releases: https://bustos.house.gov/bustos-helps-pass-key-bipartisan-legislation-to-strengthen-inland-waterways/
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://bustos.house.gov/bustos-helps-pass-key-bipartisan-legislation-to-strengthen-inland-waterways/ | Bustos Helps Pass Key Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Inland Waterways | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | IL | Cheri Bustos | B001286 | bustos.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) helped pass the final bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020. This legislation, which was first passed by the House in July and has been finalized by bipartisan, bicameral negotiations, authorizes Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) water resources projects to strengthen our locks and dams, improve inland waterways, invest in flood damage reduction and update water infrastructure. The Senate is expected to pass the final bill swiftly and send it to the President's desk to be signed into law before the end of the year. Our agricultural producers depend on our inland waterways to deliver tons of goods to market each year, and we must ensure this economic driver remains strong, said Congresswoman Bustos. With the Mississippi River to our west, and the Illinois River to our south, it's vital we have reliable water infrastructure with modern locks and dams to serve the needs of our communities. This strong bipartisan bill is an example of the work Congress can accomplish when we come together, and I'll continue to invest in our region's infrastructure. Click HERE for audio. The WRDA would do the following in alignment with Congresswoman Bustos' priorities: Invest additional Federal resources for the construction of inland waterways projects and prioritizes the construction of projects identified by inland users, including the Upper Ohio River navigation system and the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP) for the Upper Mississippi River.Amend the cost-share formula for the construction and major rehabilitation of inland waterways navigation projects and would expedite completion of such projects, bringing the U.S. inland waterways transportation system into the 21st century. Through this new cost-share program, 65 percent of the federal share will come from the General Fund, while 35 percent will come from the Inland Waterways Trust Fund.Fully unlock the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) by providing the authority to appropriate additional funds for harbor maintenance needs from the existing balance in the Trust Fund. The current estimate of the balance in the trust fund is approximately $10 billion.Authorize the Corps to study, design and construct water resources projects for communities that have been subjected to repetitive flooding events and have received emergency flood assistance, including the construction of temporary barriers. This will help repetitive loss communities, especially those in economically-disadvantaged communities, obtain critical flood protection.Renew Congressional support for water resources projects that promote the beneficial reuse of sediment by establishing a national policy that recognizes the economic and environmental value in reusing clean dredged materials for ecosystem restoration or storm damage reduction projects.Create additional flexibility for the Corps to address the water resource needs of economically disadvantaged communities, communities of color and rural communities.Authorize the Corps to affordably study the flooding and storm damage reduction needs of economically disadvantaged communities, including communities of color, and tribal and rural communities. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |