The Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee voted to pass the bipartisan Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024 on Wednesday. The legislation was introduced by Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.), Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), and Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.). The bill advanced by a unanimous vote, according to Capito.
The Water Resources Development Act is biennial legislation that authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to continue implementation of key projects and studies that address water resources challenges in communities across the country, including several in West Virginia. WRDA 2024 authorizes 81 feasibility studies and eight new or modified construction projects across the country.
“The Army Corps of Engineers conducts critical work in communities across the United States by building out water resources infrastructure, including projects that manage risks posed by flooding,” Capito said Wednesday. “Every two years, the Environment and Public Works Committee supports the Corps in carrying out its civil works mission through the Water Resources Development Act. This year’s WRDA 2024 contains significant wins for West Virginia and I appreciate the EPW Committee working together to advance this important bipartisan legislation today.”