Soy Transportation Coalition officials are pleased with the proposed Energy and Water Appropriations legislation that boosts funding for waterways infrastructure to record levels. Coalition Executive Director Mike Steenhoek says while it’s positive lawmakers are taking infrastructure funding seriously, it will still take a concerted effort to get it over the finish line and approved.
The Energy and Water appropriations bill calls for $6.1 billion in overall funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Steenhoek says one of the stumbling blocks is that it’s likely Congress will have to pass continuing budget resolutions to get through the year.
Steenhoek says long-term, lawmakers will have to prioritize waterways projects due to the likelihood the federal budget will face more cuts.
Details of the fiscal year 2017 Energy and Water appropriations legislation was released this week.
