LaHood Votes to Improve Infrastructure Resources for Illinois Waterways
 

[July 31, 2020] 

Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) yesterday voted in favor of and the House passed H.R. 7575, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020, which provides critical support for Illinois locks and dams, flood protection, and water resources infrastructure, and strengthens agriculture’s competitive advantage in the global economy.

“In the 18th Congressional District, which is uniquely positioned between the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, our communities rely on water resources infrastructure for economic growth and development” said Rep. LaHood. “It is critical that we continue to invest in infrastructure that allows famers and manufacturers in central and west-central Illinois to move their commodities around the globe. I am proud to support this critical legislation that will improve infrastructure resources along waterways in Illinois.

Rep. LaHood advocated for a provision in this year’s WRDA that will adjust the cost-share of projects on inland waterways to help speed up many of the Army Corps of Engineers construction projects, including the LaGrange Lock and Dam.

Background:

WRDA 2020 (H.R. 7575) is bipartisan legislation that includes projects of national, regional, and local significance that help strengthen the Nation’s global competitiveness, grow the economy, move goods throughout the country and abroad, protect communities, and create jobs. WRDA authorizes projects to improve ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation, flood and storm protection, and other pieces of water resources infrastructure, as well as programs and policy reforms related to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Program.

Specifically, these projects and investments in water resource infrastructure are initiated and carried out at the local level but provide valuable benefits regionally and nationally. Key reforms included in WRDA 2020 streamline flood risk reduction projects, provide local communities the tools to build their infrastructure back faster and more resilient after disasters, and take care of rural communities by providing additional support and resources in addressing flood risk needs.

[Congressman Darin LaHood]