WIFIA Reauthorization Measures Introduced
Senators John Hoeven (R-ND) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) have introduced bipartisan legislation to reauthorize funding for WIFIA and expand the program to include projects managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, using EPA’s administrative processes. The 9-page bill, S. 2329, is titled the WIFIA Reauthorization Act and can be downloaded here.
The measure, introduced on January 23, has been referred to the Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works for consideration. Beginning with $90 million in funding for FY 19, each subsequent year sees funding increases by ten million until the final reauthorization of $140 million for fiscal year 2024.
Similar legislation has been introduced in the House by Reps. Brian Mast (R-FL.), Bob Gibbs (R-OH), Patrick Maloney (D-NY) and Julia Brownley (D-CA). While language is very similar, the House bill does not speak specifically to project funding requirements or provisions for fund reallocation. HR 4492 was introduced last November and has been referred to the House Committees on Energy & Commerce and Transportation & Infrastructure.