The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee conducted a hearing this week on 28 Corps of Engineers projects ready for authorization, including flood control and beach restoration projects in California. The hearing precedes the introduction of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which is expected before the end of May.
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has already approved its version of the legislation (S. 2848), including numerous provisions to test and improve drinking water infrastructure in the wake of the Flint, Michigan water crisis. While the Senate bill includes provisions that would direct federal resources toward small and disadvantaged communities, the House bill is not expected to include similar measures, because unlike the Senate committee, the House committee does not have jurisdiction over drinking water. Both houses of Congress intend to pass their respective versions of WRDA in June or early July 2016 in order to give the bills the best chance of being enacted during this session of Congress.