WRDA Conference Likely to Conclude This Month

After several months of working through legislative differences, it appears that the House and Senate conferees for the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) are coming to closure.  The expectation is that the Conference Report will be released just before or just after the April Congressional Recess (April 14-25).  While the measure deals principally with Corps of Engineers and water transportation issues, the Senate version included language for a pilot program similar to the AWWA-proposed Water Infrastructure and Finance and Innovations Act (WIFIA) that provides alternative financing options for large water projects rather than use the DWSRF.  Sources within the Conference Committee are suggesting that the WIFIA-like pilot will be included in the final Conference Report.  Action would then turn to up or down votes on the House and Senate Floors in anticipation of final passage and enactment.