Larsen Helps Secure Passage of Infrastructure Bill That Aids Northwest Washington Ports, Flood Control, and Ecosystem Repair

Statement

The House of Representatives today passed a job-creating water infrastructure bill with the support of Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02. The Water Resources Reform and Development Act authorizes federal investment in ports, flood control and ecosystem restoration. Northwest Washington has several ongoing federally funded water infrastructure projects.

"We can't have a big league economy with little league infrastructure," Larsen said. "In some parts of Northwest Washington, safe and strong water infrastructure is every bit as important as roads and bridges.

"Whether it's flood control in the Skagit Valley or maintaining ports in Everett and Bellingham, we need to make sure that our infrastructure is a solid foundation for our economy.

"This bill will create jobs and make it easier for communities throughout Northwest Washington to move forward on infrastructure projects that will grow the economy in the long-run.

"While this bill delivers for Northwest Washington, there's more than we can do. Northwest ports pay more in fees than they get back for investment. While this bill gives our ports some additional money to spend on infrastructure, I will continue working to find ways to get our ports a better deal."

Larsen is a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which has jurisdiction over the bill.

The Water Resources Reform and Development Act governs funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for water navigation projects (including ports and shipping channels), flood control projects and ecosystem restoration projects.

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