Charleston Leader

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, representing West Virginia and serving as the Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, addressed the Senate regarding the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA). The bill recently passed both chambers of Congress with significant bipartisan support, clearing the House by a vote of 399-18 and the Senate by 97-1. It now awaits President Biden's signature to become law.

Senator Capito highlighted several aspects of the legislation during her floor speech. "I rise today in strong support of the House amendment to S. 4367," she stated, emphasizing its broad backing from over 200 stakeholders across various sectors.

The WRDA is pivotal for water resource management in the United States, authorizing critical studies and projects aimed at enhancing navigation, flood protection, and environmental improvement nationwide. According to Senator Capito, "This bill avoids one-size-fits-all solutions and maintains important flexibilities so that the Corps of Engineers and nonfederal partners can continue to address unique water resources challenges across our nation."

Specific benefits for West Virginia were also noted by Senator Capito. She referenced past flooding events in her state and how this legislation could aid future flood risk management efforts through feasibility studies in key river basins like Kanawha River Basin.

Additionally, economic development is a focus within this legislative package through the Economic Development Reauthorization Act of 2024. This component reauthorizes programs under the Economic Development Administration (EDA) until fiscal year 2029, aiming to foster job creation in distressed communities such as those impacted by coal industry downturns.

In closing her remarks, Senator Capito extended gratitude towards colleagues involved in drafting this comprehensive piece of legislation: "I would really like to take a minute to thank...Chairman Carper...and my Chairman."