WASHINGTON, D.C. — A U.S. Senate committee has advanced bipartisan water infrastructure legislation that includes provisions championed by U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) aimed at expanding recreation, watershed planning and funding flexibility for communities across Pennsylvania.
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee unanimously approved the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) last week. The biennial legislation authorizes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects involving ports, waterways, flood control and other water infrastructure nationwide.
Among the Pennsylvania provisions included in the committee-approved package is a directive for the Army Corps to study water resource needs in the Ohio River Basin, which begins at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers in Pittsburgh.
The bill also would authorize a recreation designation for the Allegheny River intended to support tourism and local economic activity in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Another provision would expand an existing federal Harmful Algal Bloom Demonstration Program to include lakes and reservoirs in Pennsylvania, allowing the state to participate in efforts to identify methods for reducing the frequency and severity of harmful algal blooms.
The legislation also includes language expanding the Army Corps’ reimbursement authority under Section 219, allowing the agency to issue grants and reimbursements directly to local municipalities, a change intended to accelerate funding for eligible community projects.
Fetterman encouraged bipartisan support for the legislation as it moves through Congress.
“Investing in our communities, the rivers they use, and the overall recreation helps boost economies and keeps jobs in Pennsylvania,” Fetterman stated. “I’m grateful these priorities were included and urge my colleagues on both sides to support this package.”
The Water Resources Development Act originated in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and authorizes, but does not itself appropriate, funding for Army Corps civil works projects. The measure must still receive approval from the full Senate and House before it can be sent to the president for signature.
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