The Federal spending package enacted on December 27 dedicates resources for the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020.
Among other initiatives, WRDA 2020 substantially adjusts the financing structure of projects for the construction and major rehabilitation of inland waterways.
Under the new law, the Treasury’s general fund will finance 65 percent of the cost, and the Inland Waterways Trust Fund will cover 35 percent (modifying the former 50-50 split).
The adjusted cost shares apply to projects that begin between fiscal years 2021 and 2031. The funding change should make additional general funds available to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for authorized inland waterway construction projects over the next 10 years.
See NGFA's response to the spending package here.