As Lake Mead Hits New Record Lows, Rep. Susie Lee Votes to Pass Bipartisan Water Resources Development Act Investing in Western Water Infrastructure

Statement

Last night, Rep. Susie Lee (NV-03) voted to pass the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2022, legislation that will authorize crucial investments in America's ports, inland waterways, flood management systems, ecosystems, and other water resources infrastructure.

This legislation includes critical western water provisions that Rep. Lee fought for, including language directing a feasibility study of aquifer recharge projects and an additional $800 million in funding for the Section 595 program, which funds the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' critical work on water-related environmental infrastructure and resource protection projects. In March, Rep. Lee testified at the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment Member Day in support of these provisions.

"As the West faces the worst drought in 12 centuries, southern Nevada is experiencing a water crisis. Already this summer, Lake Mead's worst predictions are being shattered, with experts predicting that the level could fall another 12 feet by fall," said Rep. Lee. "That's why we must continue to take action now. I'm proud that Democrats and Republicans could come together to pass a fifth consecutive, bipartisan WRDA, along with my legislative requests to invest in western water infrastructure and water resiliency planning. From coast to coast and everywhere in between, WRDA will build water resilience, boost our economic competitiveness, create jobs, and take critical steps to ensure every American has access to clean water."

The passage of WRDA 2022 marks the fifth consecutive, bipartisan House passage of the Water Resources Development Act. WRDA 2022 includes provisions that:

Improve U.S. water infrastructure by authorizing the study and construction of locally-driven projects developed in cooperation and consultation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Strengthen America's economy through investment in our ports, harbors, and inland waterways, which will increase efficiency and support supply chains.
Build more resilient communities by restoring natural infrastructure and ensuring new infrastructure helps to mitigate the effects of natural disasters, extreme weather, sea-level rise, and other challenges posed by climate change.
Improve America's ports and harbors, while ensuring efficient and effective use of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund dollars unlocked by WRDA 2020.
Direct the Corps to increase coordination with Tribal, indigenous, and economically disadvantaged communities to ensure that water resources development needs across the nation are met.

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