WRDA in 2018
When Congress returns to Washington this month, there will be a push to move forward with water resources legislation this year. Known as WRDA, short for water resources development act, this important legislation authorizes a variety of navigation, flood control, and environmental projects and studies carried out by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, most often cost-sharing the project with non-federal sponsors. WRDAs also establish federal policy on water resources development and protection.
The U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment kicked off its WRDA efforts with a roundtable policy discussion, “America’s Water Resources Infrastructure: Concepts for the Next Water Resources Development Act,” on October 27th. NWC President Amy Larson was invited to participate in that discussion with other industry leaders.
The Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure held a hearing on December 20th to examine freight transportation issues, including the needs for the inland waterways and coastal ports. Both committees are expected to hold additional hearings early in 2018.