Charleston Leader

Tuesday evening, a bipartisan agreement was reached on the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA). The announcement came from U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.), House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-Mo.-6), and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-Wash.-2).

"WRDA is the result of bipartisan cooperation and our shared desire to address the water resource challenges that our nation faces," said Ranking Member Capito. She emphasized that it "provides the tools that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers needs to further enable their work across the country and supports vital projects in West Virginia’s communities." The bill also reauthorizes Economic Development Administration programs for the first time since 2004.

The WRDA legislation authorizes projects under the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Program aimed at improving ports, harbors, inland waterways, flood protection, and other infrastructure aspects. It is noted as being part of a biennial legislative process considered by Congress for six consecutive sessions since 2014.

The agreement includes provisions for more efficient use of federally-owned office space, strengthening oversight on federal real estate projects, selling unused properties, and saving taxpayer money.

Additionally, included in this package is the Fiscally Responsible Highway Funding Act of 2024. This act would allow states to access unspent funds from the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act program for priority transportation infrastructure projects.

The agreement also reauthorizes modernized support through regional commissions aimed at economic development in distressed communities nationwide.

In terms of specific benefits secured for West Virginia by Senator Capito:

- Adjustments are made to cost-sharing arrangements for future flood risk management projects identified by studies in affected areas like Kanawha River Basin.

- There is an increase in funding limits for small emergency streambank protection projects.

- Urgent completion is urged for studies/projects related to flood control in regions such as Upper Guyandotte River Basin and Milton.

- Enhanced assistance is provided for environmental infrastructure initiatives supporting drinking water and wastewater projects.

- New authority allows partnerships with communities impacted by acid mine drainage across West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

Senator Capito highlighted efforts to improve outreach by USACE towards communities facing water resource challenges while expanding collaboration with West Virginia University on relevant research topics.

Finally, there are changes under the Economic Development Reauthorization Act which consider coal community interests during representative assignments; expand project eligibility; authorize dedicated funding; increase support for economic districts; address broadband project hurdles; modernize cost-share requirements; dedicate funds toward site development readiness activities.