Press Releases

Congressman David Rouzer (NC-07) announced the North Carolina priorities he fought for were included in the House Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2022, which unanimously advanced out of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee earlier today.  As Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, Rouzer played a key role in the drafting of WRDA 2022.  The package now awaits a vote in the full House.

“I am pleased the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee unanimously voted to advance the Water Resources Development Act of 2022, which includes priorities I fought to include for Southeastern North Carolina,” said Rep. Rouzer.  “From policies addressing flood risk, to initiatives to improve our ports and stabilize our inland waterways, this meaningful legislation is critical to address the unique needs of our communities in North Carolina and to strengthen the entire U.S. economy.  I’m pleased this bill passed out of committee with strong bipartisan support, and I look forward to its passage on the House floor in the coming weeks.”

WRDA 2022 provides authority for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to carry out critical water resources development projects and studies.  Regular consideration of locally driven, rigorously-studied, and nationally-significant water resources infrastructure is key to preserving our nation’s economy, strengthening U.S. and international commerce, protecting our communities and businesses, and maintaining our quality of life.

This legislation—which the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has developed and passed on a bipartisan and biennial basis since 2014—is critical to all 50 states, territories, and Tribal communities.

WRDA 2022 North Carolina priorities championed by Congressman Rouzer include:

• Authorization of North Carolina National Coastal Mapping Study: Congressman Rouzer secured authorization to establish an innovative program in North Carolina requiring the Corps to map inland and coastal waterways to identify potential hazards, such as debris and sedimentation, leading to increased flood risk.
  
  
• Shoreline and Riverine Restoration: WRDA 2022 authorizes the Corps to carry out projects for the protection and restoration of coastal shorelines and riverbanks from erosion and other damaging forces.  Congressman Rouzer worked to specifically include the City of Southport, North Carolina within this authorization.  This authorization will help the City of Southport increase the resilience of their riverbanks by repairing erosion caused by boat traffic and will help prevent extensive damage from future storms.

More information, including bill text, can be found here.