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Risch applauds passage of WRDA |
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September 19, 2016 |
Last week, U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID)
supported, and the U.S. Senate passed, S.2848,
the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). The
bill, which authorizes critical water
infrastructure projects across the country,
included language to streamline the water
resources process in Idaho.
The bill now goes to the House of
Representatives for consideration.
“Small communities across Idaho will benefit
from this common-sense legislation,” said Risch,
who has been a vocal advocate in the Senate for
solutions to Idaho’s most pressing water
resource priorities. “This legislation takes
important steps that will improve Idaho’s water
infrastructure and prevent future flood damage.”
WRDA authorizes 25 critical Army Corps of
Engineers projects, which will help strengthen
the nation’s infrastructure to protect lives and
property, restore vital ecosystems to preserve
our natural heritage, and maintain navigation
routes for commerce and the movement of goods to
keep us competitive in the global marketplace.
If signed by the President, language advocated
for by Risch would address important Idaho
concerns on dam operations to ensure that
current infrastructure is being fully utilized
for multiuse purposes, and would provide
assistance for water recycling projects and
water supplies for needed aquifer depletion
issues.
Further, it would redirect funding from the
annual Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund to small
ports, and help mitigate effects of drought and
drought-stricken watersheds.
“I am pleased that these projects were included
to protect Idaho and enhance our waterways,”
Risch added.
Click
here for a summary of the bill. |
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