Charleston Leader

Today, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the bipartisan Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024, which authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to continue implementation of key projects and studies addressing water resources challenges across the country, including several in West Virginia.

WRDA 2024 is biennial legislation that authorizes flood control, navigation, and ecosystem restoration projects for the USACE. The bill 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,” Ranking Member Capito said. “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. I appreciate Chairman Carper and Senators Cramer and Kelly for working together as we advanced the 2024 WRDA today.”

“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,” Chairman Carper said. “This bill addresses the diverse water resources needs of our nation and directs the Army Corps of Engineers to continue its work to make our communities more resilient in the face of extreme weather. I am grateful to Senators Capito, Kelly and Cramer for their partnership in crafting this legislation and look forward to seeing it across the finish line.”

“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,” Senator Kelly said. “This bipartisan legislation includes provisions that will expedite critical Army Corps of Engineers infrastructure and flood control projects in Arizona. I’m proud to have worked alongside my colleagues to advance this bill, and I look forward to its swift enactment to better secure Arizona’s water future and support our communities.”

“Every two years we pass a bipartisan Water Resources Development Act to authorize Army Corps of Engineers projects and reform existing programs,” Senator Cramer said. “From flood control to recreational access, North Dakotans are acutely aware of the importance of the Corps to our state. I am thankful for the partnership of my EPW colleagues who help make WRDA one of the few bills which is both bipartisan and passed through regular order. The unanimous passage of the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act in the Senate is a win for regular order and for communities across North Dakota and the country which interact with or even depend on Army Corps operations.”

WEST VIRGINIA WINS SECURED BY CAPITO:

Supporting Flood Control and Prevention Efforts:

- Addresses areas harmed by 2016 floods: adjusts cost-share for future projects identified by feasibility study for flood risk management in Kanawha River Basin.

- Increases maximum funds USACE may contribute to small projects for emergency streambank protection, aquatic ecosystem restoration, removal of obstructions/debris from rivers/channels.

- Urges USACE expedited completion:

- Upper Guyandotte River Basin: feasibility study

- Kanawha River Basin: feasibility study

- Milton: flood control project

- Hinton – Bluestone Dam: dam safety modifications

Enhancing Assistance for Environmental Infrastructure Projects:

- Increases authorized funding level for USACE Section 340/571 environmental infrastructure programs supporting drinking/wastewater projects statewide.

- Establishes new authority for USACE partnerships with WV/OH/PA communities restoring rivers/streams impacted by acid mine drainage.

Strengthening Corps’ Authorities:

- Improves USACE outreach/education efforts on water resources challenges.

- Expands USACE partnership with West Virginia University on academic research critical to WV.

- Modernizes USACE pay authority considering different community needs nationwide.

- Requires GAO review/report on USACE efforts accelerating feasibility studies under Fiscal Responsibility Act/environmental review provisions; project partnership agreements focusing on indemnification clause/long-term responsibilities; project cost estimates improving fiscal responsibility/transparency.

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