Rep. Craig Secures Upper Mississippi River Priorities in the Water Resources Development Act of 2020

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig supported the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA 2020) conference report, which passed the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support. This key legislation contains Craig's priorities with funding and language to strengthen Minnesota's locks and dams, improve inland waterways, invest in flood damage reduction and update water infrastructure.

"Family farmers, businesses and communities across Minnesota's Second District depend on the Mississippi River to support their livelihoods," said Representative Craig. "I'm proud that the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act includes funding and language I've pushed for throughout my first term in Congress to help our communities respond to flooding and support businesses that rely on the Mississippi River to export goods."

Craig secured additional funding for the Upper Mississippi River System Environmental Management Program, which has come to be recognized as the single most important effort committed to ensuring the viability and vitality of the Upper Mississippi River System's diverse and significant fish and wildlife resources since the establishment of the National Wildlife Refuges on that system in the 1920's.

The legislation also supports Craig's request to prioritize the Upper Mississippi Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program – in part by modifying the cost-share for ongoing and future construction and major rehabilitation of capital investment projects on the inland waterways system.

Additionally, WRDA 2020 directs the Army Corps of Engineers to continue efforts to restore public access to the Mississippi River with community gathering space at the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam site in Minneapolis.