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Renzi Applauds Vote on Water Resources Development Act
Bill authorizes flood control, navigation, and environmental projects

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Rick Renzi (AZ-1) voted today in support of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007, and to override President Bush’s veto that was placed on the bill yesterday.

With the support of Congressman Renzi, the House of Representatives succeeded in voting today to override the President’s veto and pass H.R. 1495, the Water Resources Development Act of 2007. This legislation reauthorizes the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which authorizes flood control, navigation, and environmental projects and studies by the Army Corps of Engineers.

“I am pleased that the House was able to override the President’s veto on this important water resources legislation,” said Congressman Renzi. “Passage of this water resources development bill is not only crucial to Arizona, but our entire nation. Congress has not passed a WRDA bill in seven years and this vote today will authorize numerous critical infrastructure and restoration projects.”  

This measure authorizes approximately $23 billion for hundreds of Army Corps of Engineers projects. The Army Corps of Engineers receives its civil works authorization through WRDA. Under congressional direction, the Corps of Engineers designs, constructs, and maintains water resources facilities in the U.S. WRDA also gives the Corps the right to study water issues, and, more recently, to restore ecosystems.

This bi-partisan legislation has been approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate by an overwhelming majority, but was vetoed by President Bush earlier this week. Today’s vote had enough support to successfully override the President’s veto. The Senate must now vote on the override in order for this bill to become a law.

There are two water projects in Arizona’s First Congressional District that will be authorized through this legislation. The Little Colorado River Levee located in Winslow and Rio De Flag in Flagstaff are both flood damage reduction projects that would help improve current flood problems they face.

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