Suffolk Reporter

Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County) expressed support for the bipartisan Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 after voting in favor of its passage. The legislation, identified as S. 4367, aims to enhance natural disaster response efficiency, strengthen ports and harbors nationwide, and improve water quality.

LaLota highlighted the importance of this bill for Long Island, which has faced significant natural disasters such as hurricanes and flooding. He stated that the act would "drastically improve our critical infrastructure and strengthen our preparation for and response to natural disasters while addressing water quality and microplastic toxicity."

He added that the legislation would bolster disaster preparedness, enhance flood mitigation efforts, and ensure that Long Island's water infrastructure is ready for future challenges. "From safeguarding homes and businesses to improving our harbors and coastlines," he said, "I’m proud to continue to deliver real solutions to keep communities across Suffolk County safe and resilient."

The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to undertake projects aimed at improving navigation, flood management, storm damage mitigation, ecosystem restoration, and more. It also focuses on enhancing resiliency through beach renourishment materials access expansion, habitat restoration, beneficial reuse of dredged materials codification for non-Federal interests.

Further investments are directed towards improving water quality systems such as drainage systems, environmental infrastructure, stormwater management; requiring a report on potential measures against microplastics release into environments including cost-benefit analysis details; increasing efficient use federally-owned office space by setting occupancy standards strengthening oversight accountability selling unused properties saving taxpayer money; redistributing unobligated balances under TIFIA program states existing STBG program; reauthorizing modernizing Economic Development Administration regional commissions spurring economic development distressed communities nationwide.

The WRDA authorizes U.S. Army Corps Engineers Civil Works Program projects focusing port harbor improvements inland waterway navigation flood storm protection aspects national resources infrastructure following months negotiation reconciling House Senate versions legislation marking sixth consecutive Congress considering WRDA bill since 2014.