WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the support of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), the Senate today passed the Water Resources Development Act, legislation that invests in America’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure and authorizes 29 critical Army Corps projects, including the Portsmouth Harbor and Piscataqua River Navigation Project and also reauthorizes the Cape Arundel Disposal Site off the coast of southern Maine.

            “Maine’s waters are a crucial resource for thousands of people across the state who rely on them for a livelihood, and that’s why ensuring our state’s water-related infrastructure is strong and safe is so critical,” Senator King said. “This legislation will help protect the public’s health through improved water and wastewater management, and strengthen our state’s commercial maritime economy by preserving access to critical funding for Maine’s small harbors. And by authorizing important Army Corps projects, like the Portsmouth Harbor and Piscataqua River Navigation Project and the use of the Cape Arundel Disposal Site, the bill will help Maine continue to manage its water resources so that future generations can continue take advantage of one of our most vital resources.”

The Water Resources Development Act invests in the country’s ports and waterways to improve commerce, improves flood protection and safety for communities, streamlines reviews and increases local participation, promotes innovative technologies to address water resources challenges, provides essential investment in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, and increases flexibility and federal assistance to address drought. The bill passed the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support today.

The legislation supports several water infrastructure projects in Maine, including:

• The authorization of the Portsmouth Harbor and Piscataqua River Navigation Project. This initiative would significantly expand the turning basin in the harbor so that larger ships can navigate the area safely.

• An extension of the authorization for the Cape Arundel Disposal Site off the coast of southern Maine.

• Establishment of a permanent 10 percent set aside in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund that will be dedicated to funding small or emerging harbors in Maine and around the country.

For more information on the Water Resources Development Act, click HERE.

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