WASHINGTON, DC – Thomas J. Gibson, president and CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), issued the following statement in reaction to House passage last night of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), by a vote of 408-2.

“Marine transportation infrastructure is critical to our nation’s business supply chain, the competitiveness of the domestic steel industry, and the economy of our nation as a whole. AISI member companies rely heavily on seaports and inland waterways to move raw materials that are essential for domestic steelmaking and key for our companies to move finished steel products to their customers and end users in the market. Our nation’s water resources system must be modernized so that our industry can succeed and compete. Last night’s passage of bipartisan legislation will bring investments and efficiency to our nation’s waterborne transportation infrastructure and continue congressional commitment to approve water resources legislation every two years,” Gibson said.

The bill authorizes projects that will modernize water infrastructure, improve navigation, assist with flood control and enhance safe drinking water systems. It also continues Army Corps of Engineers permitting reform efforts that allow essential investments to be made.