Pulaski Times

The Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024, which includes several provisions to enhance Arkansas's water infrastructure, has been signed into law by President Biden. The legislation was championed by U.S. Senator John Boozman, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.

This new law authorizes various water and wastewater projects, invests in ports and inland waterways, and improves U.S. Army Corps of Engineers programs. A key measure led by Boozman formalizes the Economic Development Administration’s role in economic recovery efforts within communities affected by natural disasters.

“Our nation’s water infrastructure is fundamental to our economy and quality of life,” said Boozman. “I’m pleased this bill that will enhance these critical resources in Natural State communities, as well as ensure an entity is in place to expedite deployment of federal resources and assistance in the wake of natural disasters, is now law.”

The WRDA 2024 includes several provisions authored by Boozman that specifically impact Arkansas's water infrastructure:

- Advancing the reallocation study for the Beaver Water District to meet the significant water needs of over 400,000 people.

- Modifying Osceola Harbor's federally authorized area to manage increased barge traffic supporting regional economic development.

- Prioritizing funding for the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System with a cost-share adjustment to mitigate cost overruns.

- Creating a comprehensive approach to managing the Lower Mississippi River and implementing restoration practices for animal habitats in Arkansas and Tennessee.

- Addressing levee safety guidelines under development.

- Examining digital infrastructure through a study on water distribution optimization.

- Encouraging reinvestment of recreation fees collected by the Corps to improve facilities.

Additionally, the bill reauthorizes the Economic Development Administration (EDA) along with its subsidiary, the Delta Regional Authority. It also establishes an Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience—a bipartisan initiative led by Boozman—to better address federal post-disaster economic recovery assistance.