HYDE-SMITH VOTES TO AUTHORIZE FED. SUPPORT FOR WATER PROJECTS IN MISS.
U.S. Senate Sends Water Resources Development Act to White House
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) late Wednesday voted for final passage of water infrastructure legislation that authorizes federal resources for improving waterways, flood control, ports, and other projects in Mississippi.
The Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (S.4367 or WRDA) authorizes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects throughout the country including navigational improvements, flood control, ecosystem restoration and clean water infrastructure. The bill, passed 97-1, is now cleared to be signed into law.
“This legislation is important to the well-being of Mississippi and the entire nation. Army Corps of Engineers activities in Mississippi are directly linked to the well-being of our citizens and the state’s economy,” Hyde-Smith said. “I will remain committed to working to secure the funding to fulfill these authorized projects in Mississippi.”
Hyde-Smith serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee and its Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, which funds the Army Corps of Engineers and programs authorized in WRDA. (Related: FY2024 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill)
Hyde-Smith supported the inclusion of provisions that enable the Army Corps of Engineers and other federal agencies to work with state and local officials to improve flood control, inland ports, wastewater infrastructure, conservation, and coastal resilience.
In addition to multiple other projects across the state, Mississippi projects authorized in the bill that will now be signed into law are:
- City of Byram – $7.0 million environmental infrastructure authorization, including water and wastewater infrastructure (including stormwater management), drainage systems, and water quality enhancement.
- City of Madison – $7.0 million environmental infrastructure authorization, including water and wastewater infrastructure (including stormwater management), drainage systems, and water quality enhancement.
- City of Pearl – $7.0 million environmental infrastructure authorization, including water and wastewater infrastructure (including stormwater management), drainage systems, and water quality enhancement.
- Diamondhead – $7.0 million environmental infrastructure authorization, including water and wastewater infrastructure and drainage systems.
- Hancock County – $7.0 million environmental infrastructure authorization, including water and wastewater infrastructure (including stormwater management), drainage systems, and water quality enhancement.
- Mississippi State University – Authorization to conduct academic research, in coordination with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) on technology to be used in water resources development infrastructure, analyses of the environment before and after a natural disaster, and geospatial data collection.
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