Lawmakers released legislation Friday authorizing the Army Corps of Engineers to study and carry out a host of water infrastructure and environmental restoration projects across the nation.
The biennial Water Resources Development Act directs the Army Corps’ flood control, navigation and ecosystem restoration efforts. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will mark up the bill Wednesday.
This year’s legislation would focus on protecting communities from increasingly severe floods and droughts and promoting economic activity at the nation’s ports, said Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), chair of the committee and the bill sponsor.
It includes projects and programs relevant to all 50 states, prioritizes initiatives to help disadvantaged communities and would direct the Army Corps to finish certain previously authorized projects, Carper said in a statement.