No one would ever accuse Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA 10) or Rep. Nikema Williams (D-GA 5) of being a part of the “squishy middle.” This week though they are both in agreement and praise on the passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) – House Resolution 8812. The legislation authorizes projects and programs from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for the country, a notable number here in Georgia. The legislation is one of several required every two years – once every Congress.
Rep. Williams noted several items that benefit Atlanta and its environs, including raising Atlanta’s “Environmental Infrastructure Program” cap from $75 million to $100 million and East Point’s from $15 million to $20 million. It also authorizes a flood risk management study for the City of College Park, ultimately allowing for early flood detection and emergency management.
“Reliable water infrastructure is essential for the health and safety of our communities. We all experienced this a couple months ago, infrastructure failures disrupt our entire lives. I will continue to fight for federal investments in long-term infrastructure improvements in communities across Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District.”
Congressman Collins had four specific requests in the bill, each different and illustrating the wide reach of the WRDA. The New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam will continue to be protected from plans by the USACE to reduce dammed water on the Savannah River and lower recreational access. This has been a controversial issue and passed the Transportation Committee narrowly by 32-31. Another request was for the next round of never-ending Port of Savannah deepening, needed again to accommodate the ever-larger ships facilitating global trade.
Collins’ third request was for clarity around hydropower rates, something we do not think about much in Georgia but out west is undoubtedly a larger issue as many states out there depend on hydropower at a far higher proportion than we do. Elbert County, however, does depend on hydropower quite a bit and the bill’s language may help the county and others nearby in the region find lower rates. Lastly, Collins also protected the Wilson Lock and Dam on the Tennessee River in Alabama, a key point for shipping moving from the Tennessee River to the Mississippi, as well as recreation. The dam’s repair and maintenance will ensure Georgia products that are bound for the Midwest or the Port of New Orleans have easy passage.
“I am proud to have secured several wins in this bill for Georgia,” said Collins, “including getting the ball rolling on deepening the Savannah Port, fixing hydroelectric rates for Elbert County, and protecting the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam. Our state’s water infrastructure is vital to ensuring Georgia remains the top place to do business in America, stays competitive in the global supply chain, and retains access to clean water for consumption and recreation. I will continue fighting to ensure our state’s needs are addressed in Washington.”
