Kilmer Statement on House Passage of Key Water Projects Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) noted passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2016. The bill supports investments in projects that help enhance ports and other waterways infrastructure and assist in ecosystem restorations. Companion legislation passed the Senate and a Conference Committee is expected to reconcile the two bills.
“This bill boosts our economy by investing in essential projects on our waterways,” said Kilmer. “Moving goods quickly through our region creates more opportunities for jobs – from Tacoma’s docks to storefronts in Grays Harbor. It also is going to help us restore critical habitats found in Puget Sound and the Skokomish River so folks can better enjoy these natural treasures and we can increase the numbers of iconic species like salmon.”
“This bill is a good start but there’s more work to do. For too long we’ve seen harbor maintenance tax dollars get pulled into uses outside of the critical infrastructure investments for which they were intended. I’ll keep pushing to fix that so we can grow jobs in our region and improve America’s competitiveness.”
The WRDA bill includes authorization for critical infrastructure projects around the country, including funding for the Flint, Michigan water system. Among the projects, there are two key investments authorized for Washington state. The Puget Sound Nearshore Ecosystem Restoration Project includes twelve projects overseen jointly by federal and local stakeholders that will restore shorelines to help recover vital habitats and endangered species.
The legislation also authorizes the next phase of the Skokomish River Basin Ecosystem Restoration Project which has been developed through a united effort by federal, state, and local agencies as well as the Skokomish Indian Tribe to achieve flood control and restore critical salmon habitat within the Skokomish River Basin.