ARLINGTON, Va., Dec. 19, 2024 – The U.S. Senate yesterday approved the biennial Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA) by a vote of 97-1.
WRDA funds crucial water-related infrastructure projects nationwide under the supervision of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It was approved last week by the House of Representatives in a 399-18 vote.
The bill, which now heads to the President’s desk for signature before becoming law, includes smart adjustments to the cost-share provisions for construction and major rehabilitation of inland waterway infrastructure – a priority for the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA).
“We are grateful that Congress has once again delivered a bi-partisan, on-time WRDA and recognized the importance of the inland waterways system to the American agricultural supply chain,” said NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert. “Barges transport about half of all grains to export grain elevators, and modern ports and efficient inland locks and dams are essential to maintaining America’s comparative infrastructure advantage. We are also pleased the legislation does not threaten or call into question the importance of the Columbia River System and Lower Snake River Dams for U.S. agricultural exports.”
Seyfert specifically thanked Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) from the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, along with Chairman Sam Graves (R-Mo.) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-Wash.) from the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for their leadership.
“Their bipartisan commitment to shepherding this important legislation across the finish line before Congress adjourned is greatly appreciated by all of us in the grain and feed business,” he explained. “We call on the next Congress and the incoming administration to continue building on these efforts to modernize America’s waterways.”
One item that NGFA hopes to see in future WRDA bills is additional support for key projects designated in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act enacted in 2021.
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