The climate is changing and our coasts are facing unprecedented threats – from sea level rise and increasing storm intensity to on-going erosion and sediment loss. The new Administration and 117th Congress must take major actions to restore and preserve America’s shores and beaches. As we wade into these new waters, ASBPA recommends the following…
On The Capitol Beach, Derek Brockbank talks WRDA with Ryan Seiger, the Staff Director for the Water Resources and Environment sub-committee of the House Transportation & Infrastructure committee. Ryan has been working on WRDAs on Capitol Hill for over 20 years and is one of the most influential people on coastal policy that no one…
In a year when everybody’s plans changed, ASBPA government affairs work both responded to the times – with a new focus on COVID response to help coastal communities – and stayed the same – with a continued focus on the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) and appropriations. We did not expect significant coastal policy investment…
Late on Monday, December 21st, Congress passed a major package of legislation, including most prominently the FY21 federal budget and a $900 billion COVID economic stimulus. Importantly for coastal communities, this bill also included the 2020 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). We expect the president to sign the bill soon. Here is a summary of…
The American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) and Coastal States Organization (CSO) commend the U.S. House of Representative and U.S. Senate for the introduction of the bipartisan S. 1811, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020, and encourage Congress to pass this legislation before the end of the year. This bill contains numerous…
House Passes WRDA In late July, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 7575, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), by voice vote – indicating unanimous support. While the corresponding legislation in the Senate (S. 3591) has only passed the Environment & Public Works Committee, House and Senate staffers and key members from both chambers of…
Everyone loves a good beach read (even if it is a technical report on coastal management)! Here are some resources published this year by American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) and other coastal organizations on Covid-19, Resilience, and Funding. Whether you are reading at the beach or just about the beach, we hope you…
Almost exactly one year ago, in July 2019, ASBPA testified before the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee on the need to develop water resources legislation that would advance: Regional Sediment Management (RSM) and the Beneficial Use of Dredged Material (BUDM); A modification of the Corps’ Benefit-Cost-Ratio (BCR) process; Natural Infrastructure. This week, the Transportation & Infrastructure…
As part of the Senate’s “Information Gathering Process” on the draft Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), ASBPA President Tony Pratt, was asked to respond to 18 Questions for the Record from five Senators. Here are a few abbreviated questions and responses: Chairman John Barrasso (WY): Why is it important that Congress increase flexibility regarding beneficial use…
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….