House Passes WIIN Act, Prioritizes Water Infrastructure Projects

WASHINGTON, DC – On Thursday, the House passed legislation that authorizes water infrastructure projects critical to economic growth and environmental rehabilitation. The Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, passed with bipartisan support, makes critical improvements to America’s ports, channels, locks, dams, and other infrastructure.

Building on the reforms of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014, the WIIN Act includes the approval of water infrastructure projects started at the local level and developed in partnership with the Army Corps of Engineers.

Additional portions of the bill improve drinking water services and infrastructure, bringing relief to distressed communities with failing drinking water services.

“When Chairman Shuster and I worked to reform the way the Army Corps studies and completes water projects in 2014’s WRRDA, we also wanted to put water resources legislation on a regular two-year schedule. This provides certainty and confidence to the private sector, which relies on free and open water navigation to stay in business,” said Congressman Bob Gibbs, who chairs the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee. “The WIIN Act promotes transparency and fiscal responsibility while making the necessary investments in water transportation infrastructure.”

Gibbs added, “I thank my colleagues for voting for this economically important legislation and I thank Chairman Shuster for his leadership and partnership on WRDA.”

“Without question, this infrastructure legislation is a win for America,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA).  “I am proud that today, as one of the final acts of this Congress, the House voted to invest in our country.  The improvements in the WIIN Act are critical regional priorities, like the long-overdue upgrades for the Upper Ohio River’s Emsworth, Dashields, and Montgomery locks and dams, but they also provide significant national economic benefits.  An efficient transportation network is what makes our economy run, and ensuring America’s water infrastructure is brought into the 21st century will grow the economy, strengthen our competitiveness, and create jobs.”

Shuster continued, “I want to thank Chairman Gibbs and my colleagues on the Transportation Committee, as well as Chairman Upton and the Energy and Commerce Committee, Chairman Bishop and the Natural Resources Committee, our House Leadership, and our Senate counterparts for their hard work on this comprehensive legislation.  I strongly urge the Senate to pass this legislation and send it to the President.”

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