Press Releases

Today, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, senior member of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee in the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, released the following statement after the House of Representatives Passed the Water Resources Development Act.

“South Florida is on the frontlines of the climate crisis, especially in areas like Miami Beach and other coastal communities I represent,” Congresswoman Frederica Wilson said. “The Water Resources Development Act directly addresses urgent issues, including coastal storm risk management in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, water resource conservation, port and harbor modernization, and ecosystem restoration in unique areas of biodiversity like the Everglades. This legislation will help create economic opportunities and protect our water supply. With our climate crisis growing more urgent by the day, this legislation couldn’t come at a more critical time. I am incredibly proud to have championed this legislation, ensuring that South Florida’s needs were met.”

When Congresswoman Wilson was first elected to Congress, the WRDA did not require biennial renewal. As founder and Chair of the bipartisan Florida Ports Caucus, Congresswoman Wilson successfully pushed for the biennial renewal of WRDA to ensure it addresses the current needs of our communities.

The Water Resources Development Act includes funding and authorization for:

• Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (Section number 1401).
• Coastal Storm Risk Management projects in Broward County (multiple segments, Section numbers 1145, 1337, 1336).
• Coastal Storm Risk Management projects in Miami-Dade County, including the Miami-Dade Back Bay project (Section numbers 1145, 1337, 1336).

The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) is a biennial piece of legislation that authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to implement projects aimed at enhancing the nation’s ports, harbors, inland waterways, flood protection systems, and other critical water infrastructure. These locally-driven projects not only benefit regional communities but also have a broader national impact, boosting global competitiveness, strengthening the supply chain, fostering economic growth, and safeguarding communities from flooding. The final WRDA version reflects months of negotiations to reconcile the House and Senate versions of the bill. This marks the sixth consecutive Congress since 2014 to address WRDA legislation.

For the full bill text, click here.

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