Lawmakers released legislation last week authorizing the Army Corps of Engineers to study and carry out a host of water infrastructure and environmental restoration projects across the country. The biennial Water Resources Development Act directs the Army Corps’ flood control, navigation, and ecosystem restoration efforts.
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will mark up the bill on Wednesday. This year’s legislation would focus on protecting communities from increasingly severe floods and droughts and promoting economic activity at the nation’s ports,†says Tom Carper (D-DEL), chair of the committee and the bill sponsor. It includes projects and programs relevant to all 50 states, prioritizes initiatives to help disadvantaged communities, and directs the Army Corps to finish certain previously authorized projects.
“From protecting our communities against powerful storms or intense droughts and keeping our waterways active at our ports, the work of the Army Corps strengthens the American economy,†Carper says.
