Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson applauds the passage of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2013, a bipartisan bill that authorized Corps of Engineers funding for improvements to America’s ports, waterways, and projects. The legislation included flood protection, drinking water, dams and levees, and issues related to environmental restoration. The measure was designed to increase investments in improving the nation’s ports, by calling for an increase in the percentage of revenues collected each year through the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund spent on harbor projects. The legislation authorized nearly a billion dollars for enhancing Texas ports and waterways and provides for an assessment of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.
“As the Senior Texan on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and cosponsor of this legislation, I supported this legislation but that doesn’t mean I will stop working on those provisions that weaken environmental protections and the ability of the public to participate in streamlining provisions of the bill.
As Co-Chair of the Texas Maritime Caucus, I have supported language in this bill to increase commercial navigation capabilities for Texas’ ports and waterways. I am excited about Texas’ ports and the role that they play in cultivating the Texas economy, the National economy, and the global economy.” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson
The Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2013 passed with overwhelmingly bi-partisan support by a vote of 417 yeas to 3 nays.
