Pelosi Statement on House Passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020

Contact: Speaker's Press Office,

202-226-7616

"Today, the House took crucial action to Build Back Better by passing the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2020, which will strengthen and improve our nation's vital water infrastructure that millions of Californians and Americans across the country depend on. As the climate crisis exacts a growing toll on our communities, this legislation takes bold steps to authorize and reform Army Corps of Engineers initiatives that will be essential to create good-paying jobs, upgrade harbor infrastructure and sustain critical natural resources that allow our local economies to grow and thrive.

"This strong WRDA contains important wins for San Francisco, particularly protecting our Embarcadero Seawall from earthquake and flooding risks. I was proud to secure language to ensure that flood risk initiatives in seismic hazard zones are not penalized in benefit-cost ratios and to guarantee that the Corps uses the best available, peer-reviewed science as they develop the San Francisco Seawall study. This legislation also includes further victories that will be critical to protecting our Bay Area shoreline from flooding, and setting uniform regulations for the Port of San Francisco waterfront while preserving environmental protection reviews that are central to the strength of our communities. In a major success for west coast ports, this bill will ensure harbor maintenance funds are fully utilized, as well as provide greater equity for donor ports.

"We salute Chairman Peter DeFazio and Subcommittee Chair Grace Napolitano for their tireless leadership to pass this WRDA that combats the climate crisis and protect our nation's water infrastructure in a resilient, innovative and equitable way. Now, the Senate must pass this bipartisan legislation so we can deliver results For The People."