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ASBPA was one of just five stakeholder groups invited to provide testimony for a formal “Information-Gathering Process on Draft Legislation entitled, America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2020” by the Senate Environment & Public Works (EPW) Committee. This “information-gathering process” was in lieu of a public hearing with Congress working remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic. This marks the third time in the past 12 months that ASBPA was asked to provide testimony to Congress on the nation’s water resources legislation.
ASBPA President, Tony Pratt, with EPW Ranking Member, Sen. Tom Carper, at a 2017 hearing on Water Infrastructure
The testimony by ASBPA President, Tony Pratt, commended the committee for drafting the legislation and keeping Water Resources Development Acts (WRDAs) on a regular two-year timeline. The testimony specifically commented on sections that improve coastal management in three ways:
- Advance Regional Sediment Management (RSM) and the Beneficial Use of Dredged Material (BUDM) (sections: 1019, 1080, 1095, 1017, 1012);
- Clarify and support local responsibility for coastal projects (sections: 1016, 1018, 1028, 1017, and 1095);
- Advance Natural Infrastructure as a multi-benefit tool to reduce flood-risk and provide ecological value, while underpinning regional recreation and the economy (section: 1098).
The testimony concluded with ASBPA’s endorsement of America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2020, while noting that the threat facing our nation’s coastlines have never been greater. Policy changes and authorized projects in WRDA are important, but not sufficient. Ultimately our country must make a major investment in infrastructure for coastal adaptation and resilience that includes long-term planning and funding.
Read Tony Pratt’s full testimony: EPW Testimony WRDA Information Gathering 4.22.20 (283kb PDF)
See the EPW’s draft Water Resources legislation.