Washington, DC – Last night, Rep. Ron Kind voted for the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2022 (WRDA 2022), which authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to carry out vital water infrastructure projects and studies. This legislation is key to preserving our nation’s economy, strengthening U.S. and international commerce, protecting our communities, and maintaining our natural resources.
“The Mississippi River shapes our local economy and environment here in Wisconsin,” said Rep. Ron Kind. “It’s critical that we continue to invest in water infrastructure and protect this impactful watershed for generations to come. WRDA includes provisions to support the Mississippi River, provide communities with resources to help reduce flood risks, and improve important trade corridors for our farmers and businesses. I was proud to vote for this vital legislation, and glad to see it pass with bipartisan support.”
WRDA 2022 authorizes 72 new feasibility studies, eight studies for the modification of existing Corps projects, and construction of 16 pending proposed projects with final Chief’s Reports within the Corps Civil Works mission areas, including navigation, flood damage reduction, storm damage reduction, shoreline protection, and ecosystem restoration. This legislation would also improve resources for the Mississippi River by including provisions to:
- Authorize a pilot project on the management of water levels to mitigate flooding or sedimentation and restore aquatic ecosystems on the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Waterway system
- Authorize a Hydraulic Evaluation of Upper Mississippi River and Illinois River
- Clarify the recommendations to be included in a deposition study carried out at the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam located in the Upper Mississippi River
- Authorize a management study in the Lower Mississippi River
This legislation has been developed and passed on a bipartisan and biennial basis since 2014.
Rep. Kind is the founder and co-chair of the Upper Mississippi River Basin Task Force, and a co-chair of the Congressional Mississippi River Caucus and the Congressional Wildlife Refuge Caucus. He has been a longtime champion of protecting the Mississippi River for the people of Wisconsin’s Third Congressional District.
