WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), applauded the recent Senate passage of the Water Resources and Development Act (WRDA) of 2024, which would help maintain clean drinking water across the country and includes key provisions to deepen and widen channels in the Chesapeake Bay, strengthen Virginia’s coastal resiliency, improve recreational access to Virginia’s waterways, and support the Chesapeake oyster industry, among other Virginia priorities.

“The Water Resources and Development Act (WRDA) is a crucial package that provides key funding and resources for infrastructure projects across the country and the Commonwealth,” said Sen. Warner. “I’m glad to see the Senate-passed version of this legislation include provisions to keep our communities healthy and safe, while also authorizing key priorities for the Commonwealth. This legislation will help support Virginia’s efforts to combat the effects of rising sea levels and increased flooding from significant weather events, as well as support our oyster industry and recreational development. I look forward to final passage of this legislation so that we can start benefitting Virginia’s communities.”

“Reliable water infrastructure is key to the health and well-being of any community,” said Sen. Kaine. “I’m glad that this year’s Senate-passed water infrastructure bill not only authorizes crucial resources to help maintain clean drinking water across the country, but also contains key Virginia priorities. From dredging in the Norfolk Harbor and supporting Virginia’s oyster farmers, to boosting recreation and helping to keep coastal communities safe from rising sea levels, the Senate has passed a bill that’s great for the Commonwealth. I urge my colleagues in the House to pass this legislation as quickly as possible so it can be signed into law.”

The legislation would help repair aging drinking water, wastewater, and irrigation systems across the country, in addition to supporting the following Virginia priorities:

• Increasing the authorized funding levels for the Chesapeake Bay Oyster Recovery Program from $100 million to $120 million.
• Encouraging shallow draft dredging in the Chesapeake Bay to promote tourism, recreation, and fishing.  
• Expanding the Temporary Relocation Assistance Pilot Program for the City of Norfolk to boost the city’s climate resilience.
• Establishing an expedited completion track for Virginia Beach Coastal Storm Risk Management Study.
• Establishing an expedited completion track to modify the Norfolk Harbor Deepening and Widening Project to include Anchorage F.
• Authorizing the Army Corps to conduct a feasibility study on enhancing downstream recreation for Gathright Dam, Lake Moomaw, and the Jackson River in Alleghany County.
• Authorizing the Army Corps to include federal agency and military installations in the Virginia Peninsula Coastal Storm Risk Management Project.

The next step for the legislation is a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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