WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT APPROVED BY THE HOUSE

WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT APPROVED BY THE HOUSE

Big Win for the SC Ports Authority

(Washington, DC, December 3rd 2024) – On December 3, 2024, the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) was overwhelmingly approved in the House and is now heading to the Senate for final approval.

Rep. Nancy Mace secured authorizations for local water projects in the Lowcountry in the final draft. 

One significant authorization assists with deepening of the Charleston Harbor. This initiative will provide a boost to the local economy, in addition to creating jobs and opportunity for SC-01. 

“South Carolina Ports appreciate the support of Congresswoman Mace and the entire Congressional delegation for leading these efforts and advocating for the competitiveness of South Carolina’s world-class port system. South Carolina Ports are a critical driver of jobs and investment in South Carolina, and we must invest in our harbor and port infrastructure to support our thriving economy. Our Congressional delegation’s endeavors ensure that Charleston has the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet, and that we will also achieve this depth up to North Charleston Terminal, which is the next phase of major capacity at the Port of Charleston,” said SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin.

"These investments are advancing our infrastructure, boosting our local economy, and ensuring the Lowcountry  gets the resources it needs as the10th fastest growing congressional district in the nation. We are securing the necessary resources for our community and economy to thrive,” said Congresswoman Nancy Mace. 

Through WRDA, Rep. Mace secured: 

• $12,178,000 increase in authorization for wastewater infrastructure and stormwater management projects in Mount Pleasant (increase from $7,822,000 to $20,000,000). 
• $70,000,000 increase in authorization for water and wastewater infrastructure projects at Lakes Marion and Moultrie (increase from $165,000,000 to $235,000,000).
• GAO study on donor port eligibility and treatment (in an effort to move Charleston towards qualifying as a donor port)
• Feasibility study on modifying the Charleston port navigation project to include improvements to the portion of the project that serves the North Charleston Terminal.
• 100% federal cost share for Operation & Maintenance costs for harbor depths increased from 50 to 55 feet, now capturing Charleston at 52 feet.
• 75% of federal cost share for Construction costs for harbor depths increased from 50 to 55 feet.

Congresswoman Nancy Mace remains committed to putting the Lowcountry first and advocating for the interests of her constituents. Every Congress, Rep. Mace champions for the Lowcountry to have a seat at the table and receive the funds necessary to grow through WRDA authorizations. 

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For additional information or related inquiries, please contact SC01press@mail.house.gov.