Sw Louisiana News

Congressman Clay Higgins has supported the House passage of S. 4367, known as the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA). This legislation is designed to authorize projects by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and implement policy reforms to enhance America's ports, waterways, and water management infrastructure.

Higgins successfully included several measures beneficial to South Louisiana in the final bill. These provisions include a feasibility study for channel deepening and jetty extension on the Calcasieu River and Pass Project. The Alexandria to Gulf Study will be expanded to incorporate additional parishes such as Pointe Coupee, Allen, Calcasieu, Jeff Davis, Acadia, Iberville, and Cameron. Terrebonne Parish will also be added to the service area for the Delta Regional Authority.

The bill prioritizes operation and maintenance needs for alternate seaports like the Port of Lake Charles to ensure economic stability and national security. It also clarifies payback terms for Louisiana's Hurricane & Storm Damage Risk Reduction System (HSDRRS), potentially saving significant state funds. Furthermore, it extends the Non-Federal Implementation Pilot Program through 2030, allowing Louisiana’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) access to federal funding for flood risk management and other related projects.

“South Louisiana’s ports and waterways play a significant role in our state’s economic infrastructure,” stated Congressman Higgins. He emphasized that this WRDA package provides necessary tools for infrastructure improvements without compromising core principles or engaging in excessive spending.

Earlier this year, Higgins testified before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee advocating for these changes.