The Army Corps’ civil works program is the nation’s largest water resources program. Congress has increased the Army Corps' responsibilities in the past twenty years to include ecosystem restoration, municipal water and wastewater infrastructure and disaster relief.

A key element was missing from WRDA’s final language. The bill failed to include the Texas Environmental Infrastructure Program (TEIP) which would have directed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to align with state goals and objectives for planning, engineering design and construction of water supply, wastewater, water quality and environmental projects. Reauthorization was certainly needed, but exclusion of TEIP hampers state-federal partnerships

“While I am disappointed that the WRDA Reauthorization before us today does not include TEIP, I will continue to work with Senators Hutchison and Cornyn to include in the Senate version and any future conference report,” said Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26). The bill passed by both Houses of Congress must go through a conference committee before a final bill is voted upon to be sent to the President for his signature into law.

"The Texas Water Development Board appreciates the support of Congressman Burgess in highlighting Texas' priorities for the Water Resources Development Act,” said Texas Water Development Board Chairman E. G. Rod Pittman. “The Congressman and his staff continue to advocate for Texas water interests at the national level, helping the Board to ensure adequate, clean water for Texas. We look forward to continuing our work with Congressman Burgess to pass a WRDA bill that helps our great state.”

Water Resources Development Act of 2007:

• Reaffirms the commitment of the Committee to the nation’s water resources infrastructure, to addressing new water resources needs and to fine-tune the Army Corps’ missions and responsibilities.
• Authorizes 51 projects with Chief’s reports relating to flood damage reduction, navigation, hurricane and storm damage reduction, and environmental restoration, including the navigation and ecosystem restoration project for the Upper Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway system, an Everglades restoration project, and the program for protecting, conserving, and restoring the Louisiana Coastal area.
• Includes provisions for streamlining and expediting Army Corps’ project delivery and permits.
• Includes provisions for the improvement of the Army Corps’ planning and project development process, including independent peer review of larger and more controversial studies.
• Authorizes a number of smaller projects, project modifications, and investigations related to the Army Corps’ civil works program.