AGC Urges Congress to Override Veto of WRDA (AGC Key Vote Letter)

November 2, 2007

Dear Senator/Representative:

Water resources projects foster economic development, facilitate trade and commerce, rebuild environmentally sensitive areas, aid international competitiveness, stimulate employment, provide water recreation opportunities, enhance agricultural and industrial productivity, and augment our national defense. Accordingly, I urge you to support the override of President Bush’s veto of H.R. 1495, the Water Resources Development Act of 2007.
 
AGC understands the President’s concerns for maintaining fiscal discipline in order to protect the American taxpayer and sustaining a strong economy. We believe H.R. 1495 does protect the American taxpayer. This legislation reprioritizes the existing water resources priorities taking into account the water resources emergencies.  The projects authorized in H.R. 1495 reflect today’s need for improved flood control, increased navigation capacity, and ecosystem restoration. The damage inflicted by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and this summer’s flooding in Ohio, Texas, Missouri, and Oklahoma demonstrate real priorities and are addressed in this bill.  H.R. 1495 also de-authorizes nearly 60 projects that are no longer national priorities. The authorization process offers a real opportunity to review and reorder long term spending priorities. Once these projects are authorized they must then compete for funds through the annual appropriations process. 
 
Investment in water resources infrastructure prior to any disasters actually saves money. These projects offer the federal government the best return on its investment. For every $1 billion expended on water resources development activities, approximately 40,000 direct and indirect jobs are created. In addition, an estimated $706 billion in damages have been prevented through flood damage reduction projects - most within the past 25 years - representing a six-to-one return on investment. We must commit to infrastructure investment now to leave behind a legacy of economic security and opportunity for future generations.
 
Reauthorizing the Water Resources Development Act after seven long years will go a long way toward maintaining our economic competitiveness and national security, by enabling us to reprioritize and wisely invest in a comprehensive program to properly maintain, repair and replace our critical infrastructure.
 
I urge you to vote in support of the veto override and enact H.R. 1495 into law. 

Sincerely,

Stephen E. Sandherr
Chief Executive Officer