Central Georgia News

On Monday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 8812, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024. This legislation, when enacted, will authorize projects and programs of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The House bill included several provisions authored by Representative Mike Collins (R-Ga.) to address critical water infrastructure needs for Georgia and the country.

"I am proud to have secured several wins in this bill for Georgia," said Collins, "including getting the ball rolling on deepening the Savannah Port, fixing hydroelectric rates for Elbert County, and protecting the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam. Our state's water infrastructure is vital to ensuring Georgia remains the top place to do business in America, stays competitive in the global supply chain, and retains access to clean water for consumption and recreation. I will continue fighting to ensure our state's needs are addressed in Washington."

The WRDA bill is passed biennially by Congress to authorize and direct USACE priorities for water infrastructure. Congressman Collins secured four provisions in the 2024 WRDA bill: three for Georgia and one related to national security.

His amendment to protect the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam from USACE's plan to reduce Augusta's water storage on the Savannah River and limit access for recreational purposes passed the Transportation Committee by a vote of 32-31 and remained in the bill that passed the House.

He secured language in the base text of the bill for a USACE study on deepening the Port of Savannah, a key project to maintain its global competitiveness and ensure Georgia remains a top-tier trade hub.

He authored report language clarifying power management agencies' role in setting hydropower rates, which should lead to lower rates for consumers, particularly those in Elbert County who depend on hydropower for energy.

He wrote and secured base text language that will lead to repairing Wilson Lock and Dam on Alabama's Tennessee River, ensuring smooth navigation to the Mississippi River for cargo, recreation, and national security assets.