• WRDA 2024 passes House with 359-13 vote.
• $50 million secured for Arizona water projects.
• Nevada projects receive key support for water infrastructure.
• Bill moves to Senate for consideration.

July 26, 2024 — The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA), H.R. 8812, on July 22, 2024, with a decisive 359-13 vote. This bipartisan legislation aims to authorize, deauthorize, and modify various water resources feasibility studies and projects managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Key Objectives and Projects throughout the United States.

The WRDA 2024 focuses on making waterways more navigable, reducing flood and storm damage, restoring aquatic ecosystems, maintaining ports and harbors, supporting water supply and storage projects, constructing water and wastewater infrastructure, managing recreational sites and facilities, rehabilitating dams, and supporting other water resources infrastructure.

The Act is considered every two years. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers explains it as “a comprehensive legislative package that provides for the conservation and development of water and related resources.” They emphasize that WRDA strictly authorizes legislation, with funding provided separately through annual Energy and Water Development appropriations.

Support and Statements from Lawmakers in the Colorado River Basin.

Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) announced the successful inclusion of $50 million in funding for five crucial water infrastructure projects in Arizona. He stated, “Arizona’s continued success depends on securing our water future, and that means investing in modern water infrastructure. I’m proud to have secured $50 million for Arizona communities in this legislation. From wastewater treatment to water recycling to drainage improvements, this funding will have a positive impact on the day-to-day lives of Arizonans.”

The specific allocations include:

• $5 million for an advanced wastewater treatment facility in Flagstaff.
• $10 million for a new raw water intake pipeline from Lake Powell to Page.
• $20 million to expand Tucson’s Reclaimed Water System in the Southlands.
• $3 million for storm drainage improvements in downtown Winslow.
• $12 million to update Buckeye’s Wastewater Treatment Facility.

Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) celebrated the Act’s passage, highlighting its significance for Southern Nevada’s water supply. “No one knows better than a Nevadan just how precious our water resources are. That’s why I made securing water infrastructure investments for Laughlin and the Vegas Wash my top priorities for the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2024,” said Lee.

The legislation includes:

• $29 million for improvements to the Big Bend Water District Water Treatment and Delivery System in Laughlin.
• Language from Lee’s Las Vegas Wash Program Extension Act, raising the funding cap from $40 million to $60 million.
• Elevating water supply to a primary mission area of the USACE nationwide.

Lee noted the critical need for upgrades in Laughlin’s water infrastructure, which currently lacks a secondary water source and adequate storage capacity. The Las Vegas Wash, essential for recycling water to Lake Mead, will benefit from the increased funding cap, ensuring ongoing protection and restoration projects.

Looking Ahead.

The WRDA 2024 now moves to the Senate for consideration. If approved, it will mark a significant step forward in addressing the water infrastructure needs of various communities across the United States, focusing on enhancing resilience and sustainability in the face of ongoing environmental challenges.

Image:

Las Vegas Wash, August 2016, by Keith Schurr.  Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.

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