Washington, D.C. —Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) president Dennis Slater issued the following statement in support of the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) conference report, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives today:

“Modernized and efficient water infrastructure is critical to the success of the equipment manufacturing industry, agriculture community, and other sectors of the U.S. economy. AEM applauds congressional leaders who have once again kept the tradition alive of developing biennial, bipartisan legislation that addresses our nation’s water infrastructure needs,” said Dennis Slater, president of AEM. “Maintenance and modernization of our harbors and inland waterways is just one part of reclaiming America’s infrastructure advantage. While we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, we need our leaders to continue funding vital infrastructure projects that will keep essential people and goods moving. We urge the Senate to take up the Water Resources Development Act and send the bill to the President’s Desk.”

WRDA (S. 1811) will specifically allow for the appropriation of additional funds from the existing Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund Balance, authorizes construction on 46 pending Army Corps Chief’s Reports projects, authorizes 27 feasibility studies, and improves the cost share between the general fund and the Inland Waterways Trust Fund for inland waterways projects, unlocking additional construction funds. Nearly 80 percent of traded goods that Americans rely on is moved through our nation’s ports, harbors, and inland waterways according to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

###