Dear Representative:
On behalf of the AFL-CIO, I urge you to support H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2013 (WRRDA). The AFL-CIO commends the Transportation and Infrastructure committee leadership on crafting this bipartisan and important piece of legislation.
The WRRDA bill would reform and authorize U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Civil Works programs and policies related to navigation, flood risk management, recreation, infrastructure and environmental stewardship. Long overdue, these strategic investments in the nation’s navigation network will have a dramatic employment effect on one of the hardest hit segments of the economy, the construction sector, while simultaneously delivering substantial benefits to the country’s competitiveness.
Waterways are critical to keeping our domestic supply chain efficient and competitive. H.R. 3080 will allow the nation to modernize lock and dam infrastructure, improve flood protection, upgrade deficient levees, and maintain our ports, harbors and key navigational channels.
Passing this legislation will create jobs and ensure the U.S. continues to have a world-class maritime transportation system. The AFL-CIO urges you to vote for H.R. 3080 -- and to support measures during the conference process with the Senate that would lead to the creation of additional U.S. jobs and investment.
Sincerely,
William Samuel, Director
Government Affairs Department