Water Resources Reform and Development Act that Includes Major Portions of Casey’s River Act Sails Through Both Chambers / First Unveiled in Pittsburgh in 2013, Casey Proposal Would Make Available Up to $124 Million to SWPA Locks and Dams and Also Make Reforms that Limit Cost Overruns / Coming Investment Will Bolster Region’s Economy, Have Significant Impact on Region’s Waterways
Washington, DC- A day after companion legislation received near-unanimous support in the House, the Senate has passed the Casey- backed Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA). This legislation, which will make up to $124 million available to Southwestern Pennsylvania’s aging locks and dams includes major portions of Senator Casey’s River Act. Casey’s proposal was first unveiled in Pittsburgh in 2013 and would dedicate additional resources to the region’s locks and dams and make reforms that limit cost overruns in the future.
“Pennsylvania’s locks and dams play a vital role in creating and sustaining jobs and supporting economic growth throughout the country,” said Senator Casey. “In Southwestern Pennsylvania alone, over 200,000 jobs rely on the proper functioning of the locks and dams on the lower Monongahela River. I’m pleased that Congress has passed this act, which will create jobs, grow our economy and make vital upgrades to the region’s aging locks and dams.”
Provisions in the passed legislation include a permanent cost-share adjustment for the Olmstead project, freeing up approximately $124 million for the Lower Mon and other priority projects. Major rehabilitation, prioritization of projects based on their risk and economic benefit, and reforms for project delivery are also included in the final legislation.
In the House, the WRRDA passed by a vote of 417-3, with 10 abstaining. In the Senate, the legislation passed by a vote of 91-7.
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