House Passed Bill Contains Provisions From Rep. McDermott on Seawall

Press Release

House Passed Bill Contains Provisions From Rep. McDermott on Seawall

The House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (H.R. 1495) last night, which includes provisions authored by Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) affecting the Elliott Bay Seawall.

One provision inserted by McDermott would require the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to consider the environmental, economic, and public safety benefits of the seawall; McDermott said the net effect will be to raise the project higher on the Corps' priority list.

In addition, McDermott inserted technical language that allows the City of Seattle to get credit for funding the project ahead of schedule, which will expedite completion of the Corps' study, and McDermott worked closely with colleagues to include in the legislation a two-year extension of what is known as Sec. 214 authority. This saves Seattle taxpayers money by allowing the City of Seattle to pay extra to fast-track permit applications.

"This is the kind of in-the-trenches quiet legislative work that doesn't garner headlines, but is vitally important to keeping the appropriate federal agencies focused on the need to replace the Elliott Bay Seawall to protect Seattle," McDermott said.

The vote for passage of H.R.1495 was 394 in favor, 25 opposed, and 14 not voting.

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