Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) with bipartisan support. The legislation authorizes projects and studies for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) civil works program, including efforts to combat aquatic invasive species and plants like those found in the California Delta.
Because of Congressman McNerney’s recommendations, the Corps of Engineers will include invasive species mitigation, such as the removal of water hyacinth, as a part of its project planning.
“I’m pleased that we were able to come together to pass this commonsense, bipartisan bill. It’s going to help us deal more effectively with the invasive plant problem in the Delta,” said Rep. McNerney. “The bill will also provide resources to improve water quality, protect against flooding, and help keep our ports navigable. I’m glad to support these kinds of investments in our infrastructure that create jobs.”
In addition to the invasive species program, WRRDA authorizes projects including flood risk management (levees, dams), environmental restorations (wetlands restoration, shoreline restoration), and navigation (harbor dredging, river locks). WRRDA also streamlines the approval process for local projects by establishing a new submission process. Local project sponsors (cities, flood control agencies, water agencies, states, etc.) will now be permitted to submit their proposals directly to the Corps for review.
