Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024
Floor Speech
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Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support S. 4367, the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024.
Before I start my remarks, I echo my colleagues' thanks and gratitude to Grace Napolitano. I personally thank her for tapping me to be the vice ranking member of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee where she has served us so honorably. While I know that the title ``Queen of Water'' is taken, perhaps princess is up for grabs.
Mr. Speaker, I thank, again, Congresswoman Napolitano for her service and for all she has done for her constituents and the entire country.
This bipartisan legislation authorizes projects for water and wastewater infrastructure that are critical to the strengthening of the flood protection resiliency of our communities and to complete ecosystem restoration that maintains America's vital natural resources.
WRDA authorizes $49 million in new authorities in Ohio's 13th Congressional District, which I represent, to allow the United States Army Corps of Engineers to contribute their expertise to the development of new and existing environmental infrastructure projects that not only improve water and sewer infrastructure for our local communities but bolster our economic competitiveness.
I am proud to have advocated for these resources, and now to vote for their authorization, so that communities in my district have access to the infrastructure they need to flourish.
For example, in Summit County, $25 million has been authorized to fund projects such as Akron's water main and lead service line replacement, Fairlawn's West Market Street waterline replacement and Rosemont Preserve project, New Franklin's South Main Street stormwater replacement, and Barberton's Stratford Street waterline project.
In Stark County, $24 million has been authorized to fund projects such as the Canton's Cromer water storage reservoir replacement project and North Lawrence's sanitary sewer project.
With these projects, residents of Ohio's 13th District will benefit from clean water and improved infrastructure, but these projects will also help lay the foundation for vibrant, thriving communities full of opportunity.
I ask my colleagues in Congress to support this life-sustaining and economic-growth-yielding legislation.
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