Bipartisan Water Resources Bill Modernized to Meet 21st Century Issues

American Bittern. Photo: Lauren Pretorius/Audubon Photography Awards

(WASHINGTON)—Today, the Water Resources Development Act of 2022 passed the Senate after passing the House of Representatives earlier this month. This bill includes significant funding for water projects that impact birds and communities across the country. President Biden is expected to sign it in the coming days. 

The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), authorizes $70 billion dollars for the Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps), including billions of dollars to implement nature-based solutions and natural infrastructure on America’s waterways. Florida’s Everglades, the Great Lakes, the Mississippi River and its Delta, water-dependent ecosystems in the arid West and the nation’s shorelines, will all benefit from WRDA. 

“Building upon successful environmental provisions in past WRDA bills, Audubon is thrilled that this year’s WRDA bill includes climate and resiliency provisions, environmental justice provisions, ecosystem restoration projects, and cost-share changes that support birds, people, and communities throughout the country,” said Julie Hill-Gabriel, Audubon’s Vice President of Water Conservation and Interim Vice President of Coastal Conservation. “The Army Corps can play a pivotal role in improving our water infrastructure to address the challenges brought on by climate change.” 

Of particular importance, WRDA 2022 gives the Army Corps the flexibility to design projects for future conditions, allowing them to plan for anticipated climate impacts and build accordingly. Audubon fully supports infrastructure investments and restoration projects that not only protect birds and provide wildlife habitat, but also prioritize communities most at risk from climate change. 

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Press Contact: 

Joey Kahn, joey.kahn@audubon.org
Communications Director, Water Conservation
480.788.2416

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About Audubon
The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, Audubon believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.