Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) voted to pass the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2022, legislation that would authorize crucial investments in America’s ports, inland waterways, flood management systems, ecosystems, and other water resources infrastructure. Sewell secured over $33 million in this legislation for the Selma River Stabilization Project and the Birmingham and Bessemer Valley Creek Flood Risk Management Project. WRDA passed the House today and will now make its way to the U.S. Senate. 

Rep. Sewell secured over $33 million in the Water Resources Development Act for two projects in Alabama’s 7th Congressional District including:

• $15,533,100 for the Selma Flood Risk Management and River Bank Stabilization Project, and
• $17,725,000 for the Birmingham and Bessemer Valley Creek Flood Risk Management Project.

“I fought hard to include funding for the Selma River Erosion Project in the Water Resources Development Act, and I’m thrilled to announce that over $15 million was approved for this project by the House of Representatives today!” celebrated Rep. Sewell. “This critical funding will help assist the Army Corps of Engineers as they work to stabilize the Selma River Bank and mitigate flooding in our community.”

“Our Birmingham and Bessemer communities know just how frustrating and dangerous Valley Creek’s frequent flooding can be,” continued Sewell. “That’s why I fought to include over $17 million in the Water Resources Development Act to address this flooding and find long-term solutions. I’m thrilled that this funding was approved by the House of Representatives and will continue to work to improve the resiliency of Valley Creek."

WRDA 2022 includes provisions that would: 

• Improve U.S. water infrastructure by authorizing the study and construction of locally-driven projects developed in cooperation and consultation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
• Strengthen America’s economy through investment in our ports, harbors, and inland waterways, which will increase efficiency and support supply chains. 
• Build more resilient communities by restoring natural infrastructure and ensuring new infrastructure helps to mitigate the effects of natural disasters, extreme weather, sea-level rise, and other challenges posed by climate change. 
• Improve America’s ports and harbors, while ensuring efficient and effective use of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund dollars unlocked by WRDA 2020.

Direct the Corps to increase coordination with Tribal, indigenous, and economically disadvantaged communities to ensure that water resources development needs across the nation are met.