Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) expressed strong support last week for the bipartisan passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024, highlighting its provisions aimed at bolstering Alabama’s water infrastructure and economic growth.
The WRDA bill, which authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Program, focuses on improving ports, harbors, inland waterways, flood protection, and water resource management across the nation. For Alabama, the legislation introduces several critical initiatives tailored to the state’s unique needs, ensuring long-term benefits for its economy and communities.
“Alabama’s inland water infrastructure will be getting the support it needs to boost our economy and our national security,” Senator Britt stated. “This WRDA bill delivers on key priorities for Alabama, from new locks and dams to improved navigation and flood control measures.”
Key provisions in the bill include:
- Navigation Improvements: Authorizing new locks at the Coffeeville and Demopolis Lock and Dams to maintain navigability on Alabama’s waterways and directing technical assistance for navigation issues at the Wilson Lock and Dam.
- Flood Management: Fully authorizing the Selma Flood Risk Management and Stabilization Project with a 100% federal cost share to preserve historic Civil Rights landmarks.
- Mobile Harbor Dredging: Requiring no less than 70% of dredged material to be used for beneficial purposes, with an emphasis on collaboration with local stakeholders.
- Environmental and Economic Infrastructure: Increasing federal authorization for Alabama Environmental Infrastructure projects from $50 million to $85 million to support water infrastructure and economic growth initiatives statewide.
- Feasibility and Research Projects: Authorizing studies to address flooding in Lamar County’s Luxapalila Creek and fish passage projects at Claiborne and Millers Ferry Lock and Dam in Wilcox County.
Alabama’s waterways, including nearly 1,270 miles of navigable inland routes, connect the state to over 15,000 miles of waterways across 23 states, making the Port of Mobile a vital hub for national and global trade. Handling over 55 million tons of cargo annually, the port was recently recognized as the nation’s second fastest-growing port.
The WRDA bill also addresses broader efficiency goals, such as modernizing federal real estate use and reauthorizing the Economic Development Administration (EDA) for the first time in nearly two decades to support distressed communities nationwide.
As a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Britt has prioritized funding for water infrastructure, securing $73 million for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the Fiscal Year 2024 Energy and Water Development Act and advancing $25.07 million in appropriations for FY25. These efforts underscore her commitment to maintaining Alabama’s waterways and promoting economic resilience.
The bipartisan WRDA 2024 legislation now awaits further steps for full implementation, promising significant investments in Alabama’s infrastructure and positioning the state for continued growth.