Edwards Floor Statement On Passage Of Conference Report For Water Resources Reform And Development Act

Press Release

Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards (MD-4) delivered the following statement on the House Floor today on the Conference Report to H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform and Development (WRRDA) Act of 2014. Congresswoman Edwards was a conferee to the WRRDA Conference Committee, and the House passed the Conference Report under suspension of the rules. Below, are the Congresswoman's remarks as prepared for delivery.

"I want to thank Chairmen Shuster and Gibbs and Ranking Members Rahall and Bishop, and congratulate them and the staff on their work on this conference. I rise in support of this bill.

However, I should point out the environmental streamlining provisions in the House and Senate passed-versions were based on the assumption that a significant number of project delays are due to environmental reviews. I couldn't disagree more.

Though I would prefer the environmental provisions in the conference report were not included, I believe we have improved them significantly. We have also ensured the public will still be able to participate effectively as part of the NEPA process on water projects that have a profound effect on their health, safety, and well-being.

This report also reauthorizes the State Revolving Fund for the first time since 1987 and includes innovative financing of water infrastructure projects. As part of both programs, I am proud to say that we will for the first time consider an idea that I have championed: the use of innovative, green, and low impact technologies. These types of projects are usually less expensive, require less operations and maintenance, and reduce risk.
I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill that creates jobs, while ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used to support projects that are well-designed and achieve environmental compliance. "

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