Jackson Purchase News

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell addressed the Senate floor regarding the Water Resources Development Act, highlighting its potential impact on national water infrastructure. McConnell acknowledged the leadership of Ranking Member Capito and her team in advancing the legislation.

"Thanks in large part to the leadership of Ranking Member Capito and her team, the sensible legislation before us will strengthen our nation’s water infrastructure from the Everglades to the Port of Los Angeles to the inland waterways that course through Kentucky," McConnell stated.

The bill had already passed in the House with broad bipartisan support. McConnell emphasized its comprehensive approach to addressing clean drinking water, ecosystem maintenance, storm resiliency, and navigable waterways for trade and commerce. He noted that communities would have flexibility in tailoring solutions to their unique needs.

McConnell expressed satisfaction with several projects authorized by the bill that are significant for Kentuckians' health and well-being. These include developing infrastructure for water and wastewater treatment in Appalachia, securing safe drinking water for Scott County families, and updating Greenbrier Lake Dam in Montgomery County.

"So far, an impressive, broad coalition has thrown their support behind this bill," McConnell said. The coalition includes ports, shippers, farm groups, unions, and industry leaders who depend on waterways for moving goods and maintaining jobs.

He concluded by appreciating the House's bipartisan efforts to advance this essential legislation and expressed hope that the Senate would follow suit.

"I appreciate the House’s work to move this must-pass legislation forward in bipartisan fashion," he added. "I hope the Senate will do the same today."