Shuster, Gibbs announce plans for water resources reform legislation in September.

On August 2, Congressman Bill Shuster (R-PA), Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and Congressman Bob Gibbs (R-OH), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment announced plans for the committee to consider the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2013 when Congress returns in September.  The committee leaders’ plans also received the support of Speaker of the House John Boehner and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor.

In a conference call with waterways stakeholders, Chairman Shuster projected that the committee will likely mark up the legislation in late September.  If successfully advanced out of the committee, the full House of Representatives will debate and vote on the measure in October.  

“One of my top priorities is moving forward with unprecedented water resources infrastructure reform legislation.  This bill will be the most policy and reform-focused legislation of its kind in the last two decades,” Shuster said.  “In September, our committee plans to consider the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA).  This legislation will contain no earmarks and will make major reforms to increase transparency, accountability, and Congressional oversight in reviewing and prioritizing future water resources development activities.  WRRDA will cut federal red tape and bureaucracy, streamline the project delivery process, promote fiscal responsibility, and strengthen our water transportation networks to promote American competitiveness, prosperity, and economic growth.”

“We are literally studying infrastructure projects to death. While it once took the Corps of Engineers three to five years to complete a study, it has now become the norm for this process to take 10 to 15 years,” said Gibbs.  “The unwieldy review process remains tied up in red tape, costing us time and money and preventing action. Congress must change the way the Corps of Engineers does business.”

“Chairman Shuster and Chairman Gibbs have done a great job developing a water resources bill focused on major policy reforms – and without earmarks,” said Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH).  “I look forward to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moving a bill that addresses our infrastructure needs in a fiscally responsible manner.”

“We need fiscally responsible solutions that cut red tape and improve our essential infrastructure,” said House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA).  “The bill by Chairman Shuster and Chairman Gibbs offers a way to cut through the Federal Government’s excessive bureaucracy and help America become more competitive. I look forward to consideration of WRRDA this fall.”

Congress is obligated to authorize a Water Resources Development Act every two years.  However, the most recent WRDA bill was passed in 2007.  During the conference call, Chairman Shuster expressed a desire for the House to return to a routine of passing WRDA legislation every two years.