Two key congressional infrastructure committees unanimously approved their versions of legislation to authorize Army Corps of Engineers programs.
The biennial Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) authorizes funding for navigation, flood control, coastal restoration, and environmental protection projects. The Senate measure (S. 4137) includes feasibility studies for 36 new projects, advances or modifies 21 projects for construction, and provides program reforms to facilitate dredging and maintenance at critical ports. The House bill (H.R. 7776) would authorize 72 new feasibility studies and construction of 16 pending projects.
Both bills provide additional resources and assistance to tribal communities and underserved areas to complete water resources improvements.
ACEC supported the measures and encouraged lawmakers to stay on track to enact WRDA 2022 before the end of the year. “The bipartisan work on this bill builds on the success of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and recognizes the vital need to continue to focus on our ports, inland waterways, locks, dams, and other critical infrastructure essential to economic growth,” said Council President and CEO Linda Bauer Darr. “Engineering firms are eager to partner with the Corps on these and other projects to make our ecosystems more resilient and sustainable.”
Both the House and Senate are expected to take up the respective bills sometime this summer.
Congressional negotiators are working toward resolution of wide-ranging legislation that would enhance research, innovation, and competitiveness. ACEC supports anticipated provisions on STEM education and research hubs.
The legislation is expected to include key provisions to address the talent pipeline for engineering and other STEM professions. ACEC particularly supports programs that seek to improve the alignment of undergraduate and graduate STEM education with workforce needs. The bill also seeks to provide technical assistance, mentorship, and targeted outreach to institutions of higher education, including historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), minority-serving institutions (MSIs), and tribal colleges and universities (TCUs).
Another key provision of interest to engineering firms is the regional technology and innovation hub program. These centers would spur the growth of technology, health care, and science research throughout the country, and would have spillover effects on commercial real estate.