Washington, D.C. – (RealEstateRama) — Congressman Ted S. Yoho (R-FL-03) voted in favor of H.R. 5303: Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). This bill will create jobs and building up America’s water resource infrastructure. The Congressman Yoho gave the following statement after his vote:
“Roughly $230 billion dollars worth of cargo is moved through the nation’s waterways annually. Today’s passage of the Water Recourses Development Act authorizes important Army Corps of Engineers water projects that ensure the movement of that cargo.
“One project that is affected by WRDA is the Jacksonville Port Authority’s deep draft project. This venture is essential to JAXPORT and the growth of our region’s economy. It is a priority of mine to make sure JAXPORT receives the support it needs to become a jobs engine for the region, the state, and the nation.
“In addition to the construction jobs authorized in this bill, WRDA also authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to conduct 29 feasibility studies for future projects; projects that will grow our economy and create jobs. WRDA also will deauthorize $5 billion dollars worth of previously authorized but inactive Corps projects.”
Background:
- The Jacksonville Port Authority’s deep draft project is nationally recognized through the President’s 2012 “We Can’t Wait Initiative”.
- The harbor deepening project was authorized by the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) `of 2014, which was signed into law by President Obama on June 10, 2014.
- The proposed 47 foot depth will produce approximately 15,000 jobs
- The authorized project stretches 13 miles along the St. Johns’ River, but the benefits (terminals) are concentrated in the last 4.3 miles where the receiving terminals are located. This is typical of the topography of many river ports which have long stretches of channel without terminals.
Source: Congressman Ted S. Yoho
