Rep. Terri Sewell announced today that she voted to pass the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2022. The legislation authorizes crucial investments in America’s ports, inland waterways, flood management systems, ecosystems, and other water resources infrastructure.
Sewell secured funding of over $33 million in this legislation for the Selma River Stabilization Project and the Birmingham and Bessemer Valley Creek Flood Risk Management Project.
WRDA passed the House today and will now make its way to the U.S. Senate.
- The bill aims to improve U.S. water infrastructure by authorizing the study and construction of locally-driven projects developed in cooperation and consultation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Additionally, it will strengthen the U.S. economy through investment in ports, harbors, and inland waterways and build more resilient communities by restoring natural infrastructure and ensuring new infrastructure helps to mitigate the effects of natural disasters, extreme weather, and sea-level rise.
The $33 million in funding includes:
- $15,533,100 for the Selma Flood Risk Management and River Bank Stabilization Project, and
- $17,725,000 for the Birmingham and Bessemer Valley Creek Flood Risk Management Project.
“I fought hard to include funding for the Selma River Erosion Project in the Water Resources Development Act, and I’m thrilled to announce that over $15 million was approved for this project by the House of Representatives today!” stated Sewell. “This critical funding will help assist the Army Corps of Engineers as they work to stabilize the Selma River Bank and mitigate flooding in our community.”
“Our Birmingham and Bessemer communities know just how frustrating and dangerous Valley Creek’s frequent flooding can be,” Sewell continued. “That’s why I fought to include over $17 million in the Water Resources Development Act to address this flooding and find long-term solutions. I’m thrilled that this funding was approved by the House of Representatives and will continue to work to improve the resiliency of Valley Creek.”
