WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), and Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and the bipartisan leadership of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee secured the inclusion of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA 2020) in the legislation to fund the government.
WRDA 2020 supports our nation’s economic competitiveness by increasing water storage, providing protection from dangerous floodwaters, deepening nationally significant ports, maintaining the navigability of inland waterways, and addressing the threat of invasive species across the country. It also cuts red tape, is fiscally responsible, and strengthens our national security.
“Strengthening America’s infrastructure has traditionally been a bipartisan priority because of the enormous benefits such projects can generate,” said Senator Capito. “The Water Resources Development Act makes important updates to our nation’s water resources infrastructure and provides resources that will benefit the health and wellbeing of West Virginians and others in communities across the country. I’m glad to see this legislation included as part of the final bill to fund the federal government.”
“Water infrastructure is critical to every community in our country,” said Chairman Barrasso. “The Water Resources Development Act will help grow the economy, cut red tape, and keep communities safe. Now, this legislation can move forward. I want to thank Ranking Member Carper and Senators Capito and Cardin for working with me and look forward to getting the bill across the finish line.”
“In addition to being the lifeblood for communities across the country, our nation’s water infrastructure keeps our economy moving forward. That is why it’s so important for Congress to come together every two years and authorize funding to improve our ports, restore and rebuild our waterways, protect our communities from coastal storms and inland flooding, and maintain our other critical water resources infrastructure,” said Senator Carper. “I’m proud that this year’s Water Resources Development Act invests in essential Army Corps of Engineers projects and implements several much-needed reforms to combat climate change and support our most vulnerable communities. Our bipartisan legislation will create and sustain jobs and help secure a better future for the American people.”
“This year’s Water Resources Development Act supports the economic and environmental health of our nation. It invests in our nation’s key ports and harbors, like the Port of Baltimore. It also makes new commitments to help communities restore ecosystems and address flood risks and sea level rise due to climate change—important priorities for Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay,” said Senator Cardin. “Getting this legislation done puts us in a stronger position to start the new year. I am proud we were able to come together in a bipartisan way to get the is done this year.”
The language of WRDA 2020 was negotiated by Senators Capito, Barrasso, Carper, and Cardin, along with House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) and Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-Mo.).
Senators Barrasso and Carper serve as chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW). Senators Capito and Cardin serve as chairman and ranking member of the EPW Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
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