“WRDA 2022 brings about several changes to existing water infrastructure policy that will benefit communities nationwide. These include defining U.S. policy to guard shorelines and riverbanks from the severe effects of climate change, increasing the STEM workforce at the Corps, authorizing dredging activity for underserved community harbors, and increasing the federal cost share for Inland Waterways Trust Fund projects from 65%-75%, a policy ASCE supports and includes in our recommendations to improve the “D+” inland waterways grade in the 2021 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure.

“The legislation also includes provisions to enhance the safety of the nation’s dams and levees, which each received a ‘D’ grade in the 2021 report card. The bill requires the Corps to establish a new National Low-Head Dam Inventory to account for the nation’s low-head dams, which can pose significant public hazards by creating strong, recirculating currents that can trap people underwater. Identifying and monitoring these types of dams nationwide will contribute to the overall safety of the nation’s dams and help to save lives. The bill also expands the scope of the Levee Rehabilitation Assistance Program.

“The reauthorization of WRDA and the concurrent changes made in this year’s legislation work hand-in-hand with the investments made in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, strengthening our critical systems that keep our economy moving and Americans safe. This reauthorization shows that infrastructure remains a bipartisan priority. We thank Congress for moving forward with this legislation and strongly encourage the House to pass WRDA 2022 quickly so our water infrastructure networks can receive the support they need.”