Legislation includes Loebsack`s measure to move Cedar Rapids flood protection forward
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the House of Representatives passed the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA). This bipartisan legislation will authorize Corps of Engineers funding for improvements to ports, waterways and projects tied to flood protection, drinking water, dams and levees and environmental restoration. The legislation also includes flood protection measures that Loebsack fought to expand after the Floods of 2008. Congressman Loebsack fought to secure funding that was needed to complete the study and allow 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.
"In what has become par for the course in Washington, an issue of high importance to many Iowans and to the nation was again delayed and put on the back burner. While I am pleased that the House Republicans have finally moved the Water Resources Reform and Development Act forward, it is far past time.
"Our crumbling infrastructure is an area I believe continued investment in is absolutely critical. These are investments that create jobs, have a direct impact on our economy, and provide safety and protection for Iowans. Iowa farmers, manufacturers, businesses and local economies rely on the Mississippi River infrastructure. It is clear that the locks and dams along the Mississippi River are deteriorating and significantly harming the economic development in the region. This bill is very important to Iowa, not just for the locks and dams, but also for much of our flood protection and Army Corps projects that are needed to keep our communities safe. The House and Senate must act without further delay to work out the differences between the two bills so a comprehensive WRRDA bill can be signed into law."
The Senate passed its version of WRRDA earlier this year and the two bills will now go to a Conference Committee to reconcile the differences.
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