Baldwin Votes to Pass Water Infrastructure Legislation with Investments for Wisconsin

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin worked to include a number of measures in the 2022 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) to strengthen our supply chain and address storm water challenges in Wisconsin. The Senate passed the bipartisan legislation today on a 93-1 vote. WRDA is generally passed every two years and includes important provisions on US Army Corps activities relating to flood control, navigation, and ecosystem restoration.

“The provisions I supported in this bipartisan legislation will support Wisconsin in dealing with the impacts of climate change while investing in our water highways that are so essential for our Made in Wisconsin economy,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am proud that we are working together to change how communities respond to water crises and improve the health and infrastructure of our water ways system for Wisconsin farmers, businesses and future generations.”

Milwaukee Storm Water Management: The 2022 Water Resources Development Act authorized $4.5 for storm water management in Milwaukee. The funding will help provide a reduction of combined sewer overflows and better help Metropolitan Milwaukee Sewage District respond to the impacts of climate change.

Fox-Wolf Basin Watershed Study: The bipartisan legislation also includes funding for the US Army Corps to conduct a study on the Fox-Wolf Basin Watershed. The Upper Fox and Wolf River Basins are two separate basins that converge within a series of pool lakes in Winnebago County before finally flowing collectively into Lake Winnebago. The study will provide valuable insight for water resource management, given the recent rise in Lake Winnebago during storm events and following spring snow melt.

Water Level Management on Upper Mississippi River: The WRDA legislation will require U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to submit a report on opportunities to expand the use of water level management on the Upper Mississippi River for ecosystem restoration. The Upper Mississippi River is a vital ecosystem and artery for commerce and recreation for Wisconsin.

Brandon Road Lock and Dam Project: Funding will be increased for the Brandon Road Lock and Dam Project, with the federal cost share being raised from 80 percent to 90 percent. This project is critical to stopping invasive species like Asian Carp from reaching the Great Lakes, which threatens the region’s economic and ecological livelihood.

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