Press Releases
What They Are Saying: Broad Stakeholder Support for WRDAToday the U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to consider the Water Resources Development Act: bipartisan, bicameral legislation that authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Civil Works Program for projects to improve the nation’s ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation, flood and storm protection, and other aspects of our water resources infrastructure. Specifically, the House will take up the House Amendment to S. 4367, the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024. This measure represents the final version of WRDA, as negotiated over recent months to reconcile the two different versions of WRDA legislation passed earlier this year by the House and Senate. WRDA legislation has been signed into law in each of the previous five Congresses. The original House WRDA legislation was introduced by Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman David Rouzer (R-NC), and Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member Grace Napolitano (D-CA). Click here for more information on WRDA. WRDA has broad support from stakeholders, including: American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA): “Moving the people, energy, and goods of a vibrant economy would not be possible without consistent passage of WRDA. Chairmen Carper and Graves and Ranking Members Capito and Larsen deserve tremendous credit for their collaborative and bipartisan approach that has resulted in this final bill text. This legislation will make the necessary investments in our nation’s infrastructure and keep commerce flowing through our federal navigation channels…. We look forward to working closely with our port champions in Congress to get this bill signed into law by the President and continuing the strong tradition of authorizing WRDA on a regular two-year cycle.” Signed by 80 executives from ports across the U.S. | Letter of support American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO): “On behalf of the nation’s state departments of transportation (state DOTs), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation (AASHTO) writes to extend our gratitude and strong support for the bipartisan and bicameral Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024.” – the AASHTO Executive Director Jim Tymon | Letter of support American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC): “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will provide critical investments in our nation’s water resources infrastructure, as well as responsibly address fiscal challenges with the Federal Highway Program, fund regional economic development initiatives, and make reforms to the General Services Administration…. Projects authorized by this legislation will invest in our economy by enabling more efficient freight movement on our waterways, address necessary coastal protection and flood risk management, and restore aquatic ecosystems.” – ACEC President & CEO Linda Bauer Darr | Letter of support American Highway Users Alliance (the Highway Users): “By redistributing unspent TIFIA funds to the states by formula, Congress would ensure that Highway Trust Fund (HTF) dollars will be spent on needed road and bridge projects across the country…. S. 4367 ensures that obligated HTF revenue is spent on our national highway system, I applaud Chairmen Carper and Graves and Ranking Members Capito and Larsen for including this important provision in S. 4367, and I urge both the House and Senate to quickly pass this bill.” – Highway Users President and CEO Andrew Stasiowski | Letter of support American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI): “The health and stability of our nation’s marine transportation system are critical to the economic competitiveness of the domestic steel industry. In particular, companies rely heavily on inland waterways, seaports, locks and dams for transporting raw materials to their plants and finished products to end users in the market. As such, it is essential that repairs and construction of important inland navigation projects be approved and completed as efficiently as possible…. The WRDA legislation would facilitate critical investments in our nation’s waterborne transportation system and enhance the economic competitiveness of the domestic steel industry.” – the AISI President and CEO Kevin M. Dempsey | Letter of support American Public Works Association (APWA): “We are pleased to see the legislation remains a bipartisan and bicameral product that supports a diverse array of locally driven projects that also deliver regional and national benefits…. The incorporated policy and programmatic reforms to streamline USACE processes are also welcome components to the bill and will allow for more efficient and timely completion of vital projects. We look forward to continuing to build on these efforts to further expedite permitting in the next Congress and provide greater access and flexibility in financing even more projects.” – APWA President Dominick A. Longobardi and APWA Chief Executive Officer Scott D. Grayson, CAE | Letter of support American Rivers: “As the largest source of federal support for state dam safety agencies, the reauthorization of the National Dam Safety Program is critically important for public safety. The WRDA bill includes several provisions that will help promote the use of nature-based approaches and better serve and protect our communities while promoting ecosystem resilience through forward thinking levee management. American Rivers also strongly supports revisions to the National Inventory of Dams, particularly the inclusion of low-head dams. Low-heads dams are the deadliest form of water infrastructure, and this inventory will contribute significantly to public safety.” – American Rivers Director, Government Relations Kelsey Cruickshank | Letter of support American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA): “We support the efforts of the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and Environment and Public Works in developing this bill which is of great benefit to our members and associates. ASBPA is grateful for the direct dialogue and sustained collaboration that you have established for WRDA 2024.” – ASBPA Executive Director Nicole Elko, Ph.D. | Letter of support American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE): “The biennial schedule provides the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) with a degree of predictability which allows for more effective planning and development of vital water resources projects nationwide.” – ASCE Managing Director, Government Relations and Infrastructure Initiatives Caroline Sevier | Letter of support American Soybean Association (ASA): “As the nation’s leading export crop, U.S. water infrastructure is critical to transporting soybeans to the market…. U.S. agriculture relies on the efficiency of the inland waterways system. The Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 will drive significant investment towards the modernization of our waterway infrastructure.” – ASA President Josh Gackle | Letter of support American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA): “ATSSA members appreciate the inclusion of the ‘Fiscally Responsible Highway Funding Act’, which will transfer unused existing and future contract authority from the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program to the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program. These transfers will help ensure that critical federal transportation funding will be available to invest in this nation’s infrastructure system – including for much-needed roadway safety improvements.” – ATSSA President and CEO Stacy Tetschner | Letter of support American Trucking Associations (ATA): “ATA supports provisions in WRDA to redistribute unobligated balances under the TIFIA program. The excessive funding provided to TIFIA over the years has created significant volatility in state transportation budgets and prevents states from maximizing the federal dollars provided by Congress through IIJA.” – ATA Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs Henry Hanscom American Waterways Operators (AWO) and Waterways Council, Inc. (WCI): “The inland waterways system is tasked with transporting the nation’s bulk commodities that keep America competitive in the most energy-efficient and environmentally friendly way. In 2021, about 500 million tons of commodities valued at over $158 billion transited the waterways, supporting nearly 500,000 American jobs…. Passing this legislation is critical to keeping America competitive by ensuring waterways reliability. AWO and WCI offer their full support to pass this critical legislation.” – AWO President and CEO Jennifer Carpenter and WCI President and CEO Tracy Zea | Letter of support American Whitewater: “American Whitewater is pleased that the final version of the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA 2024) includes the critical addition of the National Low-Head Dam Inventory to the National Inventory of Dams. This important step will provide vital public information about the safety risks posed by low-head dams, assist states in mapping these structures, and help connect communities with resources to address or remove dangerous dams. Thank you for your leadership and commitment to public safety and safer waterways nationwide.” – American Whitewater Executive Director Clinton Begley | Letter of support Appalachian Voices: “We are grateful for the bipartisan and bicameral effort to reauthorize the Economic Development Administration and address coal impacts in the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024. This legislation allows the EDA to focus on coal communities, invests in clean energy development on brownfields, develops our workforce, and gives our small communities across Appalachia the needed capacity to participate in grant programs and recover from devastating disasters like Hurricane Helene. EDA is a critical partner in the region to support locally-driven projects, and we are celebrating this proposal as a win for Appalachia.” – Appalachian Voices Director of Government Affairs and Strategy Chelsea Barnes | Letter of support Associated General Contractors of America (AGC): “The predictability of the biennial passage of water resources development acts is critical for all stakeholders involved in the planning and execution of water resources projects. Through these investments, WRDA will create jobs, improve the quality of life for all Americans, protect our communities, facilitate waterborne commerce, restore environmentally sensitive areas of the country, and help grow our economy. WRDA invests in our harbors and inland waterways, which helps to ensure construction materials make it to the jobsite in a timely manner.” – AGC Vice President, Government Relations Alex Etchen | Letter of support Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM): “States and localities depend on federal funding to plan short-term and long-term WRDA projects. Equipment manufacturers in turn depend on that same funding certainty to respond to demand for products, to expand their facilities, to invest in research and development, and to create more jobs.” – AEM Senior Vice President, Government & Industry Relations Kip Eideberg | Letter of support Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO): “ASDSO is proud to support the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024. It represents a crucial step in strengthening the safety and resilience of our nation’s dams, levees, and waterways. The included reauthorization of the National Dam Safety Program ensures that federal and state agencies will continue to partner to safeguard downstream communities and protect lives. With improved resources for inspections, monitoring, emergency preparedness, and access to funding, this legislation represents a much-needed investment in the ongoing safety of our nation’s dams. We commend Congress for its leadership and look forward to continuing our work together to prevent dam failures and ensure a safer future for all.” ASDSO President Mia Kannik, P.E. | Letter of support Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM): “This critical legislation enables vital investments in flood risk management, infrastructure resilience, and ecological sustainability, all of which are priorities for floodplain managers and the communities our members serve…. WRDA in 2024 represents an opportunity to make some significant advancements in floodplain management and resilience while addressing the needs of many communities nationwide.” – ASFPM Executive Director Chad Berginnis | Letter of support Brevard County, Florida: “On behalf of Brevard County, I am writing in support of including language in Sec. 1145 of the Water Resources Development Act to address easement issues for authorized hurricane and storm damage risk reduction projects along Florida’s shores, including Brevard County's beaches south of Port Canaveral and Patrick Space Force Base.” – Brevard County Natural Resources Management Department Director Virginia Barker | Letter of support Broward County, Florida: “On behalf of Broward County, I am writing to sincerely thank you for leading the Water Resources Development Act process this year and for including language in Sec. 1145 to address easement issues for authorized hurricane and storm damage risk reduction projects along Florida’s shorelines.” – Broward County Resilient Environment Department Deputy Director and Chief Resilience Officer Dr. Jennifer Jurado | Letter of support California Marine Affairs and Navigation Conference (CMANC): “On behalf of California’s ports, harbors, and the non-federal sponsors of navigation projects in California, I wish to thank you for continuing to move the biannual Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) in a timely manner.” – CMANC Executive Director James M. Haussener | Letter of support Captiva (FL) Erosion Prevention District: “Your efforts in promoting change to the Water Resources Development Act are truly appreciated, particularly in the wake of the numerous hurricanes that have inflicted such a devastating impact across Florida’s west coast in recent months.” – Captiva Erosion Prevention District Chairman John R Wade III | Letter of support Coalition letter from American Chemistry Council, American Petroleum Institute, American Society of Civil Engineers, Chamber of Shipping of America, Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co., LLC, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Mining Association, National Waterways Conference, The American Waterways Operators, Waterways Council, Inc., World Shipping Council: “The U.S. maritime infrastructure system is in critical condition, and geopolitical and national security events have created increased demand for U.S. commodities and energy exports, resulting in pressures on the system not seen in decades. U.S. international and domestic trade is expected to continue increasing while global trade volume, shipping distances, and vessels expand to maximize cost efficiency…. Accordingly, the undersigned organizations strongly support your bipartisan leadership to improve our nation’s infrastructure and urge swift action by Congress to pass this legislation into law before the end of the year.” | Letter of support Coalition of organizations involved in rural economic development (RuralProgress, Appalachian Citizens' Law Center, Coalición de pequeños agricultores en California, Eastern Kentucky CLT, Faith in Place, Latino Farmers & Ranchers International, Inc., Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund, Inc., Rural Coalition, Rural Community Assistance Partnership, RuralOrganizing.org): “As an organization dedicated to building an empowered, thriving, and equitable rural America, we believe this legislation takes important steps toward addressing the unique challenges facing our rural communities.” | Letter of support Council of State Governments (CSG): “This legislation is vital because it authorizes key projects for flood risk management, navigation, and ecosystem restoration while emphasizing the importance of collaboration among federal, state, and local partners. By encouraging innovative solutions and promoting best practices in water management, this bill fosters a more resilient and adaptive approach to addressing water resource challenges.” – CSG Executive Director/CEO David Adkins | Letter of support Dredging Contractors of America (DCA): “WRDA bills put Americans to work. We commend the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee for their bipartisan agreement to provide our country with the necessary authorizations for critical infrastructure projects. WRDA 2024 will put Americans to work on infrastructure projects that advance waterborne commerce through our seaports and gateways; dredging of our navigable waterways advancing commerce, energy independence and security; renourish the nation’s shorelines; and protect coastal communities by rebuilding barrier islands through the beneficial use of dredged material.” – William P. Doyle, DCA Chief Executive Officer EDA Stakeholders Coalition (National Association of Development Organizations, International Economic Development Council, National Association of Counties, National League of Cities, National Association of Regional Councils, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Association, Rural Voices for Conservation Coalition, SSTI, Greater New Orleans Inc., Rural Community Assistance Partnership, RuralProgress, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Outdoor Industry Association): “We are especially grateful for the inclusion of the provision to reauthorize the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) within this legislation. This provision will make vital improvements and reforms to EDA’s core programs, enhancing the agency’s ability to address critical national priorities including disaster preparedness and mitigation, workforce development, broadband expansion, small business support, and rural community development.” | Letter of support Florida Ports Council (FPC): “These efforts help states like Florida develop and implement maritime job creation and economic development projects at our seaports. This legislation is vital to ensuring an efficient and effective supply chain in Florida and the U.S.” – FPC President & CEO Michael Rubin | Letter of support Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association (FSBPA): “On behalf of the nearly 300 members of the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association, I am writing to sincerely thank you for your leadership in guiding the Water Resources Development Act process this year and for including language in Sec. 1145 to address easement issues for authorized hurricane and storm damage risk reduction projects along Florida’s fragile and imperiled shores.” – FSBPA President Pepper Uchino | Letter of support Georgia Ports: “The WRDA conference bill includes many provisions specific to American port interests. The most significant for our industry are the proposed changes to construction and maintenance depth thresholds. By increasing the federal responsibility up to -55 feet, WRDA enables more efficient transportation of U.S. imports and exports by improves non-Federal sponsor affordability of constructing and maintaining deeper navigation channels.” – Georgia Ports President & Chief Executive Officer Griff Lynch | Letter of support Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA): “On behalf of our 70 member companies, the Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA) enthusiastically supports the WRDA-TIFIA-EDA package.” – GMA Chairman Bryan Gee and GMA Vice Chairman Daniel Selander | Letter of support Illinois Corn Growers Association (ICGA): “Waterways infrastructure gives Illinois farmers and other Illinois industries a competitive advantage over other countries in transportation of grain and other agricultural products. The crumbling lock and dam system costs Illinois corn farmers every day in lost efficiency getting their product to global marketplaces. Passage of WRDA24 paves the way for making these critical improvements.” – ICGA President Garrett Hawkins | Letter of support International Economic Development Council (IEDC): “On behalf of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and the thousands of economic development organizations and professionals we serve across the country, I want to thank Chairman Carper, Chairman Graves, Ranking Member Capito, Ranking Member Larsen, and other members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for their work and leadership on the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (S. 4367). Among many other provisions, this legislation would reauthorize the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) for the first time in 20 years, making important reforms to the services and programs that EDA provides, ensuring that its investments are meeting the economic development needs required for sustainable job growth and the building of strong and resilient regional economies throughout the United States.” IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle | Letter of support International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE): “The final bill represents the priorities of communities across the nation, and by doing so, it takes a significant step toward improving the maintenance, operations, and modernization of our nation’s critical infrastructure.”— IFPTE President Matthew S. Biggs and IFPTE Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson | Letter of support International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE): “Nearly 80% of the nation’s traded goods rely on American ports, harbors, and inland waterways to reach consumers, and these WRDA investments are vital for their efficient movement. In short, the legislation promotes both regional economies and the national transportation network, and water infrastructure is an area where Congress deserves high marks. Your ability to reauthorize WRDA for six consecutive congresses clearly demonstrates that America’s ports, harbors, and inland waterways enjoy bipartisan support in the nation’s capital.” – IUOE General President James T. Callahan | Letter of support Interstate Council on Water Policy (ICWP): “The Interstate Council on Water Policy (ICWP) applauds the commitment shown by both the House and the Senate to prioritize its development. We strongly encourage expedited passage of the bill and enactment before the end of the 118th Congress.” – ICWP Executive Director Beth Callaway | Letter of support Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA): “The legislation authorizes critical navigation projects and studies to help meet the demands at our ports and ensures we head off future supply chain challenges…. It is important that federal support for water infrastructure remains a national priority. The projects authorized by WRDA 2024 are essential to America’s economic competitiveness and help protect local communities. LIUNA encourages the United States House of Representatives to pass this important infrastructure legislation.” – LIUNA General President Brent Booker | Letter of support Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA): “I am writing to express the Lake Carriers’ Association’s support and thank you for your leadership. The bill is good for the Great Lakes Navigation System, the Great Lakes region and our nation. Since 1880, the Lake Carriers’ Association has represented the U.S.-flag Great Lakes fleet, which today can move more than 90 million tons of cargos annually that are the foundation of American industry, infrastructure, and energy: iron ore, stone, coal, cement, and other dry bulk materials such as grain, salt, and sand. Our members depend on a healthy and robust Great Lakes Navigation System. We appreciate your investment in maintaining and improving the system that keeps commerce flowing.” – LCA President James H. I. Weakley | Letter of support Missouri and Associated Rivers Coalition (MOARC): “Frequent and devastating flood events experienced on the Missouri River requires immediate action to address flood protection for both the citizens and economy within the lower Missouri River basin…. We recognize the importance of WRDA 2024 for our nation’s water infrastructure through critical policy and the establishment of authority and funding pathways.” – MOARC President Melissa J. Sieben | Letter of support National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA): “NAPA welcomes the prioritization of key projects from the Army Corps of Engineers improving various navigable waterways, infrastructure resiliency and disaster mitigation, and is encouraged that this same bipartisanship will be evident as we collectively work on the next highway reauthorization package, which must be passed before September 30th of 2026.” – NAPA Vice President of Government Affairs Nile Elam | Letter of support National Association of Counties (NACo): “If passed, this proposal would advance county interests in achieving our economic development initiatives and advancing our water infrastructure needs…. As the authorizing legislation for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), WRDA provides county governments with critical assistance to protect, maintain and develop water infrastructure systems. WRDA advances county interests related to ports, inland waterways, levees, dams, wetlands, watersheds and coastal restoration.” – NACo CEO/Executive Director Matthew D. Chase | Letter of support National Association of Development Organizations (NADO): “The reauthorization of the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) is one of the most important pieces of legislation impacting community and economic development in the past 20 years. This legislation will give local, regional, and state leaders the necessary tools to build and strengthen our communities, both rural and urban, across the nation…. This bill will provide essential resources and infrastructure at the local level, will help communities create and retain jobs within their regions, and will improve quality of life for countless workers, families, and citizens.” – NADO Executive Director Joe McKinney | Letter of support National Association of Flood & Stormwater Management Agencies (NAFSMA): “WRDA legislation is critical for NAFSMA members working to improve the environment through ecosystem restoration projects, provide greater flood risk benefits through major USACE construction projects and achieve a more streamlined delivery of authorized USACE projects and NAFSMA is pleased to support this legislation.” – the NAFSMA Executive Director Sunny Simpkins | Letter of support National Association of Manufacturers (NAM): “The National Association of Manufacturers supports passage of the agreement on the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024. Keeping to the biennial schedule of water resources project and program approval is critical to our nation’s supply chains and protecting communities from natural disasters. This legislation includes manufacturers’ priorities to help ensure efficient, resilient maritime transportation, and appropriately recognizes our industry as a focus of federal economic development investment.” – NAM Managing Vice President of Policy Chris Netram National Association of Waterfront Employers (NAWE): “Enacting WRDA 2024, which focuses on increasing construction and maintenance depth thresholds, is of utmost importance. It will ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient movement of goods and passengers through our sea and inland ports and our system of channels, harbors, and navigable waterways. This will also contribute significantly to the growth and competitiveness of the U.S. economy.” – NAWE Board of Directors Chair Tom Saunders | Letter of support National Audubon Society: “Congress’ return to the bipartisan, biennial WRDA cycle over the past ten years has galvanized significant momentum for restoration and kept projects on track and to completion.” – Audubon Vice President, Habitat Conservation for North America Julie Hill-Gabriel | Letter of support National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL): “Each bill highlighted below has enormous implications for the ability of states to secure the health, well-being and safety of their communities…. The Water Resources Development Act: Authorizes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects, studies and programs across the country that include water infrastructure projects, flood management, ecosystem restoration, disaster resiliency and outdoor recreation.” – NCSL President & Utah Senate President Pro Tempore Wayne Harper; NCSL President Elect & Illinois General Assembly Assistant Majority Leader Marcus C. Evans, Jr.; NCSL President Emeritus & Rhode Island House of Representatives Speaker Pro Tempore Brian Patrick Kennedy; and NCSL Vice President & Montana Senate Majority Whip Barry Usher | Letter of support National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA): “WRDA can positively impact agricultural trade and the economy because barges move almost half of all export grain. From the Pacific Northwest to the Mississippi River and the Gulf Coast, the importance of inland waterways and ports to American agriculture is definitive. The NGFA thanks you for your efforts and strongly supports final congressional approval of the Water Resources Development Act of 2024. – NFGA President and Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Seyfert | Letter of support National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) (American Sportfishing Association, Association of Marina Industries, Boat Owners Association of the United States, Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, National Marine Manufacturer’s Association, Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Partnership): “This bill strengthens the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' (Corps) role as a leader in public land management by improving their ability to provide access to public land and water for recreation.” | Letter of support National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA): “This legislation will support efforts to improve and invest in all levels of our nation’s infrastructure network, including critical navigable waterways essential to America’s economic competitiveness and continues the two-year cycle ensuring the timely delivery of water projects across the country…. If enacted and fully funded through the annual appropriations process, WRDA 2024 will focus more on projects and help the Corps cut into the backlog of needed water transportation improvements.”— NSSGA Interim CEO Michele Stanley | Letter of support National Water Supply Alliance (NWSA): “NWSA greatly appreciates the commitment and effort by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to consistently produce a meaningful and impactful bipartisan water resources bill every two years. Addressing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers policies, programs, and projects on a regular basis is critical to ensuring the efficient and effective management of the nation’s water resources. WRDA 2024 is a welcome enhancement to Corps authorities and directives.” – NWSA Executive Director Dave Mitamura | Letter of support National Waterways Conference (NWC): “WRDA is particularly important to our members, who represent the full spectrum of water resources stakeholders, including flood control associations, levee boards, waterways shippers and carriers, industry and regional associations, hydropower producers, port authorities, shipyards, dredging contractors, regional water supply districts, engineering consultants, and state and local governments…. WRDA is a win-win—not just for Congress but for the communities it helps to protect and strengthen.” – NWC President and CEO Julie A. Ufner | Letter of support National Wildlife Federation (NWF): “The National Wildlife Federation writes in support of important provisions within the Thomas R Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 that would help protect and restore vital wildlife habitats and advance the development of equitable solutions to entrenched water resources challenges. We thank Chairmen Graves and Carper and Ranking Members Larsen and Capito for their bipartisan leadership in developing these important provisions and advancing them through conference.” – NWF Vice President for Conservation Policy Abby Tinsley | Letter of support North American Concrete Alliance (NACA) (American Concrete Pavement Association, American Concrete Pipe Association, American Concrete Pressure Pipe Association, American Concrete Pumping Association, Concrete Foundations Association, Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association, Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute, National Precast Concrete Association, National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute, Portland Cement Association, Tilt-Up Concrete Association): “[W]e applaud bipartisan agreement on a WRDA bill to advance important water infrastructure projects across the country and the inclusion of the Fiscally Responsible Highway Funding Act to address August Redistribution.” | Letter of support Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA): “This bipartisan legislation consistently balances the needs of waterways, ports, and communities of all sizes across our nation and helps to modernize Corps policies and practices to ensure more efficient and safe movement of trade.” – PNWA Executive Director Neil Maunu | Letter of support Port of Pittsburgh Commission: “[T]he Pittsburgh region has some of the oldest in the nation lock & dam infrastructure along our waterways. Passing WRDA on a two-year cycle is critical to projects not only in our region but across our country.” – Port of Pittsburgh Commission Executive Director Mary Ann Bucci | Letter of support Portland Cement Association (PCA): “The Portland Cement Association (PCA), which represents the majority of America’s cement manufacturers, applauds the bipartisan agreement on the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024 (S. 4367). Passage of WRDA is a priority for PCA members and we support swift passage of the legislation…. [O]ur nation’s waterways play a critical role in the movement of cement from manufacturing plants to market. Annually, 35 percent of cement shipped in the United States from manufacturing plants to terminals is by barge, demonstrating these systems are vital for American commerce…. Additionally, we applaud the inclusion of the Fiscally Responsible Highway Funding Act to address the growing challenge of August Redistribution, which has grown to unprecedented levels over the past few years.” – PCA Senior Vice President, Government Affairs Sean O’Neill | Letter of support Public Buildings Reform Board (PBRB): “The Public Buildings Reform Board (PBRB) greatly appreciates the support your committee has provided by including language to extend the PBRB into 2026 with Section 2301 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2024. Giving our Board time to submit another round of recommendation in 2026 will be instrumental in identifying billions of dollars of potential savings by reducing the amount of unutilized Federal space.” – PBRB Members D. Talmage Hocker, David L. Winstead, Nick J. Rahall, Jeffrey R. Gural, Michael E. Capuano, and Daniel W. Mathews | Letter of support Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP): “Maintaining the two-year bipartisan and bicameral cadence of WRDA reauthorization is vital to ensuring that America’s water systems and economic infrastructure remain robust and effective. This consistent schedule will be particularly important in 2026 when key EPA programs are set to expire and require renewal to sustain critical funding streams…. We are also particularly encouraged by the provisions to reauthorize and strengthen the Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) capacity to serve rural, distressed, and energy transition communities.” – RCAP Chief Executive Officer Olga Morales Pate | Letter of support Southwestern Power Resources Association (SPRA) and Southwest Missouri Water (SWMO Water): “We thank you for your tireless work on this important legislation. We eagerly anticipate its enactment and its role in ensuring our nation's water supplies balance the needs of all stakeholders, playing an essential role in our nation’s future.” – SPRA Executive Director Nick Fuller and SWMO Water Executive Director Roddy Rogers | Letter of support Soy Transportation Coalition: “According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 48% of U.S. soybean exports are transported by barge – primarily to export terminals along the lower Mississippi River. Barge transportation is one of predominant reasons U.S. soybean farmers are so competitive in the international marketplace. Investing in the inland waterway system and ports is simultaneously an investment in the success of soybean farmers. We once again offer our sincere appreciation to House and Senate leaders for prioritizing this important piece of legislation. Farmers look forward to realizing the benefits of it in the future.” – Soy Transportation Coalition Executive Director Mike Steenhoek | Letter of support The Fertilizer Institute (TFI): “Nearly a quarter of all fertilizers move via barge through locks and navigation channels authorized and modernized through regular passage of WRDA legislation. Updated ocean ports channels are crucial to the global trade in fertilizers, supporting both US farmers and workers at fertilizer production facilities. WRDA 2024 supports the continued improvement of these vital national infrastructure assets by authorizing important water resources projects throughout our port and waterway systems.” – TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch | Letter of support The Nature Conservancy: “The Nature Conservancy applauds the bipartisan and inclusive efforts of both chambers to invest in and modernize our nation’s water resource-related infrastructure and to maintain regular order of advancing water resources development legislation every two years.” – The Nature Conservancy US Federal Water Policy Team Lead Stephanie Bailenson | Letter of support Transportation Construction Coalition (TCC): “If enacted, the bill would address the harbor deepening and maintenance needs of commercially significant ports to ensure America can remain competitive globally. These projects help facilitate the movement of construction materials through our inland waterways.” | Letter of support United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA): “This bill will create good-paying jobs for UA members as we continue our important work providing access to clean and safe drinking water, modernizing our water infrastructure, maintaining wastewater systems, and so much more.” – UA General President Mark McManus | Letter of support Upper Mississippi River Basin Association (UMRBA): “The proposed reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act offers important opportunities to advance the principles of sustainability and multi-use management of the nation’s water resources and to support cooperation among the federal government agencies, states governments, and nongovernmental interests.” – UMBRA Executive Director Kirsten Wallace | Letter of support |