Charleston Leader

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, addressed the Senate floor on the passage of the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA). The bill, which passed with significant support in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, is now awaiting presidential approval to become law.

Senator Capito expressed her support for the legislation, noting its wide backing from a diverse group of stakeholders and emphasizing its potential benefits for communities across the nation. "This bipartisan legislation is supported by a diverse group of more than 200 stakeholders, which illustrates the positive impact that the legislation will have on communities across this country," she stated.

The WRDA 2024 aims to address various water resource needs through authorized studies and projects nationwide. These initiatives focus on navigation improvements, flood protection, environmental enhancements, and maintaining flexibility for tailored solutions by relevant authorities.

Capito highlighted specific benefits for West Virginia, including projects identified by feasibility studies for flood risk management in areas such as the Kanawha River Basin. "This bill provides support for future projects identified by the Corps’ feasibility study for flood risk management in the Kanawha River Basin," she noted.

Additionally, Capito mentioned how WRDA integrates with the Economic Development Reauthorization Act of 2024 to facilitate economic development in distressed areas while ensuring transparency and oversight over funding decisions.

In closing her speech, Capito acknowledged contributions from her colleagues and staff members involved in crafting and supporting this legislative effort. "I strongly encourage my colleagues to support the House amendment to S. 4367, the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act," she concluded.