WASHINGTON, D.C. — A water infrastructure bill that could greatly help Michigan’s water resources passed out of committee Wednesday.
The Water Resources Development Act would authorize projects through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to stop invasive carp, prevent coastal erosion, and improve navigation waterways, officials said.
The bill was passed out of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Committee, and now heads to the Senate floor for a vote.
Elements of the bill include:
Increasing the federal cost share for the Brandon Road Lock and Dam project: Increases the federal cost share for operating and maintaining the Brandon Road Lock and Dam project from 80% to 90%. The project is vital to preventing invasive carp from entering the Great Lakes.
Addressing destructive coastline erosion and flooding: Authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to promote shoreline restoration and prevent erosion in Grand Traverse, Brighton, Marysville, and Ludington.
Identifying and addressing flood risks in Southeast Michigan, Northern Michigan, and the Kalamazoo River watershed: Authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to work with multiple municipalities to identify and address flood risks in their communities impacted by flooding from extreme precipitation, including the Kalamazoo River watershed.
Improving waterway navigation: AllowstheU.S. Army Corps of Engineers to study navigation improvements for the St. Mary’s River and Grand Traverse Bay Harbor to they’re safe, accessible, and continue playing a critical role in our economy and national security.
Expediting critical projects in Michigan: Allows theU.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expedite the Menominee River Navigation project to ensure that materials can continue to be shipped through the harbor. It also allows them to expedite projects to improve navigation at the Big Bay Harbor Refuge, and repair the George W. Kuhn Headwaters Outfall.
“In order for the federal government to invest in essential water infrastructure projects and address critical problems impacting our Great Lakes and waterways, these projects must first be included in the Water Resources Development Act,” said Senator Debbie Stabenow, who is on the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Committee.