Carbondale Reporter

U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) applauded the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's passage of legislation bolstering federal water infrastructure projects. The Water Resources Development Act, which includes several key maritime priorities championed by Bost, is expected to receive a vote on the House floor in the coming weeks.

"As Southern Illinois’ voice on the Transportation Committee, I’ve fought to strengthen our levees, locks, and dams and reduce the risk of damage from natural disasters," said Bost. "I’m proud that our priorities were included in the final bill and look forward to its passage by the full House. This essential funding secures our region’s water infrastructure and cuts through the red tape that burdens taxpayers and slows project delivery."

Bost’s key priorities in the Water Resources Development Act include:

- Streamlining the levee maintenance process by requiring the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct pre-application meetings with stakeholders;

- Raising the funding level for small river and harbor improvement projects to keep pace with inflation;

- Maintaining the national security of locks and dams by ensuring on-site, first-person operations;

- Directing the Army Corps to coordinate with apprenticeship programs when conducting corrosion prevention activities;

- Expediting a comprehensive 50-year review of the Kaskaskia River Navigation Project, as well as feasibility studies for the Grand Tower and Degognia and Fountain Bluff Levee System, including the Cora Levee.