Thomas J. Gibson, president and CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), issued a statement in reaction to House passage last night of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), by a vote of 408-2.
“Marine transportation infrastructure is critical to our nation’s business supply chain, the competitiveness of the domestic steel industry, and the economy of our nation as a whole,” Gibson said, noting that AISI member companies rely heavily on seaports and inland waterways to move raw materials “that are essential for domestic steelmaking and key for our companies to move finished steel products to their customers and end users in the market.”
Gibson said the nation’s water resources system must be modernized so that the steel industry can “succeed and compete.” He added that the passage of bipartisan legislation “will bring investments and efficiency to our nation’s waterborne transportation infrastructure and continue congressional commitment to approve water resources legislation every two years.”
The bill authorizes projects that will modernize water infrastructure, improve navigation, assist with flood control and enhance safe drinking water systems. It also continues Army Corps of Engineers permitting reform efforts that allow essential investments to be made.