SE North Carolina News

Today, under the leadership of Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman David Rouzer (R-NC-07), the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024. As Chairman of the Subcommittee, Rouzer played a key role in drafting this legislation and securing priorities specific to Southeastern North Carolina, such as flood resiliency and beach renourishment projects. The package now awaits a vote in the full House.

"The Water Resources Development Act of 2024 is the culmination of months of hard work by Members of Congress, staff, and stakeholders across the country," said Chairman Rouzer. "This bipartisan legislative package improves our nation’s ports and harbors and inland navigation networks, strengthens U.S. and international commerce, and will help improve protection of communities during national disasters. The provisions of this bill touch every aspect of our water resources across the country – including right here in Southeastern North Carolina – positively impacting the very way of life for every American. I look forward to its passage on the House Floor in the coming weeks."

With more than 1,900 requests from Members and stakeholders, WRDA 2024 authorizes 159 new feasibility studies for locally proposed projects and 12 projects that have been thoroughly reviewed by the Corps and have culminated in a final report to Congress with approval by the Chief of Engineers or the Director of Civil Works.

WRDA 2024 North Carolina priorities championed by Congressman Rouzer include:

Advancing the National Coastal Mapping Program and North Carolina Pilot Program: By authorizing the National Coastal Mapping Program, the Corps can map inland and coastal waterways nationwide to identify potential hazards leading to increased flood risk. This provision capitalizes on the authorization of the North Carolina Coastal Mapping Pilot Program, which was secured in WRDA 2022.

Clarifying Local Use of Dredged Material Placement Sites: For years, coastal municipalities and businesses in North Carolina have dredged their canals and marinas in nearby areas referred to as “spoil sites.” Since the creation of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the Corps has had indefinite access to simultaneously use those spoil sites. However, in 2017, the Corps issued guidance effectively prohibiting nonfederal entities from disposing of dredged materials where Corps is authorized to use it—even if they have not in decades. As a result, these nonfederal entities could not access these sites despite that fact that Corps did not use them. This clarifies the ability for nonfederal entities to use these sites.

Improving Flood Resiliency and Coastal Storm Risk Management: The authorization of three flood risk management studies in Jackeys Creek, Northeast Cape Fear River and Black River, and Highway 53 between I-40 and Highway 50 will allow the Corps to evaluate feasible ways to reduce flooding in these areas. Additionally, authorizing a Bald Head Island Coastal Storm Risk Management feasibility study will allow the Corps to take steps toward a beach nourishment plan.

Authorizing UNCW to Work with U.S. Army Corps: This provision classifies University of North Carolina Wilmington as an authorized institution eligible to conduct academic research alongside Corps efforts in studying flood mitigation, coastal resiliency, water resource ecology, water quality, aquatic ecosystem restoration, coastal restoration, among others.

Supporting North Carolina Environmental Infrastructure Program: By increasing this program’s authorized funding levels, more water infrastructure improvement projects can be supported such as wastewater treatment improvements, strengthening drinking water infrastructure systems environmental restoration efforts stormwater infrastructure enhancements.

Strengthening Local Water Infrastructure: In Robeson County Town Fairmont’s water lines are believed old dating back early 1910s much remaining material having passed useful service life Adding Town Fairmont North Carolina’s Environmental Infrastructure Program opens door partnership enhance main lines

Expediting Surf City Coastal Storm Risk Management Project: Town Surf City currently waiting Chief’s Report move forward beach nourishment plan without Town North Topsail Beach directive expedite report puts spot seek construction authorization

Click here for more information on WRDA.

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