Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) voted in support of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020, which will provide critical support for Illinois locks and dams and waterways, provide rural communities additional resources in addressing flood risk needs, and strengthen Illinois’ agriculture competitive advantage in the global economy.
"In central and west-central Illinois, which is uniquely positioned between the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, our communities rely heavily on water infrastructure resources for economic development," said Rep. LaHood. "It is critical that we continue to invest in infrastructure that allows farmers and manufacturers in the 18th District to move their commodities around the globe. This bipartisan bill includes important provisions to boost federal support for inland waterways projects and strengthen flood plans in the Upper Mississippi River Basin. I am proud to once again support this essential piece of legislation for Illinois."
Rep. LaHood advocated for a provision in this year's WRDA which adjusts the federal cost-share of inland waterway projects. This provision will ensure that the Army Corps of Engineers construction projects are completed on-time and on-budget, including the anticipated 2023 Illinois Waterway lock and dam rehabilitation projects.
Background:
WRDA 2020 is bipartisan legislation that includes projects of national, regional, and local significance that help strengthen the Nation’s global competitiveness, grow the economy, move goods throughout the country and abroad, protect communities, and create jobs. WRDA authorizes projects to improve ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation, flood and storm protection, and other pieces of water resources infrastructure, as well as programs and policy reforms related to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Program.
Specifically, these projects and investments in water resource infrastructure are initiated and carried out at the local level but provide valuable benefits regionally and nationally. Key reforms included in WRDA 2020 streamline flood risk reduction projects provide local communities the tools to build their infrastructure back faster and more resilient after disasters and take care of rural communities by providing additional support and resources in addressing flood risk needs.
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