Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after House leaders appointed members to a committee to reconcile the differences with the Senate on the long delayed Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA). The legislation authorizes Army Corps of Engineers funding for improvements to ports, waterways and projects tied to flood protection, drinking water, dams and levees and environmental restoration. It also includes flood protection measures that Loebsack fought to expand after the Floods of 2008.
"I am pleased that House leadership has finally taken this step to move this important legislation forward. This updated bill is long past due. The investments included in this legislation create jobs, have a direct impact on our economy, and provide safety and protection for Iowans. The conference committee must act without further delay to work out the differences between the two bills so a comprehensive WRRDA bill can be signed into law."
Congressman Loebsack had previously fought to secure funding that was needed to complete the study which allowed the Cedar Rapids flood protection project to be included in this bill. He also pushed to move WRRDA forward in order to address critical flood protection and transportation concerns on the Mississippi River. He is a cosponsor of legislation that was incorporated into WRRDA that will explore the creation of public-private partnerships between the Army Corps of Engineers and private entities as financing alternatives for lock and dam capital projects.
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