Last week Congress overwhelmingly approved a combination of Fiscal Year 2019 appropriation measures for inland waterways upkeep and construction. Included in that is funding for the Energy and Water Development that funds the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Waterways Council Senior Vice President Deb Calhoun says her group sees it as a huge victory for infrastructure development.
She says over $3 billion is included in the combined appropriations for inland waterways which is a record amount.
Calhoun says a floor amendment offered by seven Midwest Senators including John Thune and Mike Rounds of South Dakota changed the cost share funding that will allow five inland waterway projects to proceed.
The legislation is now on its way to President Trump for his signature. It passed the House on a 377 to 20 vote and in the Senate on a 92 to 5 vote.
