In last week’s Senate committee markup of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), Senator Reverend Warnock secured major victories for Georgia water projects, including investments in flood control, navigation, and ecosystem restoration projects

Projects include water infrastructure restoration in rural and disadvantaged Georgia communities, Tybee Island beach renourishment, Brunswick Harbor expansion, Atlanta water infrastructure projects, Savannah Harbor modification study, support for the Chattahoochee River basin and more

Senator Reverend Warnock: “I’m proud to have pushed for and secured multiple investments that will improve Georgia’s water infrastructure.”

ICYMI from the Cobb County Courier – “Ossoff, Warnock Sponsor Chattahoochee River Protection Bill”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) secured major federal investments for key Georgia water projects in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2022, which was recently unanimously voted out of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. Senator Warnock, a long-time champion for water infrastructure investments and environmental protections, fought to ensure the inclusion of multiple major Georgia-specific water projects in the final bill text. This legislation, passed every other year, authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE or Corps) civil works activities on water projects and programs.

“Proper water infrastructure is essential to the health of Georgia families, to the health of Georgia’s environment, and to the health of Georgia’s thriving economy,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.“I’m proud to have pushed for and secured multiple investments that will improve Georgia’s water infrastructure. I’ll continue my push to get this bill over the finish line and ensure the federal government is doing its part to improve Georgians’ water infrastructure and environment.” 

Senator Warnock successfully secured support for the following Georgia projects:

·    Water Infrastructure Assistance for Rural and Economically Disadvantaged Communities: Includes a new $75 million authorization for environmental infrastructure for rural and economically disadvantaged communities in Georgia. This assistance supports publicly owned and operated facilities, such as water distribution works, storm water collection, surface water protection projects, and environmental restoration.

·    Tybee Island Beach Renourishment: Extends authorization for the Tybee Island beach renourishment project, which protects the life, safety, and economic health of the City of Tybee Island’s residents and the thousands of visitors who enjoy the recreational opportunities and environmental benefits it offers. Senator Warnock, alongside Senator Ossoff, previously introduced the Tybee Island Storm Risk Management Act. 

·    Brunswick Harbor: Authorizes over $14.4 million to support harbor expansion efforts. Senator Warnock previously joined Senator Ossoff in introducing the Port of Brunswick Navigation Channel Improvement Act. 

·    Savannah Harbor Modification Study: Following successful completion of the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project, WRDA authorizes the Corps to study potential modifications of the port to improve efficiencies and support continued supply chain improvements.

·    Cap Increase for Atlanta Water Infrastructure: The WRDA increases Atlanta’s funding cap from $25 million to $75 million for their environmental infrastructure authorization. This cap increase will ensure continued federal support for water, wastewater, and storm water projects in Atlanta.

·    Chattahoochee River Act: Includes the Chattahoochee River Act, introduced by Senators Warnock and Ossoff. This authorizes a program to provide environmental assistance to non-federal interests in the Chattahoochee River Basin working on water-related projects, including erosion control, ecosystem restoration, protection of public works, and other projects that may improve the basin.

The 2022 WRDA passed out of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on a vote of 20-0. To learn more about the 2022 WRDA, click here.

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