FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 25, 2016
CONTACT
Yasmine Evans (Edwards)--202-225-8699
Edwards Statement on Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Markup for H.R. 5303, the Water Resources Development Act of 2016
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards (MD-4) released the following statement on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee markup of H.R. 5303, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2016. The bill funds protection of water resources such as harbors, ports, and dams, as well as flood protection in our nation.
“WRDA is critical to ensuring Maryland’s environmental, economic, and public health future. In Maryland’s 4th Congressional District, we rely on the Chesapeake Bay’s tributaries of the Anacostia, Patuxent, Potomac, and Severn Rivers for commerce in our region. This bill does not only protect our waters, yet enables billions of dollars in economic activity in Maryland,” said Congresswoman Edwards.
“Groups like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers make it possible for Maryland to have competitive and clean waterways. And after not reauthorizing WRDA for several years before 2014, today’s action of returning to the biannual process of authorizing projects and activities related to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is much appreciated and needed.”
Congresswoman Edwards successfully proposed an amendment, which was included in the Manager’s Amendment to the bill. The provision requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide written notice to elected officials and non-Federal entities on new developments and projects related to water resources on an annual basis.
For additional background on WRDA, please click here.
To read about Edwards’ previous work with the Water Resources Reform and Development (WRRDA) Conference Committee and the White House, please click here.
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