House Water Resources Bill Contains Pappas Provision to Accelerate Piscataqua River, Portsmouth & Rye Harbor Projects

December 8, 2020

Washington, D.C. – Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), who serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, supported the House passage of the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020 which plays a critical role in our nation's water infrastructure.

This year's package includes key provisions to support New Hampshire's environment and economy that Pappas fought for including key language instructing the Army Corps of Engineers to complete projects at Portsmouth Harbor, the Piscataqua River, and the Rye Harbor project.

WRDA provides the Army Corps of Engineers the funding they need to support our ports, inland waterways, locks, dams, ecosystem restoration, and other water resources infrastructure.

"Our economy and our environment depend on the strength and reliability of our waterways, harbors, and rivers systems, which is why I am pleased to support a bipartisan package that makes robust investments in our nation's water infrastructure," said Congressman Chris Pappas. "This legislation secures funding for the completion of projects at Portsmouth Harbor, the Piscataqua River, and Rye Harbor in addition to creating good-paying jobs which will strengthen our regional economy. I am glad we were able to come together to pass a bipartisan package that will bolster America's competitive edge, and I look forward to seeing this signed into law."

WRDA 2020 includes provisions that:

Improve U.S. water infrastructure by authorizing the study and construction of locally driven projects that were developed in cooperation and consultation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Strengthen America's competitive edge by investing in our ports, harbors, and inland waterways, including unlocking up to $4 billion annually in maintenance funds from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund.
Build more resilient communities by ensuring that future water resources development projects will maximize sustainable development and utilize natural and nature-based features.
Create additional flexibility for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to address the water resources needs of economically disadvantaged communities, minority communities, and rural communities.
Requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to assess and update the economic and environmental impacts of antiquated projects before they may be carried out.