On December 21, 2024, Congress passed the 2024 Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act, marking a significant legislative achievement aimed at enhancing water resources and infrastructure across the United States. This act provides crucial protections for Delaware's shoreline and economy, authorizing various projects for flood control, navigation, and ecosystem restoration by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers [aac19948].
The legislation is particularly notable as it represents the first update in two decades for U.S. Economic Development Administration programs, which are vital for funding key infrastructure projects. Among its provisions, the act establishes the Delaware Coastal System Program to ensure effective use of funds for hurricane and storm risk reduction [aac19948].
In a move to alleviate financial burdens on local governments, the act reduces the state contribution for the Delaware Back Bay Study from 50% to 10%. Additionally, local contributions for beach renourishment projects in Rehoboth, Dewey, Bethany, and South Bethany have been decreased from 35% to 20%, while Fenwick Beach's local contribution has been cut from 50% to 20% [aac19948]. Broadkill Beach has also been added to the restoration initiative, with the state cost match reduced from 35% to 10%.
Furthermore, the act authorizes $75 million for improving sewers and stormwater systems, and increases funding for environmental infrastructure projects to $40 million for each county. This comprehensive approach reflects a commitment to both environmental sustainability and economic development [aac19948]. The bill, named after Senator Tom Carper in recognition of his bipartisan efforts, is now set to be signed by President Joe Biden [aac19948].
In a related development, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) previously expressed his support for the WRDA bill, which includes funding for local U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects in Tennessee, such as the dredging of Pidgeon Harbor and the Hatchie-Loosahatchee Ecosystem Restoration project. Cohen emphasized the importance of these initiatives for job creation and climate resilience, highlighting the economic impact of the Pidgeon Industrial Park [f81c128e].