The American Farm Bureau Federation recently applauded Congress for approving the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act just before the end of the 114th Congress' second session.
“Making sure our inland waterways are healthy, along with the ability to deepen our ports, is essential to keeping U.S. farmers and ranchers competitive in international markets," American Farm Bureau Federation Transportation Specialist Andrew Walmsley said.
The act includes measures such as a 50 percent federal share on harbor deepening projects up to 45 feet and a 75 percent federal share on those up to 50 feet. The act also guarantees at least a 3 percent increase on revenues going toward harbor maintenance each year.
Additionally, the bill authorizes projects proposed by the Army Corps of Engineers since the previous Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014, and includes measures to address drought in California and the West.
“Part of the bill’s natural resources title aims to bring some relief to the West, where farmers, ranchers and many others have been confronted with serious drought conditions," Walmsley said. "The bill updates some water storage and delivery projects and provides some flexibility to some states to get water to struggling farmers in rural communities.”
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