Georgia Reps Split Over Water Resources Development Vote
As Congress prepares to vacate DC for the Holidays and make way for newly elected members, a final vote has shown a split within the Georgia delegation over the Water Resources Development Act.
Tom Graves, a potential statewide candidate from Northwest Georgia, voted yes due to the opportunity to complete funding for the Port of Savannah and to begin exploring expansion at Brunswick. From his press release:
“The nation’s waterways serve as engines for economic growth and job creation,” said Rep. Graves. “That’s no different in Georgia, where the Port of Savannah contributes $174 million in annual net benefits to the United States and supports 21,000 American businesses. This bill ensures the Port of Savannah continues to thrive by authorizing the resources necessary to keep the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project on schedule – a top economic priority for Georgia.”
The Savannah Harbor Expansion Project deepens the Savannah Harbor federal shipping channel from a depth of -42 feet to -47 feet. The extra depth will allow an additional 3,600 cargo containers in each transit.
The bill also authorizes a feasibility study of a navigation project in Brunswick Harbor, which could lead to additional investment and economic growth.
Meanwhile, Congressman Rick Allen of Augusta feels like his constituents were left out of the bill, and voted no. His release:
“This legislation fails to address the needs and concerns of my district back home in Georgia-12, specifically relating to the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam. Myself, along with stakeholders in the community, worry that the bill language is not a long-term solution to the future of this project. For this reason, I voted against S. 612 and will continue to work hand-in-hand with the community to produce a plan that all parties involved feel confident in.”
Allen was the only member of the Georgia delegation to vote against the bill. Congressman Lynn Westmoreland (R-Retirement) did not vote.
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Charlie
Founder of GeorgiaPol.com; Now weekly columnist Very interested in Georgia and Georginas. Interest in politics is waning daily.
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Hice Statement on WIIN Act
Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed S. 612, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, by a vote of 360 – 61. This critical legislation invests in our Nation’s harbors, dams, locks, and other water resources infrastructure. The measure includes the Water Resources Development Act of 2016, which passed the House in September, as well as provisions to diminish maintenance barriers and improve water delivery to drought-stricken communities. In addition, S. 612 contains language preventing the federal government from inserting itself into state and local issues. Congressman Hice released the following statement after the passage of the bill:
“Protecting our Nation’s waterways is key to advancing commerce and maintaining a robust economy. The WIIN Act includes substantial reforms that prepare our Nation to compete in the global marketplace, strengthen protections for coastal and inland communities from disastrous floodwaters, and create mechanisms to provide affordable, clean, and safe drinking water. This legislation also contains provisions important to Georgia in our ongoing legal battles with Alabama and Florida over water allocation.
Furthermore, through the WIIN Act, key missions of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers will help rebuild and strengthen existing but inadequate water structures. America’s natural resources are some of the most magnificent in the world, and it’s our duty to safeguard their future. I’m proud to support the passage of this bill to ensure that our assets continue to serve our Nation for years to come.”
So in the Congressman’s opinion a specific site in every district in the country should be mentioned in direct language within the Act. Failing this any shunned district’s member should vote against it, regardless of the good of the country as a whole.
It does sound kind of like an earmark, no?