Press Releases

This week, with the support of Congressman David Rouzer, the House of Representatives passed the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2016 which addresses the needs of America’s harbors, locks, dams, provides for flood protection and other water resources infrastructure by authorizing specific U.S. Army Corps of Engineers activities.  WRDA 2016 is a fully offset bill that enables Congress to have much stronger and more consistent oversight of infrastructure policy and implementation.   

“For far too long, our infrastructure needs have been neglected.  Our ports, beaches and waterways are the lifeline of economic activity and job growth in our coastal communities.  As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I am very pleased that this bill includes provisions to address the unique needs we have on the coast.  The passage of WRDA is critical to Southeastern North Carolina and our nation, and I look forward to the President signing this very important infrastructure bill into law.”

The Water Resources Development Act authorizes much-needed investment into our infrastructure systems, supports the maritime and waterway transportation systems and provides for flood protection for homes and businesses.  Specifically, the bill requires the Army Corps of Engineers to prioritize the needs of area beaches, includes a three year extension of coastal storm damage reduction funding for Carolina Beach, and requires a no wake zone on the Intracoastal Waterway at the Southport Marina.  

The Senate has already passed its version of this bill so the next step will be to go to a Conference Committee where differences between the two chambers will be worked out.  Once a report is issued by the Conference Committee and approved in both the House and Senate, the bill will go to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

###