Bismarck, ND – Before breaking for the holiday recess, the U.S. Senate passed several key pieces of legislation, including the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), a significant bill aimed at advancing water conservation and related infrastructure across the country. The WRDA, which has garnered widespread bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, continues a decade-long tradition of being passed on schedule and through regular legislative procedures.
Senator Kevin Cramer of North Dakota praised the bill for delivering tangible benefits to both the state and the nation. In a statement, Cramer noted that the legislation addresses several critical priorities, including local recreational development, dam safety improvements, and long-awaited reforms to the Economic Development Administration (EDA). The EDA’s reauthorization, which had not occurred in two decades, was a key aspect of the bill, signaling a major step forward for economic development programs.
“Things like improving local recreation sites, strengthening the national dam safety program, and reauthorizing and reforming the Economic Development Administration for the first time in 20 years are part of the package that will benefit North Dakota and communities across the country,” Cramer said.
A major component of the WRDA also includes provisions to enhance highway funding for rural states, with a focus on strengthening North Dakota’s highway formula funding. This adjustment is expected to help rural areas, which often face challenges securing infrastructure investment.
The passing of the Water Resources Development Act marks another success for lawmakers in addressing long-term needs related to water resources, economic development, and infrastructure improvement. As the Senate adjourned for the holidays, these legislative wins provided a sense of accomplishment for many involved in shaping the bill.
