Johnson votes to expedite and streamline water projects
Washington, DC – Congressman Sam Johnson (R-TX) released the following statement prior to voting in support of H.R. 3080, Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA). Through WRRDA, Congress authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to carry out its mission to investigate, develop and maintain the nation’s water and related environmental resources.
“This bill provides much needed reforms to water projects across the country. It not only cuts bureaucratic red tape, limits studies to 3 years, but also gives cities, states and private entities more flexibility to expedite permits and push projects their community needs,” said Johnson.
“These commonsense reforms are a step in the right direction for states like Texas who continue to endure the ongoing effects of a multi-year drought. We have a dire need for new sources of water in the Lone Star State and this bill provides a faster and more cost-effective way forward for these projects.”
Additionally, the bill adds a new section clarifying that preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species is a qualifying category for federal water projects. “North Texas has dealt with the invasive species known as zebra mussels for far too long, and while significant steps have been taken to combat the problem this bill takes another stab at limiting their spread.”
Johnson represents the southwestern part of Collin County.