June 21, 2016

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has released a report outlining the projected costs of the Senate’s reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). CBO projects the bill will cost an estimated $10.6 billion over the next decade. Senator James Inhofe (R-OK), who introduced the bill in April, claims that despite the large price tag, the bill will save taxpayers $6 million over the next ten years.

The WRDA, which is subject to reauthorization every two years, would allow funding for water infrastructure projects across the U.S. The legislation will authorize improvements to ports around the country, provide assistance to rehabilitate hazardous dams, prioritize ecosystem restoration projects, and introduce initiatives to address water resources issues, such as improving national drinking water and wastewater infrastructure.

Despite bipartisan support, the bill has faced opposition from environmental groups that are concerned the bill rolls back key environmental protections in order to expedite permitting for new projects.

The bill was reported out of committee on June 20 and placed on the legislative calendar. The Senate will likely consider the bill in the coming weeks as the Appropriations Committee decides whether to provide the requisite funds.

Sources: E&E Daily, Congressional Budget Office, Congress.gov, Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, The Hill

Updated 7/11/16