Austin News

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz from Texas has expressed his satisfaction following the passage of the 2024 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) by Congress. The act incorporates several provisions that aim to support infrastructure projects in Texas, which were secured by Sen. Cruz.

In a statement released after the act's passage, Sen. Cruz said, “I am proud to secure so many key legislative priorities for the Lone Star State in the 2024 Water Resources Development Act. The provisions I championed will authorize new construction projects, keep ongoing projects on schedule, and boost economic growth for Texas and the United States.”

The WRDA includes various initiatives affecting Texas, such as directives to expedite feasibility studies and coordinate reviews for multiple waterway improvement projects like Matagorda Ship Channel Improvement Project and Sabine-Neches Waterway Navigation Improvement Project. It also authorizes feasibility studies for flood risk management in areas like Guadalupe County and Halls Bayou in Harris County.

Furthermore, it includes funding under the Environmental Infrastructure account towards water and wastewater infrastructure for municipalities including Austin, Amarillo, Brownsville, Clarendon, Quinlan, Runaway Bay, Webb County, Zapata County, and Dallas County Region.

Other significant authorizations include modifications to existing projects like Addicks and Barker Reservoirs for flood risk management and Westside Creek in San Antonio Channel for ecosystem restoration.