(Washington, D.C) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement in response to the presidential veto of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). Reauthorization of WRDA is 5 years overdue, and a strong, bi-partisan bill was sent to President Bush. WRDA authorizes the projects and policies of the Civil Works program of the Army Corps of Engineers, and is a critical piece of legislation for Washington state.
"Today President Bush sent the wrong message to Washington state and our nation. By vetoing the Water Resources Development Act, he has chosen to neglect our water resource and infrastructure needs. The federal government has a responsibility to invest in these important projects that not only provide for our public safety but also help generate economic benefits. I am astonished that the lessons of Hurricane Katrina have already fallen off of the President’s radar screen. This bill included priorities for the Pacific Northwest, including lifting restrictions on hopper dredges and addressing the backlog of Section 214 permit applications. President Bush was wrong in vetoing this bill, and I will work with my colleagues in the Senate to make sure the water resource needs in Washington state and across the country are met."
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