Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on the Conference Report for the Water Resources Reform Development Act of 2014 (WRRDA). The bill first passed the House of Representatives on October 23, 2013. The bipartisan measure passed in the House by a vote of 412 to 4. Upon passage in the Senate, the bill will head to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

“Today, the House passed legislation that will improve our Nation’s competitiveness, strengthen our vital waterway infrastructure, and create much-needed jobs,” said Congressman Randy Weber (R-Friendswood). “I am pleased that once this legislation is signed into law, two important navigation projects in Texas District 14 will be authorized. These projects will have a positive impact on our local economy, and bring much needed attention to our important waterway network along the Gulf Coast.”

The two projects included in this legislation are the Sabine Neches Waterway Channel improvement project and the Port of Freeport Harbor channel improvement project.

The Sabine Neches Waterway channel improvement project will create thousands of jobs, increase business activity by $5 billion, as well as inject $500 million into the local economy.

“We are thrilled that the deepening project we’ve championed for the last 15 years is closer to becoming a reality,” said Paul Beard, chairman of SNND.  “This project plays a very important role in building a sustainable future for our region and U.S. energy, and the Navigation District is proud to be part of that effort.”

The Freeport Harbor Channel Improvement Project will allow port operations to work more efficiently while creating jobs, enhancing trade and reducing transportation costs in the region.

“We are extremely pleased to see the authorization of the Freeport Harbor Channel Improvement Project included in the long-awaited WRRDA bill, which was passed today by the House. We look forward to enactment of this important legislation so the Army Corps of Engineers can move forward with the project, which will provide jobs and a safer, more efficient environment at Port Freeport,” said Glenn Carlson, Executive Port Director/CEO, Port Freeport. “We thank Congressman Weber and his staff for their support of the Freeport Harbor project, which will allow the port to better serve its import and export customers and provide significant economic benefits to Freeport, Brazoria County and the state of Texas.”

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