Mitchell Applauds Brandon Road Project Authorization in 2020 WRDA
Press Release
Congressman Paul Mitchell (MI-10) released the following statement after the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's markup and unanimous passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA):
"I'm proud the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee once again came together to advance a bipartisan WRDA. This legislation continues the important federal commitments to our nation's ports, harbors, and inland waterways that are key to growing our economy and protecting our communities.
Since coming to Congress I have been active in my efforts to protect the Great Lakes, and I'm happy to announce this year's WRDA authorizes the Brandon Road Lock and Dam project. Michiganders know the devastating impact Asian Carp would have on the Great Lakes and have been advocating for this for years. The Great Lakes are our nation's largest freshwater source and a critical driver of our state's economy, and this authorization is a huge win for Michigan and all the Great Lakes states. I thank Chairman DeFazio and Ranking Member Graves for working with me on this issue and including it in this year's legislation, and I look forward to the swift consideration and passage of this year's WRDA into law."
Congressman Mitchell spoke during debate on the Water Resources Development Act. To view his remarks, click here.
Background:
WRDA provides authority for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to carry out water resources development projects and studies, as well as reforms and policy direction to the Corps for implementation of its civil works missions.
The 2020 WRDA authorizes that the Federal share of the cost of construction on the Brandon Road Project will be 80%. The usual cost split is 65% Federal, 35% non-Federal.
Representative Mitchell has been steadfast in his commitment to secure approval for the Brandon Road Project and played an instrumental role in the US Army Corps of Engineers releasing their Brandon Road Study in 2017.
Source