The House of Representatives has just approved comprehensive water resources infrastructure legislation that addresses the needs of America’s harbors, locks, dams, flood protection, and other water resources infrastructure.
The House passed the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act on a bipartisan basis by a vote of 360 to 61, sending the bill to the Senate.
A key component of the WIIN Act is Title I of the legislation, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2016, which authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to undertake port, waterway, and flood protection improvements across the country.
“ Without question, this infrastructure legislation is a win for America ,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster . “ The improvements in the WIIN Act are critical regional priorities, like the long-overdue upgrades for the Upper Ohio River’s Emsworth, Dashields, and Montgomery locks and dams, but they also provide significant national economic benefits. An efficient transportation network is what makes our economy run, and ensuring America’s water infrastructure is brought into the 21st century will grow the economy, strengthen our competitiveness, and create jobs.”
Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman, Bob Gibbs, added that the Act will provide certainty and confidence to the private sector, which relies on free and open water navigation to stay in business.
According to him, the WIIN Act will promote transparency and fiscal responsibility while making the necessary investments in water transportation infrastructure.