Bean Secures Northeast Florida Wins in Water Resource Development Act

WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) today applauded the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s (T&I) passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024. Congressman Bean secured numerous provisions for Northeast Florida including an important win for the Fort George Inlet. The bill will now head to the full House for approval.

WRDA 2024 provides authority for 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, and protecting our communities and businesses during natural disasters, and maintaining our quality of life.

“The committee’s passage of this bill is a down payment on rebuilding America’s water infrastructure. WRDA 2024 will unleash the power of our coastal communities, sustain American jobs, and provide authorization for Corps projects critical to addressing the unique needs of communities in Northeast Florida and the entire nation,” said Congressman Bean. “From fisherman to shrimpers and from the First Coast to the Everglades, this bill is a massive victory for the Fourth District. And I’m particularly proud to have played role in ensuring Northeast Florida’s voice was heard loud and clear.”

Congressman Bean championed WRDA 2024 Northeast Florida Priorities:

• 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. Click HEREfor more information.
   
• Language allowing for more flexibility for the non-Federal interests in procuring real estate interests and easements for coastal storm risk management projects including beach nourishment, especially in Florida.
   
• Authorization of a National Coastal Mapping Study, directing the Corps to work with non-Federal interests and other relevant Federal agencies to more efficiently respond to the Corps’ navigation, flood risk management, ecosystem restoration, and emergency operations missions.

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

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