SE North Carolina News

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024 with a significant majority vote of 399-18. This legislation, led by Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves and Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman David Rouzer, authorizes projects under the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Program. The aim is to enhance the nation's ports, harbors, inland waterway navigation, flood and storm protection, among other water resources infrastructure.

Chairman Rouzer commented on the bipartisan nature of the act: "After months of negotiations, the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 represents a carefully crafted agreement across both chambers and parties." He added that this legislation will improve port efficiency, boost commerce domestically and internationally, and increase resilience during natural disasters.

The WRDA 2024 includes over 200 new feasibility studies for locally proposed projects and authorizes 22 projects reviewed by the Corps with final approval from either the Chief of Engineers or the Director of Civil Works. Amendments made today focus on empowering non-federal project sponsors, enhancing transparency, and improving project delivery processes.

A notable provision in WRDA is designating a Community Project Advisor at each Corps district to aid non-federal interests in accessing necessary resources for project studies and construction. Additionally, it reauthorizes FEMA’s National Dam Safety Program through 2028 while strengthening programs related to high hazard potential dams.

Since 2014, WRDA legislation has been developed on a bipartisan basis every two years by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The WRDA 2024 continues this tradition by allowing Congress to provide input into projects managed by the Corps.