WRDA 16 Signed Into Law
In one of the last acts by the 114th Congress, both the House and Senate overwhelmingly passed the comprehensive Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, which includes the Water Resources Development Act of 2016, and the President signed the bill into law. In addition to the WRDA provisions, the WIIN Act includes authorizations for drinking water infrastructure needs, provisions to address California’s prolonged drought and several water settlement agreements with Native Americans.
An important feature of the new law is a return to regular order, and the predictability that provides, by moving WRDA legislation in a biennial cycle. Congressional leaders pledged in WRRDA 14 to move this legislation every two years and NWC members are gratified by their commitment to that pledge. In addition, WRDA 16 marks the first time that some projects and proposals were authorized using the new process set forth in Section 7001 of WRRDA 14, which provides non-federal sponsors a stronger voice in the process of determining which studies and projects should be authorized. NWC will work with the Corps of Engineers as it develops implementation guidance for the new law.
WRDA 16, now Public Law No: 114-322, can be viewed here: https://www.congress.gov/public-laws/114th-congress 