Water Resources Development Act Passes Senate

Press Release

WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT PASSES SENATE

Iowa Projects Included in Final

Senator Chuck Grassley today said that the Water Resources Development Act that passed the Senate today authorizes major improvements to the Upper Mississippi River lock and dam system as well as several other projects along the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers and in Iowa. The bill passed 91-4.

"Major improvements to the Mississippi River infrastructure are absolutely necessary if our agriculture producers and manufactures are able to compete in a global market in the future," Grassley said. "Currently every mode of transportation is near or at maximum capacity. If we don't make these investments in our roads, rail, and water, U.S. agriculture, industry, and labor will pay the price."

Last year, Grassley visited Brazil to see the major investments in its transportation systems. He said that Brazil's surface transportation infrastructure is inferior to the U.S., but Brazil has made significant investments in its river infrastructure.

Grassley said that the bill only authorizes funding, but does not actually provide funding for the projects which will have to be done through the appropriations process. He will work with the appropriate districts of the Army Corps of Engineers for funding through the annual appropriations process.

The bill will now be reconciled with legislation passed by the House of Representatives.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source