The Upper Mississippi Waterway Association (UMWA) is applauding the Senate’s passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024.  

“The passage of this bill by the Senate is crucial for the Upper Mississippi, ensuring vital infrastructure and environmental stewardship,” said Jeremy Putman, UMWA president.  “It’s a pivotal moment for safeguarding our water resources and sustaining regional prosperity.” 

The Senate WRDA bill permanently adjusted the inland waterways cost-share for construction and major rehabilitation projects to 75 percent general revenues and 25 percent Inland Waterways Trust Fund (IWTF) (from 65%/35%). It also provided 100 percent full Federal funding for projects funded in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

“Without the critical investment in our infrastructure our members will not be able to benefit from the savings that river transportation provides,” Putman said.  

The House of Representatives passed its WRDA legislation on July 22, but it did not include any inland waterways provision. Now, the Senate Environment & Public Works (EPW) Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will begin the conference process to resolve differences between the two bills.