SE North Carolina News

The Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2024, H.R. 4394, has been passed by the House with the support of Congressman David Rouzer. As Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, Rouzer played a crucial role in securing important provisions for Southeastern North Carolina and communities across the country.

In a statement, Congressman Rouzer expressed his satisfaction with the passage of the bill, stating, "Passage of the Energy and Water Appropriations bill is a critical win for North Carolina and communities throughout the country." He further added, "I'm proud the provisions I worked to secure are included in this bill to better protect families from flooding, improve the strength and durability of our ports and inland waterways, and bolster our country's energy security. The bill also stands up for our farm families, small businesses, and entire communities by terminating the Biden Administration's flawed WOTUS rule."

Some of the provisions secured by Congressman Rouzer include:

- Improving the Port of Wilmington's Navigational Channel: The bill includes $1.2 million to enhance the Port of Wilmington's navigational channel, allowing larger, deep-draft container ships to access the port. This expansion will help mitigate the impacts of the national supply chain crisis and have a positive economic impact across the country.

- Supporting Brunswick County Beach Renourishment: $425,000 has been allocated to support the federal cost share of the Army Corps' work to address Holden Beach's risk of storm damage and coastal erosion. This funding will help protect homes and businesses in the community from the effects of hurricanes and tropical storms.

- Mitigating Flood Risk: Congressman Rouzer secured $10 million for the Corps of Engineers National Coastal Mapping Study. This study, authorized in the Water Resources Development Act of 2022, aims to identify potential hazards and increase flood risk due to debris and sedimentation in both inland and coastal waterways.

- Strengthening American Energy Independence Through Nuclear Power: The bill includes $1.3 billion to support the Small Modular Reactor R&D Program within the Department of Energy. This program will contribute to strengthening America's energy security through the development of nuclear power and ensure the United States takes a leading role in setting safety and proliferation standards worldwide.

- Maintaining Federal Shipping Channels to Facilitate Trade: $2.77 billion has been allocated to maintain federal shipping channels through periodic dredging. This necessary dredging will remove natural accumulation of sand and silt, facilitating U.S. trade.

- Strengthening our Nation's Power Grid: The bill includes $59.5 million to support the development of new transmission lines, which will modernize and expand the capacity of the nation's power grid.

- Terminating the Biden Administration Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule: Congressman Rouzer secured language in the bill to terminate the Biden Administration's WOTUS rule. This will return control of waterways that historically have not fallen under federal jurisdiction back to the states.

Congressman Rouzer's efforts in securing these provisions will have a significant impact on Southeastern North Carolina and communities across the country. The Energy and Water Appropriations bill not only addresses crucial infrastructure needs but also supports the region's economic growth and resilience in the face of natural disasters.

Click this link to access more information: https://rouzer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1070