Bean Delivers Northeast Florida Wins in Water Resource Development Act

WASHINGTON—On Tuesday, December 11, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024, including U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean’s (FL-04) priorities for Northeast Floridians. 

WRDA 2024 authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to carry out critical water resources development projects and studies. Regular consideration of locally driven, rigorously studied, and nationally significant water resources infrastructure is key to preserving our nation’s economy, strengthening U.S. and international commerce, protecting our communities and businesses during natural disasters, and maintaining our quality of life.

“From JAXPORT to Fernandina Beach, I was proud to play a key role in crafting WRDA and be a voice for Northeast Floridians. This bill is a massive victory for the Fourth District, as it enhances environmental restoration efforts at Fort George and supports a new dry dock in Jacksonville. I’m particularly grateful to secure modifications to shoreline easements that are delaying critically important hurricane risk reduction projects. These wins will ensure our state can continue to address the unique needs of our communities,” said Congressman Bean.         

WRDA 2024 Northeast Florida priorities championed by Congressman Bean include:

• Authorization of a new feasibility study for the Fort George Inlet erosion control project in Jacksonville to reduce or eliminate the accelerating loss of Little Talbot Island State Park lands, to stabilize the inlet to prevent further erosion, and to determine beneficial use of dredged beach compatible sand. 
• The construction of a long-stalled new dry dock facility at the Jacksonville Harbor that would provide maintenance and other services to military, recreational, and other vessels.
• Prohibiting the USACE from imposing unfair, burdensome, and unforeseen perpetual easement requirements on sponsors of hurricane risk reduction projects. This provision will protect public infrastructure and the lives and livelihoods of Americans residing in and visiting Florida. 

Click here for legislative text and for more information on WRDA. 

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