WRDA, WRRDA Conferences Should Include Senate Olmsted Provision, Say Associations
Lawmakers should include the Senate provision to federalize completion of the Olmsted lock and dam project in a final Water Resources and Development Act (WRDA), said more than 30 agricultural and transportation associations in a Dec. 3 letter. The lawmakers are currently holding conference to resolve differences between the Senate WRDA, S-601, and sister House Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA), HR-3080. The House passed HR-3080 (here) Oct. 23 with an overwhelming bipartisan vote, after the Senate passed its version of the bill, S-601 (here), in May (see 13110515).
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“Authorized by Congress in 1988 at a cost of $775 million and cost--shared 50 percent Federal funds and 50 percent Inland Waterways Trust Fund funds, the cost of this critically important project has now escalated to $3.1 billion,” said the letter. “Full Federal funding for the completion of the dam at Olmsted would allow approximately $164 million annually to flow to other projects in need and allow their national transportation benefits to reach the U.S. economy. Every $1 invested in our inland waterways returns $10 in national benefits.” The lawmakers should also permit the towboat operator user fee, paid into the Inland Waterways Trust Fund, to increase from 26 to 29 cents per gallon. The hike will not likely appear in final legislation, however, said Debra Colbert, senior vice president of the Waterways Council, in September (see 13102428).
Email ITTNews@warren-news.com for a copy of the letter.