WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Rep. Darin LaHood voted for H.R. 5303, the Water and Resources Development Act (WRDA), a measure that provides critical support to America’s ports, harbors, locks, dams, flood protection, and other water resources infrastructure in a fiscally responsible way while increasing transparency and oversight.
“Water resources infrastructure is vital to economic competition and growth, especially in Illinois. Over 600 million tons of cargo worth over $230 billion moves throughout our national waterways annually. The 18th district is uniquely positioned between the Mississippi River and the Illinois River—which collectively transports almost 65,000 tons of cargo each year. It is imperative that we continue to invest in infrastructure that enables our farmers and manufacturers to move their commodities, facilitating trade that is essential for these local industries. This is the third major infrastructure legislation that has passed the House since I was elected. First, we passed the FAST Act to revitalize our nation’s roads, bridges, and rails. Second, we have reauthorized Federation Aviation Administration (FAA) to provide critical support and certainty to our airport infrastructure. I am thankful this crucial measure, which funds and improves our water resources infrastructure— the third pillar of transportation—passed the House with such strong bipartisan support.”
WRDA provides $10 billion in fully offset investments in ports, channels, locks, dams, and other infrastructure supporting the maritime and waterways transportation system. H.R. 5303 would authorize 27 water projects which have been reviewed and recommended by the Army Corps of Engineers, and includes 29 feasibility studies. The measure also includes funding for certain projects that directly benefit Illinois, including in the Great Lakes Navigation System.
H.R. 5303 passed out of the House on a vote of 399-25.
