Bill with authorize funding for Army Corps projects across the commonwealth, including in Philadelphia, Johnstown, Williamsport
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Fetterman joined his colleagues in voting to advance the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024 out of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) committee. Once passed and signed into law, WRDA 2024 will authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ critical projects and programs, including multiple in Pennsylvania.
“Living on the Monongahela River, I’ve seen the important work that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers does up close,” said Senator Fetterman. “Thanks to this funding and the work of the Army Corps, Philadelphia ratepayers will likely avoid and almost $300 hike in their water bill, communities across the commonwealth will be able to remediate acid mine drainage, Johnstown will be able to rebuild their river walls, and more. These projects will be huge for Pennsylvania – I’m proud to have fought for and secured this funding.”
Thanks to Senator Fetterman’s advocacy on the EPW committee, WRDA 24 will authorize funding for the following Pennsylvania projects:
- Acid Mine Drainage Remediation – the bill will authorize a new $50 million pilot program to restore waters impacted by acid mine drainage in PA, OH, and WV. Communities with acid mine drainage across PA will be able to access engineering and financial assistance from the Army Corps for these critical remediation projects.
- PA Environmental Infrastructure – The bill will newly authorize $38.6 million for environmental infrastructure projects, including water and wastewater infrastructure projects, across the state. The current Sec. 313 authorization, which allows the Army Corps to assist with water-related environmental infrastructure and resource protection and development projects, will be expanded to cover the entire state, opening additional technical assistance and funding opportunities.
- The bill will adjust the water infrastructure authorization for Philadelphia and increase it to $3 million, allowing the Army Corps to assist with the Philadelphia Water Department’s infrastructure upgrades and save Philly ratepayers almost $300/year.
- The bill will authorize Johnstown, PA to engage in ecosystem restoration, recreation, and flood risk management along the Little Conemaugh, Conemaugh, and Stonycreek Rivers. This project will ensure continued flood damage prevention and utilize nature-based interventions that allow for community access and revitalization.
- It authorizes a project for ecosystem restoration and shoreline stabilization as part of the South Philadelphia Wetlands Park project, which will repurpose formerly industrial riverfront into natural bank conditions and a new public park in a community lacking greenspace.
- Finally, the bill directs the Army Corps to expedite completion of the Williamsport Northwest Levee System.