AGC Encouraged by Introduction of Water Resources Legislation

Washington D.C.-The Associated General Contractors of America on June 14 applauded the introduction of a $10 billion House bill (HR 2864) that would fund the Water Resources Development Act. A bipartisan coalition of House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee members including Chairman Don Young (R-Alaska), John Duncan (R-Tenn.), T&I Committee ranking member James Oberstar (D-Minn.) and subcommittee ranking member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Tex.) introduced the bill.

The bill, which would authorize funding for major navigation, flood control and environmental restoration projects carried out by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is nearly identical to the version of WRDA passed by the House in 2003. This bill also includes an additional $3.34 billion for lock expansion, including $1.58 billion for ecosystem restoration, and restoration on the Upper Mississippi River, the Indian River Lagoon in the Everglades and environmental work along coastal Louisiana.

"[We are] encouraged by the bipartisan work in the House to move quickly to pass WRDA legislation, which hasn't been renewed in five years," said AGC CEO Stephen E. Sandherr. "This bill is a top priority for AGC because it will ensure the future of our nation's water infrastructure program."

In April, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee reported its version of WRDA, S. 728, with total authorizations ranging between $7 billion and $17 billion over the next 15 years.

The Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee will mark up the bill Thursday, and the full committee markup in the House is expected next week.