Lautenberg, Menendez Praise Passage of Water Resources Development Act, Important NJ Projects Authorized
Statement
Lautenberg, Menendez Praise Passage of Water Resources Development Act, Important NJ Projects Authorized
Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) hailed the Senate's passage of the conference report for the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which authorizes more than $480 million in federal funds for Army Corps of Engineers projects in New Jersey. The bill has been passed by the House and the Senate and will be sent to the President shortly for approval.
"This bill will bolster our economy, improve public safety and protect New Jersey's beaches and waterways for years to come," said Sen. Lautenberg who, as a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, helped author the bill and ushered it through the Senate and in Conference with the House. "I am proud of our work to write this bill and secure these funds for projects critical to communities across our state."
There are two key steps for getting important projects for New Jersey: authorization and appropriations. In addition to his service on the Environment and Public Works Committee, Sen. Lautenberg also sits on the Appropriations Committee which provides funds for the projects authorized in the WRDA bill. "I'm glad to be serving New Jersey on both of the key committees in the Senate that can deliver funds to important projects across our state," said Sen. Lautenberg.
"Our state stands to gain on the environmental, economic, and public safety fronts because of this bill," said Sen. Menendez. "We will benefit from a number of projects to rebuild storm-damaged lands, restore critical ecosystems, improve infrastructure and help prevent future flooding. I am proud to have helped secure these funds for the Garden State and for New Jersey families."
WRDA authorizes civil works projects by the Army Corps of Engineers projects, including flood control, hurricane and storm damage reduction, navigation, environmental restoration and infrastructure, and beach replenishment.
Altogether, WRDA authorizes more than $480 million in federal funding for the Garden State. The bill now heads to the President, who has threatened to veto the measure.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Source