Charleston Leader

The U.S. Senate has passed the bipartisan Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024, authorizing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to continue key projects and studies addressing water resources challenges nationwide, including several in West Virginia.

WRDA 2024 is biennial legislation that supports flood control, navigation, and ecosystem restoration projects for the USACE. It authorizes water infrastructure projects and programs impacting all 50 states, including 83 feasibility studies and 13 new or modified construction projects.

U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the EPW Committee; Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee; Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Ranking Member of the EPW Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee; and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Chair of the EPW Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, released statements celebrating the bill’s passage.

“This year’s bipartisan Water Resources Development Act supports the important work the Army Corps of Engineers does in states, cities, and towns across America,” said Ranking Member Capito. “By passing this legislation, the Senate took a significant step toward strengthening our water infrastructure, supporting our national economy, better protecting communities from flood risks, and helping the Corps carry out its mission now and in the future.”

Chairman Carper added: “Today, the U.S. Senate passed crucial bipartisan legislation to invest in our nation’s water infrastructure, protect our communities and support good-paying jobs. This bill addresses the diverse water resources needs of our nation.”

Senator Kelly stated: “With today’s Senate passage of the Water Resources Development Act, we’re supporting states like Arizona in preparing for and responding to drought conditions. This bipartisan legislation includes provisions that will expedite critical Army Corps of Engineers infrastructure and flood control projects in Arizona.”

Senator Cramer commented: “Every two years we pass a bipartisan Water Resources Development Act to authorize Army Corps of Engineers projects and reform existing programs. From flood control to recreational access, North Dakotans are acutely aware of the importance of the Corps to our state.”

Key provisions secured by Senator Capito for West Virginia include support for flood control and prevention efforts as well as ecosystem restoration. The bill adjusts cost-sharing for future projects identified by feasibility studies for flood risk management in areas affected by past floods such as those along the Kanawha River Basin.

The act also increases funding levels for USACE's Section 340 and Section 571 environmental infrastructure programs which support drinking water and wastewater projects across West Virginia. Additionally, it establishes new authority for USACE to partner with communities impacted by acid mine drainage in West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

The WRDA improves USACE outreach efforts to communities facing water resource challenges while expanding partnerships with academic institutions like West Virginia University for research on critical water issues.