Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) voted in favor of the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024, which provides critical support for flood protection, locks, dams, and waterways in Illinois. Multiple provisions submitted by Congressman LaHood to strengthen Illinois’ waterway infrastructure, boost economic opportunity, and mitigate flood risks were included in the final version of the legislation, which has now passed both chambers and will head to the President’s desk to be signed into law.
“In Illinois’ 16th District, our communities rely on water infrastructure resources for economic development, trade facilitation, and protection from natural disasters,” said Congressman LaHood. “I was proud to support this legislation, which will work to limit the damage caused by flooding and help impacted communities recover. This year’s version of the WRDA bill is also critical to ensuring our farmers and businesses have updated transportation infrastructure, providing easier and more efficient access to markets across the globe.”
Provisions submitted by Congressman LaHood include:
- Authorizing the Upper Mississippi River System Flood Risk and Resiliency Study, which allows the planning authority to develop strategic and durable approaches to preparation and response for flood risk in the Upper Mississippi River System floodplain.
- Adjusting the cost share requirement from 65/35 percent to 75/25 percent for the Inland Waterways Trust Fund, which would assist in expediting the completion of authorized navigation projects on inland waterways and strengthen America’s supply chain.
Other sections of WRDA benefit Illinois by allocating funds to improve existing water and wastewater infrastructure and increasing support for restoration projects, including the Upper Mississippi River Restoration (UMRR) program, which Congressman LaHood has championed in previous federal funding cycles.
Additionally, the bill:
- Extends the authorization of the Illinois River Basin Restoration program, which helps to maintain ecological integrity, improve flood planning, reduce sediment delivery, and improve water quality in the Illinois River.
- Modifies the cost of several projects and reauthorizes several projects, including $4 million for water and wastewater infrastructure for Rockford, IL, and $9.5 million for water and wastewater infrastructure for several locations in McHenry County.
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