthorizes the Economic Development Administration for the first time in 20 years." This reauthorization is a significant step forward in addressing the long-term needs of water resources infrastructure.

Projects and Their Impact

The final version of WRDA follows months of negotiations to reconcile the House- and Senate-passed versions. It authorizes more than 200 feasibility studies for the Corps to assess local water project proposals and begin the approval process. Additionally, it authorizes 21 projects for construction. For instance, a $2.7 billion storm risk reduction effort in Miami is set to enhance the city's resilience against natural disasters. A $26.7 million stormwater management initiative outside Memphis will improve local water management. In Louisiana, a $5.9 billion coastal storm and flood risk management project will safeguard the region. And $2.1 billion is allocated towards the restoration of the Everglades, which is a vital ecosystem. These projects have the potential to bring significant benefits to the communities they serve and contribute to the overall well-being of the nation.

T&I Chairman's Insights

T&I Chairman Sam Graves (R-Mo.) highlighted the importance of WRDA in delivering critical water resources infrastructure improvements. He said, "WRDA regularly delivers critical water resources infrastructure improvements for communities across America. This bill will lead to improved ports, levees, navigation channels, flood protection, and more. WRDA also makes policy and programmatic reforms to streamline Corps processes, reduce cumbersome red tape, and get projects done faster." These reforms are aimed at ensuring that the Corps can operate more efficiently and deliver projects in a timely manner, which is essential for the development and protection of water resources.

Water Priorities and Resilience

Previously, Congress has advanced water priorities through WRDA legislation. This year's reauthorization focuses more on Army Corps of Engineers policies. The Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) noted in a news brief that the 2024 version of WRDA will authorize these important projects and initiatives. AMWA applauds the legislation for funding necessary water infrastructure upgrades across the country and for its emphasis on water system resiliency. With these efforts, the bill is expected to be passed into law before the end of the year, providing much-needed stability and support for water resources infrastructure.