Ruppersberger: Water Resources Bill Will Protect Port Jobs, Green Light Critical Projects

(Washington, DC) – Congress has passed bipartisan legislation authorizing funding for improvements to America’s ports and waterways that will help protect jobs in Baltimore, Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger said today. The conference report on H.R. 3080, the “Water Resources and Development Act,” which also authorizes funding for projects tied to drinking water, dams, levees and environmental restoration, just passed the House of Representatives in a 412-4 vote.

Congressman Ruppersberger released the following statement:

“Finally, vital projects like harbor dredging that have been in limbo since Congress passed the last WRRDA six years ago can begin. This bill also paves the way for the State of Maryland to continue using dredged material from the Port of Baltimore channels to restore Chesapeake Bay islands. This effort is absolutely critical to keeping the Port competitive and protecting the 122,000 local jobs it provides for hard-working families every year. I am also pleased that the bill will help prevent future raids of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund to offset other federal spending. This funding belongs with our ports and our ports alone.

This bipartisan vote was rare for such a substantive bill in today’s politically toxic climate. It is refreshing to see Members of Congress reach a compromise that bridges differences among groups like shippers, environmentalists and even budget hawks. This is ultimately a jobs bill and I hope that we can continue working together on common sense investments in infrastructure to get Americans back to work.”