Byrne Supports Water Resources Reform & Development Act

Washington, DC – May 20, 2014 – Today, Representative Bradley Byrne (AL-1) supported passage of the conference report for H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act. This legislation sets federal waterways policy, authorizing funding for the Army Corps of Engineers to maintain ports and channels important for shipping and commerce. The bill first passed the House of Representatives on October 23, 2013. Upon passage of the conference report in the House and Senate, the bill heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

The conference report deauthorizes $18 billion of inactive projects, more than fully offsetting any new authorizations, while providing for increased participation by non-Federal interests in order to strengthen these investments. It reforms and streamlines project approvals and eliminates duplicative studies to cut down on bureaucratic roadblocks. It is also completely earmark-free.

The conference report also establishes a new process for prioritizing water resources projects in the future based on merit and need, including widening projects such as the proposal to widen the ship channel in the Port of Mobile.

Byrne said: “In Southwest Alabama, we know that our waterways mean jobs. Maintaining a world-class network of ports and channels is critical for our businesses to remain competitive in the global marketplace. This bipartisan bill streamlines and reforms the process for making improvements to our critical water resources infrastructure so that facilities like the Port of Mobile can continue to operate as a top competitor with world class capabilities.

“While this bill’s passage is a victory for our shipping community, it also highlights the importance of continued efforts to widen the ship channel in the Port of Mobile. I will work with the Army Corps of Engineers and with my colleagues on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee to stress the importance of this and other water resources projects critical to Southwest Alabama moving forward.”