Congress Approves Nature-Forward Water Infrastructure Package

Congress last night passed a large, bipartisan water infrastructure package that will leverage nature-based solutions to improve the health and function of the nation’s waterways.

Typically passed every two years, the Water Resources Development Act authorizes funds for water infrastructure projects carried out across the country by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Around 200 local projects received feasibility studies in the bill, and 22 were authorized for construction.

“Once again, Congress has demonstrated that nature can unite us. WRDA is a biennial affirmation of what commonsense, practical investments in nature can benefit our communities, our economy and our natural world,” said Stephanie Bailenson, U.S. federal water policy team lead for The Nature Conservancy. “Since 2016, Congress has directed the Corps to consider natural and nature-based solutions alongside or instead of traditional infrastructure. This latest act continues that trend.

“Conserving and protecting natural resources often provides the most effective and cost-effective line of defense against threats like extreme weather events and flooding. These are investments that lead to vibrant local economies and stronger, safer communities.”

Among the efforts authorized are:

• The Hatchie-Loosahatchie, Mississippi River Mile 775-736 Habitat Restoration project, which will support clean air, flood control and recreation opportunities for communities along the Lower Mississippi River. 

• Work to improve access to 320 miles of river habitat for fish passage while maintaining ice control and alewife harvest that is critical to the town of Cherryfield, Maine. 

• Multiple programs for environmental restoration work, including rehabilitation of fish and wildlife habitats in the Upper Mississippi River system. 

The act also:

• Directs the Corps to revise its New York-New Jersey Harbor and Tributaries Feasibility Study to protect people and property from the risks of flooding. 
• Provides for several studies and reports on project partnership agreements, easements, disaster preparedness, ecosystem services and barriers to implementing nature-based solutions that will set the stage for policy improvements in future WRDA bills. 
• Supports work to improve the monitoring of low-head dams and reauthorizes the National Dam Safety Program, which will ensure the necessary resources are available to assist states and dam owners with the maintenance of dams that pose the highest risks to life and property.  
• Directs the Corps to expedite and receive the chief's signature to authorize improvements to the Claiborne and Millers Ferry Locks and Dams River to support fish passage along the Lower Alabama River. 

“We are particularly appreciative of the effort to expedite completion and obtain the Corps chief’s signature on the final chief’s report to enable fish passage along the Alabama River and begin planning, design and engineering that project in partnership with the Corps,” said Bailenson. “We will continue to work with Congress to authorize this project and begin construction as soon as possible.”

The package cleared the Senate yesterday after the House approved it last week with overwhelming, bipartisan support.

“As this Congress prepares to close, we commend lawmakers for their work over the last two years to deliver another robust investment in the health and sustainability of the nation’s waterways,” said Bailenson.