Washington, D.C.—Congressman Darin LaHood voted today to pass the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, comprehensive legislation to address the needs of America’s harbors, locks, and dams, flood protection, and other water resources infrastructure critical to America’s economy. The WIIN Act includes a bill introduced by Rep. LaHood—the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2016. WIIN passed the house today by a vote of 360-61.
“Water infrastructure in central and west-central Illinois is critical to the success of economic development and job growth, which is why I’m thrilled to see this bill pass with such strong support. The Illinois River touches 11 of the 19 counties I represent in the 18th District, with nearly two million jobs tied to related activities. It’s crucial that our waterways operate efficiently and effectively, especially given the fact that more than 600 million tons of cargo worth more than $230 billion moves throughout our national network annually. The Mississippi River and the Illinois River collectively transport almost 65,000 tons of this cargo each year. By providing vital support, this bill supports the life blood of the economy: efficient transportation of goods on our waterways, which ultimately supports manufacturing and agriculture.” stated Rep. LaHood. “Additionally, I am pleased to see legislation that I introduced in the House earlier this year included in this bill. As a father who regularly enjoys the outdoors with my three sons, modernizing the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act will improve conservation efforts for outdoorsmen and increase economic opportunities for our fishermen.”
The WIIN Act authorizes $10 billion in fully offset funds for critical projects and activities related to the key missions of the Army Corps of Engineers, builds on the bipartisan reforms of WRDA 2014, and continues to restore the two-year WRDA cycle that is critical to Congressional oversight.
For more on the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2016, click here.
