Durbin: Passage of WRDA is Essential for Illinois Projects

Statement

Durbin: Passage of WRDA is Essential for Illinois Projects

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today made the following statement concerning the Senate passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA):

"The Mississippi River transports $12 billion worth of products every year, affecting agriculture, commercial, and labor interests across the state of Illinois," said Durbin. "Today I joined senators from both parties to pass a bill that will create over 50,000 new jobs for our region, shorter shipping times, and improved business for Midwest producers along the River."

"The construction and repair of several locks and dams in the state - vital components of our nation's infrastructure - will finally receive authorization with the passage of the Water Resources Development Act. These projects including the Alpine Dam in Rockford are essential to the prevention of severe flooding that has ruined homes and damaged businesses."

"This legislation will now be sent to the President who should carefully reconsider his threat to veto this bill. A veto by this Administration will mean yet another delay for important projects in Illinois. With broad bipartisan support from both the House and the Senate, I fully expect that Congress will override that veto."

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