SE North Carolina News

Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman David Rouzer (R-NC-07) opened the Subcommittee hearing entitled "Water Resources Development Acts: Status of Past Provisions and Future Needs" by highlighting the significance of enacting a bipartisan WRDA bill every two years to address the water resources needs of communities across the United States. Chairman Rouzer specifically noted the positive impact of past WRDA bills on communities in North Carolina's Seventh Congressional District, including projects such as beach renourishment and the North Carolina National Coastal Mapping Study.

In his opening remarks, Chairman Rouzer expressed gratitude to Assistant Secretary Connor and Lieutenant General Spellmon for their presence at the hearing, emphasizing the importance of their insight as the Committee begins work on the 2024 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). He underscored that WRDA bills serve as a guiding force for the Army Corps' projects and priorities.

Chairman Rouzer highlighted the historical significance of the Army Corps as the federal government's lead agency for water resources development and management. He noted that the Corps' missions have expanded over the past two centuries to include flood mitigation, coastal protection, emergency response, and ecosystem restoration.

The Chairman emphasized that meeting the water resources needs of both urban and rural communities, whether inland or coastal, is crucial for national security, safety, and economic stability. He highlighted the importance of well-functioning navigation systems that facilitate the movement of billions of tons of cargo each year, as well as the role of levees, dams, and coastal restoration projects in protecting communities and minimizing the impact of storm damage.

Chairman Rouzer provided specific examples of ongoing projects in his district that are being undertaken by the Corps to address beach nourishment needs and combat erosion. He mentioned the study in Brunswick County to address beach nourishment needs in Oak Island and Holden Beach for the next 50 years, as well as the imminent renourishment project in Wrightsville Beach. He also mentioned the Town of Surf City's anticipation of receiving beach nourishment upon the approval of funding by the Corps.

The Chairman emphasized that WRDAs play a vital role in authorizing projects and studies, providing direction on programmatic changes, and enabling the Corps to fulfill its civil works missions. He commended the strong bipartisan support for WRDA bills since 2014, which has allowed Congress to effectively respond to local water resource needs and address water infrastructure needs in the face of partisan discord.

Chairman Rouzer acknowledged the positive outcomes of previous WRDAs, including the authorization of new projects and studies, streamlining processes at the Corps, improving project delivery, and enhancing the Corps' ability to respond to emergencies and disasters. He specifically highlighted the success of WRDA 2022 in authorizing the North Carolina National Coastal Mapping Study, which will contribute to a nationwide effort to invest in flood resilience.

The Chairman emphasized the importance of collaboration and participation from all Members of Congress, as well as coordination with the Corps and feedback from non-federal partners and stakeholders. He expressed his commitment to continuing this bipartisan tradition with WRDA 2024.

In conclusion, Chairman Rouzer expressed his gratitude to Assistant Secretary Connor and Lieutenant General Spellmon for their presence at the hearing and their efforts in implementing WRDA 2022. The Subcommittee looks forward to their insights and perspectives as they discuss their priorities and work towards the development of WRDA 2024.

For more information on today's hearing, including video and witness testimony, click [here].

To find out more, go to this link: https://rouzer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1090