House Authorizes Water Transportation Projects

Press Release

House Authorizes Water Transportation Projects

Idaho Congressmen Mike Simpson and Bill Sali voted in favor of H.R. 1495, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) last night. H.R. 1495 would streamline the delivery of water transportation projects and permits, increase recreational opportunities in Idaho, and make important repairs to agricultural and flood control infrastructure in Idaho.

Navigation improvement is particularly important in Idaho where the Snake River feeds the lower Columbia River international gateway. Annually, about ten million tons of grain, paper products, petroleum products, and general container cargo produced by Idahoans are transported through this waterway; amounting to almost $2 billion in goods each year.

"Barging products is not only the cheapest way to get goods and services from Idaho to the world marketplace, but it also keeps trucks off of our already overloaded highways and improves transportation safety in our state," said Simpson.

H.R. 1495 includes provisions which allow flood damage reduction, hurricane and storm damage reduction, and environmental restoration. Most importantly, it authorizes the Corps to increase the use of waterways as an important method of transportation for America's farmers and producers.

"Idaho's water is a fantastic asset. This legislation recognizes the role water plays as a key ingredient of our transportation, agriculture and recreation infrastructure," Sali said. "This bill will have a lasting positive impact that can be appreciated all Idahoans, whether they're farmers who depend on our inland port at Lewiston, or they simply want to enjoy a nice outing on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille."

H.R. 1495 authorizes the following Idaho Projects:

Boise River General Investigation Study

Dworshak Reservoir Improvements ($5.3 million)

Port of Lewiston Development which

Riley Creek RAMP/Albeni Falls Dam ($600,000)

Fish Creek Dam ($6 million)

"Our water quality has improved dramatically as a result of cooperative efforts between federal, state and local governments," said Simpson. "It is important that we work to increase and maintain a balance between our nation's need to use, consume, and develop water with the needs of the environment."

"This bill is important to Idahoans because it updates and creates infrastructure that helps us compete in the national and global marketplace," said Sali.

Source