WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Pete Olson (TX-22) today acted to invest in our ports, channels, locks, flood protection and critical infrastructure projects that support our waterways transportation systems. Olson voted for the House Amendment to S. 3021, the America’s Water Infrastructure Act. The bill includes an amendment written by Olson that requires the Army Corps of Engineers to expedite previously authorized disaster recovery projects in areas impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. The bill passed the House by a voice vote and will be considered by the Senate.
“Our Houston region was devastated by Hurricane Harvey a year ago and the two prior years we suffered historic flooding in the Memorial Day and Tax Day floods,” Rep. Pete Olson said. “We must make critical investments to protect our communities from future flooding and this bill is an important step. I’m pleased that my amendment to expedite previously authorized projects in areas impacted by the historic hurricanes of 2017 was included in this bill. We must protect and improve America’s infrastructure and our local resources in and around the Houston region. I thank my House colleagues for supporting both my amendment and this bill. I urge the Senate to act quickly as well so that communities can begin work on these critical recovery and flood mitigation projects.”
Highlights of the America’s Water Infrastructure Act
- Includes Olson amendment to expedite previously authorized Army Corps projects in the declared disaster areas of Texas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Includes language that requires the Secretary of Civil Works to expedite completion of Flood mitigation studies for Texas.
- Authorizes locally driven investments in our Nation’s water resources infrastructure.
- Strengthens economic growth and competitiveness, helps move goods throughout the country and abroad and protects our communities.
- Follows the transparent process Congress established under the 2014 reforms for considering proposed Army Corps of Engineers activities.
- Builds upon previous reforms of the Corps to further accelerate the process for moving projects forward more efficiently and at lower cost.
- Upholds Congress’ constitutional duty to provide for infrastructure and facilitate commerce for the Nation.