Press Releases

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to consider H.R. 8, the Water Resources Development Act of 2018.  WRDA is bipartisan legislation that provides for improvements to the Nation’s ports, inland waterways, locks, dams, flood protection, ecosystem restoration, and other water resources infrastructure.

This will be the third consecutive Congress to consider WRDA legislation and authorizations of proposed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works activities.  WRDA 2018 builds upon Corps reforms provided under the successful WRDA legislation of 2014 and 2016.  The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure unanimously approved H.R. 8 on May 23, 2018.

As today’s House vote on H.R. 8 approaches, outside support for the legislation continues to grow, including from the following organizations:

American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA): “The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) supports House of Representatives bill H.R. 8, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2018. … WRDA legislation provides the foundation for investments in America’s 21st century maritime infrastructure enabling the U.S. to continue to be globally competitive in foreign trade – a key to expanding U.S. jobs and growing our nation’s economy.”  

American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC): “We must do more to invest in these areas, as well as to build on past efforts to make the project delivery process more timely and efficient.  Passage of WRDA is a critical step towards achieving these goals.”  

American Farm Bureau Federation: “I am writing to convey the American Farm Bureau Federation’s support for passage of this important bill. Farm Bureau believes having an efficient and reliable inland waterway system linked to competitive ports is vital to America’s ability to provide affordable agricultural products domestically and to compete internationally.” 

American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA): “H.R. 8 is important to the nation in keeping water resources infrastructure projects moving forward and in updating policy and provisions that ensure critical infrastructure is modernized and providing the best service to constituents.” 

Associated General Contractors of America (AGC): “On behalf of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), I would like to thank you for the introduction of H.R. 8, ‘Water Resources Development Act of 2018,’ and continuing the biennial passage of a water resources development authorization bill.  This bipartisan bill is positive step forward as Congress looks to address our nation’s water infrastructure needs.”  

American Petroleum Institute (API): “This infrastructure facilitates energy trade flows across the United States and around the world, helping to ensure that American and global consumers have access to affordable energy. …  API urges the U.S. House of Representatives to approve H.R. 8.” 

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE): “ASCE believes our nation must prioritize the investment needs of our water resources systems to ensure public safety, a strong economy, and the protection of our environmental resources. We are pleased to lend our support for the Water Resources Development Act of 2018, as a way to raise the grades on the nation’s water resources infrastructure.”  

National Association of Flood and Stormwater Management Agencies (NAFSMA): “NAFSMA is very supportive of the Committee’s thoughtful efforts to reduce the time and resources needed to complete Corps studies, projects and decisions and to increase transparency of the Corps processes.”  

National Association of Manufacturers (NAM): “The bipartisan WRDA bill will help manufacturers continue to efficiently move goods by ensuring reliable federal investments in these critical pieces of our nation’s supply chain.”  

National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA): “NSSGA commends the committee for creating a bipartisan bill to maintain and strengthen America’s vital water infrastructure.”  

National Waterways Conference: “Regular authorizations to permit the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to address critical water resources needs are essential to our nation’s economic vitality and environmental well-being, and we appreciate the Committee’s commitment to move this important legislation on a 2-year cycle.”  

U.S. Chamber of Commerce: “Enactment of this bill would provide critical economic and environmental benefits to the nation.  The legislation builds upon the streamlining provisions included in the WRDA 2014 and 2016 laws, to allow expedited approval for modifications to existing Corps projects.  Additionally, the bill continues efforts to expand the role of local partners in using non-federal resources to implement and coordinate Corps projects.”  

U.S. Conference of Mayors; National League of Cities (NLC); National Association of Counties (NACo): “WRDA is critical to helping our communities build, maintain, and improve this critical infrastructure, while growing our national and local economies.”  

Waterways Council, Inc. (WCI): “Passing this legislation in regular order is critical to ensuring waterways reliability in order to keep America competitive in foreign markets.  WCI offers its full support of WRDA 2018.”  

WRDA 2018: