Press Releases

(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the Water Resources Development Act of 2018 (H.R. 8):

“Our water infrastructure is  vital to the economic success and prosperity of our nation. This is especially true for Southwest Indiana which is bordered by two major rivers, the Wabash and Ohio Rivers. The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) makes important investments that will set in motion improvements to our ports, inland waterways, locks, damns, flood protection, and other critical water infrastructure.”

Background

·       Traditionally passed every two years, WRDA is how Congress ensures important water infrastructure needs in our local communities are being met.  

·       Our inland waterways comprise 12,000 miles that annually move more than 575 million tons of cargo valued at $230 billion. Waterways are also the most fuel-efficient, environmentally sound, and safest way to transport large amounts of cargo. 

·       U.S. ports are responsible for over a quarter of U.S. GDP and more than 23 million jobs. 

·       The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates and maintains approximately 700 dams and over 14,000 miles of levees.

·       In general, every $1.00 invested in flood protection provides $8 in economic benefit.