WATCH THE WATER

Trump Signs Water Resource Development Act

President Donald Trump signed a sweeping law Tuesday which authorizes water resource projects and policies nationwide to be administered by the US Army Corps of Engineers.

The bipartisan measure passed the Senate earlier this month with a nearly unanimous vote – 99-1.

The America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 will, among other provisions, authorize federal funding for water infrastructure projects, expand the country's water storage capabilities, upgrade wastewater, drinking and irrigation systems, as well as authorize or reauthorize water infrastructure projects and programs.

The act will also deauthorize $4 billion in water resources development projects that Congress deems are no longer viable for construction due to a lack of local support, a lack of resources or when they deem that the project is no longer relevant or feasible. It's a provision supporters of the bill have emphasized as a decrease the federal deficit, which rose 17% in fiscal year 2018.

Infrastructure has long been a priority for the President, and the White House unveiled its long-awaited infrastructure plan in February.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/president-donald-j-trump-signs-s-3021-law/

https://www.usnews.com/news/healthiest-communities/articles/2018-10-23/trump-signs-water-projects-bill-1-aimed-at-fla-toxic-algae

https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/donald-trump-signs-water-projects-bill-americas-water-infrastructure-act-of-2018-flint-florida/