Baton Rouge Reporter

U.S. Congressman Garret Graves from Louisiana announced the passage of the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA) in the U.S. House of Representatives, highlighting several provisions that benefit Louisiana. The bill is anticipated to pass in the Senate soon and will then proceed to the president for approval.

"Most of the United States – and two Canadian provinces – drain through Louisiana," stated Graves. "Nearly one-third of the Corps of Engineers’ authorized funding is for Louisiana projects." He emphasized that WRDA holds significant importance for both Louisiana and the United States, citing victories in breaking bureaucratic obstacles and advancing protections for local communities.

Key elements authored by Graves include a new flood protection program for Livingston Parish, streamlined loan repayment terms post-Katrina, and expedited completion directives for various projects such as the Upper Barataria Risk Reduction System. Other projects involve reevaluation efforts at Bayou Sorrel Lock, expansion plans for Alexandria-to-the-Gulf flood protection improvements, and authorization of new feasibility studies aimed at enhancing navigation and constructing surge barriers.

The act also increases financial support to address water and sewer needs in fast-growing parishes across Louisiana. This includes $100 million allocated to East Baton Rouge, Ascension, and Livingston Parishes among others.

Nationwide improvements are also part of WRDA's scope under Graves' influence. These involve cost reductions on key hurricane protection projects like Morganza-to-the-Gulf, maximization of federal credits by Louisiana state authorities, enhancements to post-Katrina levees through 2033, as well as easing burdens related to land acquisition for coastal restoration projects.

Additionally, WRDA mandates an analysis by GAO on digital infrastructure technologies used by USACE to improve project delivery efficiency. It also supports proactive collaboration with relevant agencies on economic models development for water resources projects.

Graves has been actively involved with WRDA legislation since serving as Chairman of the committee’s Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee and coauthoring previous acts in 2016 through 2022.