Bipartisan Water Infrastructure Bill Moves Forward

What’s happening: Legislation to improve the nation’s ports, harbors, and other waterways cleared key House and Senate committees this week with bipartisan support.

The House version of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to fund nearly $7 billion in water infrastructure improvements over the next two years. The Senate version authorizes $19.6 billion.

Why it matters: In letters of support to members of both the Senate Environment Public Works (EPW) Committee and the House Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) Committee, ARTBA noted: “providing these resources and policy structure will enhance goods movement, boost safety, and bolster the economy” and is “part of the comprehensive infrastructure renewal the nation requires.”

What’s next: Leaders of the House T&I and the Senate EPW Committees will now work to resolve any issues with their members before the WRDA bills are considered by their respective chambers.