Dear Senator:
On behalf of the AFL-CIO, I urge you to support S. 2848, the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (WRDA). Under the leadership of Chairman Inhofe and Ranking Member Boxer, the bill has deservedly garnered widespread bipartisan support.
The WRDA bill would reform and authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Civil Works programs related to navigation, flood risk management, recreation, infrastructure and environmental stewardship. The legislation also provides funding for drinking water infrastructure programs, including $220 million to support repair of the lead-tainted drinking water system in Flint, Michigan.
WRDA’s strategic investments in the nation’s navigation network will create and sustain thousands of good jobs, while simultaneously enhancing U.S. competitiveness in world markets. Also, codifying domestic content requirements in the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund will maximize the job creation impact these key investments have in the U.S. manufacturing sector.
Passing this legislation will create jobs and chip away at the Army Corps project backlog, ensuring that the U.S. continues to have a world-class maritime transportation system and address other vital needs. For the reasons cited above, we urge you to vote for S. 2848, the Water Resources Development Act of 2016.
Sincerely,
William Samuel, Director
Government Affairs Department