A roundtable policy discussion recently convened by U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA) in Miami examined strategies to improve the nation’s water resources infrastructure in a new Water Resources Development Act (WRDA).
The WRDA authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to undertake efforts to promote flood control, shoreline protection, water supply, environmental restoration, hydropower, dam safety and navigation across the country.
Strong water resources infrastructure not only helps the nation remain competitive, it helps create jobs and supports economic development, said Shuster, the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
In 2014 and 2016, Shuster played a key role in helping the bipartisan WRDA bills become law. He said the goal of the Oct. 27 event was to bring together stakeholders to guide the development of the next WRDA.
“The American people have spoken and they want us to improve our nation’s aging infrastructure,” Shuster said. “We need to take action so our infrastructure can meet the demands of our growing trade volume.”
Leaders of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, members of the Florida congressional delegation, and public and private stakeholders took part in the roundtable discussion held at PortMiami. U.S. Reps. Garret Graves (R-LA), the chairman of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, and Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) were among the members of Congress who took part in the discussion.
Shuster said water resources projects were not a priority of the Congress when he assumed leadership of the committee five years ago, but that dynamic has changed.
“We prioritized a two-year WRDA cycle, and we have now passed bipartisan bills in the previous two Congresses. Today begins the process of completing another WRDA and, with your help, we will be successful,” Shuster said.