2024 water infrastructure bill gains Senate approval for key U.S. projects
(UI) — The U.S. Senate has passed the bipartisan Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024, which authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to advance key water infrastructure projects across the nation, including West Virginia.
This biennial legislation supports flood control, navigation, and ecosystem restoration efforts, aiming to address water resource challenges in all 50 states.
The bill approves 83 feasibility studies and 13 new or modified construction projects, ensuring continued investment in vital water infrastructure. U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) released statements celebrating the bill's passage.
“This year’s bipartisan Water Resources Development Act supports the important work the Army Corps of Engineers does in states, cities, and towns across America,” said Senator Capito, Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee. “By passing this legislation, the Senate took a significant step toward strengthening our water infrastructure, supporting our national economy, and better protecting communities from flood risks.”
Chairman Carper added, “Today, the U.S. Senate passed crucial bipartisan legislation to invest in our nation’s water infrastructure, protect our communities, and support good paying jobs. This bill addresses the diverse water resources needs of our nation and directs the Army Corps of Engineers to continue its work to make our communities more resilient in the face of extreme weather.”
Senator Kelly emphasized the bill’s impact on his home state of Arizona: “This bipartisan legislation includes provisions that will expedite critical Army Corps of Engineers infrastructure and flood control projects in Arizona.”
Senator Cramer underscored the importance of WRDA for flood control and recreational access in North Dakota: “The unanimous passage of the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act in the Senate is a win for communities across North Dakota and the country which interact with or even depend on Army Corps operations.”
The WRDA bill now moves to the House for further consideration.
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