Charleston Leader

A broad group of stakeholders has voiced support for the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA 2024), which advanced out of committee unanimously in May. U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, and Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Senate EPW Committee, developed the legislation in partnership with U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Chairman of the EPW Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Ranking Member of the EPW Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee.

The Water Resources Development Act is biennial legislation that authorizes flood control, navigation, and ecosystem restoration projects for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). WRDA 2024 authorizes water infrastructure projects and programs that will impact all 50 states, including 81 feasibility studies and eight new or modified construction projects.

WRDA 2024 directs the Corps to expedite implementation of authorities provided by Congress in prior WRDAs, increases transparency across the Corps’ water infrastructure projects, and strengthens the Corps’ ability to address diverse water resource needs throughout the country.

What They Are Saying About WRDA 2024:

American Rivers

“American Rivers applauds the committee’s efforts to advance the work of the Army Corps of Engineers, ensuring our waterways are protected and our infrastructure is safe in the face of increasing floods and droughts.”

American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA)

“The American Shore and Beach Preservation Association commends [Chairman Carper and Ranking Member Capito’s] leadership in advancing the biennial Water Resources Development Act process. ASBPA’s membership, representing over a thousand members from coast to coast, recognizes the significance of this legislation for civil works stakeholders … [P]assing a WRDA bill every congress is essential to effective coastal management, allowing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to better work with states and local partners to plan, design, build and manage critical coastal projects.”

The Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America

“On behalf of the Associated General Contractors of America – the leading association in the construction industry representing more than 27,000 firms, including America’s leading general contractors, specialty-contracting firms, service providers and suppliers – [we] write in support of S. 4367, the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 … WRDA 2024 will create jobs, improve quality life for all Americans, protect our communities, facilitate waterborne commerce, restore environmentally sensitive areas of the country and help grow our economy.”

The Everglades Foundation

“The Everglades Foundations commends Chairman Carper and Ranking Member Capito for their leadership on the bipartisan Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024. This important legislation will help continue progress momentum for restoring America’s Everglades. It is vital that WRDA is passed each congress to support U.S. Army Corps Engineers’ important work across our country.”

The Everglades Foundation, National Audubon Society, National Parks Conservation Association, National Wildlife Federation and Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership

“On behalf undersigned organizations dedicated restoring protecting America’s Everglades we write express appreciation support inclusion several Everglades restoration provisions Water Resources Development Act 2024 … This legislation critical U.S. Army Corps Engineers’ work restore America’s Everglades — banner example aquatic ecosystem restoration.”

Environmental Defense Fund

“Coastal riverine communities face unique set water resource challenges changing climate … [W]e thank [Chairman Carper Ranking Member Capito] continued work drafting bill emphasis better use existing authorities increasing transparency outreach strengthening Corps’ ability address diverse needs communities.”

National Association Counties

“Counties play critical role developing managing nation’s water infrastructure including ports waterways safe drinking water systems bipartisan Water Resources Development Act 2024 provides stability certainty fulfill water infrastructure responsibilities pleased Senate Environment Public Works Committee unanimously passed legislation look forward working congressional partners enact it.”

National Association Manufacturers

“Manufacturers applaud Senate Environment Public Works Committee’s work approve Water Resources Development Act 2024 biennial approval water resources infrastructure projects programs authorized legislation critical nation’s supply chains protection communities natural disasters.”

National Audubon Society

“Audubon proud support Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act 2024 would support efforts protect communities ecosystems extreme weather events … WRDA 2024 also authorize critical Army Corps projects studies help restore bird habitat places like Everglades Mississippi River basin Colorado River basin.”

National Waterways Conference

“WRDA cornerstone national infrastructure strategy facilitating studies projects critical keeping communities safe economies robust ensures necessary improvements water resources infrastructure authorized through WRDA funded through appropriations implemented local level without delay addressing both current future needs deeply appreciate dedication hard work Senate Environment Public Works Committee members staff whose efforts pivotal advancing essential legislation.”

National Wildlife Federation

“The National Wildlife Federation deeply appreciates committee’s continued bipartisan support improving water resources planning facilitating equitable solutions entrenched water resources challenges.”

The North American Concrete Alliance

“The North American Concrete Alliance coalition twelve concrete-related trade associations [applauds committee passage] Water Resources Development Act 2024 legislation help communities across country address range water infrastructure needs … Passage Water Resources Development Act 2024 important continuing two-year cycle passing legislation study authorize projects help communities across country restoration flood risk management ecosystem restoration hurricane storm risk reduction needs look forward working Congress pass legislation make critical investments Corps projects across country.”

Portland Cement Association (PCA)

“The Portland Cement Association represents majority America’s cement manufacturers applauds [unanimous committee passage] Water Resources Development Act 2024 Passage legislation priority PCA members not only provide building material critical construction U.S. Army Corps Engineers infrastructure also rely inland waterways system nation’s ports efficiently move product market.”

The Nature Conservancy (TNC)

“The Nature Conservancy applauds [the Committee's] commitment advancing bipartisan water resources legislation every two years Specifically commend [them] producing Water Resources Development Act 2024 (S.4367). In developing S.4367 led process incorporate input all senators reach bipartisan consensus bill pleased S.4367 continues trend positive policy changes U.S.Army Corps Engineers while authorizing critical water resources projects bill increases transparency flexibility which Corps manages its projects programs enhances existing tribal programs programs support disadvantaged communities."

U.S Chamber Commerce

"The U.S Chamber Commerce strongly supports S.4367 Water Resources Development Act 2024 critical legislation provide policy strategic investments necessary modernize maritime infrastructure stimulate economic growth America's network navigable waterways locks dams terminals marinas help create maintain businesses jobs necessary resilient supply chains growing trade ... WRDA ensures network keeps pace economic growth user demand providing strategic investments enhance navigation manage flood risk build resilience maintain inland waterways."

Waterways Council Inc.(WCI)

"America's inland waterways system includes12 ,000 miles commercially operated maintained navigable channels directly affect28 states The inland waterways system tasked transporting nation's bulk commodities keeping America competitive most energy-efficient lowest cost environmentally friendly surface transportation mode ... Passing this legislation regular order critical keeping America competitive ensuring waterways reliability WCI offers full support pass this critical legislation."