Water Infrastructure Bill
For Immediate Release: September 15, 2016
Contact: E.R. Anderson 202-224-8609
Toomey, PA Leaders Support Bipartisan Water Infrastructure Bill That Makes Major Investments in Commonwealth
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) released the following statement about the Senate’s passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2016. It passed by a vote of 95-3 today. Pennsylvania business and community leaders also supported the measure.
"Today, the Senate passed a major, bipartisan infrastructure bill that is a big win for Pennsylvania," said Sen. Toomey. "It will make significant federal investments in our transportation, flood control, and drinking water systems that are critical to Pennsylvania’s economy and the safety of our residents.
"Specifically, this bill will rehabilitate essential transportation infrastructure on the Ohio River in Western Pennsylvania. This project will ensure that manufacturers and energy producers in the Pittsburgh region continue to have affordable access to the materials they need to stay competitive in the global marketplace and create jobs. This legislation also will encourage new environmental restoration efforts and will support public health in the Delaware River Basin.
"I am pleased that the Senate took this important step to improve our nation’s aging infrastructure. I hope the House will act and we can get this legislation to the president’s desk as soon as possible."
"Pennsylvania is fortunate to have legislators in Congress like Sen. Toomey who understand the importance of the inland river system," said Scott Turner CFO, Three Rivers Marine & Rail Terminals LLC. "Investments in our locks and dams are vital to the coal industry, steel and all the customers we serve. Thousands of jobs in Western Pennsylvania, including 75 at our own terminals are dependent on the ability to move freight on our rivers. We are proud of Sen. Toomey for his support of WRDA."
"Passage of this bipartisan legislation is critical to maintaining the robust inland waterway system we enjoy here in southwest Pennsylvania," said Peter Stephaich, Chairman & CEO of Campbell Transportation Company, Inc. "Without it, thousands of good family-sustaining jobs would be lost in this region. This legislation is essential for supporting both the energy and manufacturing industries in the Pittsburgh region. I applaud Sen. Pat Toomey for his leadership on this issue and making sure this legislation recognizes the value of our inland waterways."
Mary Ann Bucci, Executive Director of the Port of Pittsburgh Commission said, "A functional inland waterway system is critical to the vitality of the region of western Pennsylvania which depends heavily upon this form of transportation. Sen. Toomey’s understanding of the issues and his support have been invaluable in bringing about the finalization of this study which is a significant turning point for the businesses and workers that will be sustained by the completion of the Upper Ohio Navigation Project."
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Elizabeth "E.R." Anderson
Communications Director
U.S Senator Pat Toomey
248 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
www.twitter.com/SenToomey
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