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Womack Votes to Improve America’s Water Infrastructure, Secures Third District Priorities

Washington, D.C.—December 10, 2024…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today joined the U.S. House of Representatives in passing S. 4367, the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). The legislation authorizes funding to improve ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation, flood and storm protection, and other pieces of water resources infrastructure, as well as programs and policy reforms related to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Congressman Womack secured provisions within the package that will greatly benefit Arkansas, including the Beaver Lake Reallocation Study and makes permanent a 75% federal cost share for inland waterways construction and modernization projects.

Congressman Womack said, “Adequate water infrastructure is critical to growing our economy, moving goods Americans rely on, and protecting communities from natural disasters. The impact of WRDA is expansive, and this year’s package makes important investments in the Natural State. It accelerates the completion of the MKARNS deepening project—a pivotal component of the Third District’s economy—and focuses on keeping pace with the increased water demand in our growing region. I’m grateful Arkansans will soon benefit from this critical legislation.”

Womack-secured Provisions:

Beaver Lake Reallocation Study

  • Beaver Water District (BWD) supplies water to over 400,000 people, and Beaver Lake is the only source of water supply for BWD. The water supply demand has grown by an average of 7% per year for the last four years, and demand will only continue to grow.
  • The Beaver Lake Reallocation Study will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to study the reallocation of the Beaver Lake water supply to ensure that BWD has adequate storage rights to meet the future water demand of its customers. 

75% Federal Cost Share for Inland Waterways Construction Projects

  • This request updates the 65/35 inland waterways construction project cost share to 75/25 ensuring projects, such as the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS) 12-foot deepening project, achieve accelerated completion.

The legislation has passed the Senate and the House and now awaits the president’s signature.