Womack Supports Water Resources Development Act, Secures Wins for Arkansas

Press Release

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today joined the U.S House of Representatives in passing the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020. The bipartisan bill is comprised of Womack-supported provisions that will greatly benefit Arkansas, including the advancement of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS) channel deepening project. The package also authorizes funding to improve ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation, flood and storm protection, and other pieces of water resources infrastructure, as well as programs and policy reforms related to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Congressman Womack said, "Strong water infrastructure is a critical component of the nation. From our ports and supply chain to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers work, the impact of local waterways on Arkansas is far-reaching. This year's WRDA makes vital investments in the Natural State. It advances the MKARNS channel deepening, a cornerstone of economic vitality within the Third District, and supports ongoing levee and resiliency improvements following the severe floods we've experienced. The legislation demonstrates the results that can be delivered to the American people when both sides work together."

Womack-supported WRDA policies include provisions that:

Advance the MKARNS 12-foot channel deepening project, a key priority that Womack has advocated for and helped secure. The completed project is expected to allow for an additional 630 tons per barge to be transported;
Adjust the cost share for Inland Waterways System projects to help expedite the completion of ongoing and future projects;
Increase flood resiliency by streamlining U.S. Army Corps of Engineers construction authority for communities that experience continual flood loss; and
Strengthen opportunities for the Corps to provide needed projects and feasibility studies in rural communities.
With nearly 80 percent of traded goods that Americans rely on being moved through our nation's ports, harbors, and inland waterways, WRDA is essential legislation that focuses on strengthening America's water infrastructure and resources. The comprehensive package is reauthorized every two years.

The bill will now advance to the Senate for consideration.

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