Rep. David Rouzer
Last week, with the support of Congressman David Rouzer, the House of Representatives passed a comprehensive water resources infrastructure legislation, the Water Infrastructure Improvements Act for the Nation (WIIN) Act. This legislation includes the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2016 which passed the House of Representatives in September and includes language to authorize and make top priority specific U.S. Army Corps of Engineers activities for Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach. Additional language was included to address safety and maintenance concerns at Southport Marina.
“Our ports, beaches and waterways are the lifeline of economic activity and job growth for our coastal communities. Passing meaningful legislation to support and continue the authorization of funding to address the unique needs we have on the coast is absolutely vital. As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I am very pleased that this bill includes provisions addressing immediate needs at Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach and Southport Marina. The passage of the WIIN Act is critical to Southeastern North Carolina and our nation, and I look forward to the President signing this important infrastructure bill into law.”
The WIIN Act requires the Army Corps of Engineers to prioritize the needs of area beaches, including a three-year extension of coastal storm damage reduction funding for Carolina Beach, and requires the Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Coast Guard to work with state and local officials to establish a no wake zone for recreational vessels on the Intracoastal Waterway at the Southport Marina.
In addition to addressing the needs of North Carolina coasts, the WIIN Act authorizes much-needed investments in our infrastructure systems, supports the maritime and waterway transportation systems and provides for flood protection for homes and businesses.
The WIIN Act is a result of bicameral negotiations. The bill was passed by the U.S. Senate on Friday and now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.
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