Alabama Senator Katie Britt expressed strong support last week for the bipartisan passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024, highlighting its provisions aimed at bolstering Alabama’s water infrastructure and economic growth.
“Alabama’s inland water infrastructure will be getting the support it needs to boost our economy and our national security,” said Senator Britt.
“I was proud to secure needed provisions in the 2024 WRDA bill that will prioritize Alabama, including authorizing the construction of new, critical locks at the Coffeeville and Demopolis Locks and Dams; pushing the Secretary of the Army Corps to provide critical assistance to improve navigation at the Wilson Lock and Dam; supporting beneficial use dredging in Mobile Harbor; supporting Selma by fully authorizing their flood risk management and stabilization project; creating opportunities for federal investment in critical local water infrastructure projects across Alabama, and more. “
The 2024 WRDA bill authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Program for projects to improve the nation’s ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation, flood and storm protection, and other aspects of our water resources infrastructure.
Alabama’s nearly 1,270 miles of navigable inland waterways connect to over 15,000 miles of waterways in 23 states.
The state’s deep-water port, the Port of Mobile, is a leader in national and global trade and was recently named the second fastest-growing port in the country, handling over 55 million tons of cargo each year.
The 2024 WRDA bill includes several provisions that aim to improve navigation, flood control, and environmental management in Alabama.