June 26, 2024

HOYLE SECURES DISTRICT AND POLICY WINS IN THE WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT

WASHINGTON, DC— Today, the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA). It authorizes construction projects, studies and other infrastructure activities for U.S. waterways and ports. This bipartisan legislation also includes key priorities championed by Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04). The bill will next go to the full U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.

“I’m proud our committee worked across the aisle to strengthen America’s infrastructure by investing in our ports, harbors, and inland waterways,” said Representative Val Hoyle. “As climate change continues to threaten our nation’s water resources, we must invest in our infrastructure so we can protect communities.” 

Rep. Hoyle secured the following policy wins in WRDA 2024 for Oregon’s Fourth Congressional District:

  • Additional $50 million authorization for Corps projects across Southwestern Oregon, bringing the total authorization to $100 million. 

  • This provision adds Lincoln County as eligible to compete for part of this $100 million Southwestern Oregon authorization. Previous authorization only included Benton, Coos, Curry, Douglas, Lane, Linn, and Josephine counties.

  • Provision to push for the completion of the Corps’ analysis on the Willamette hydropower system.

  •  A study to examine what would happen if hydropower was removed from Willamette Valley Basin/dam operations.

  • Turbidity report to examine what caused turbidity during the court-ordered reservoir drawdowns Willamette Valley last fall.

  • Siuslaw River Slope Stabilization, Erosion Prevention and Stormwater Project (Florence, OR). 

  • This provision authorizes the Corps to conduct a study on how to achieve long-term stabilization and erosion prevention on banks of the Siuslaw River that have been hit hard by increasingly damaging winter storms in recent years. 

  • Authorizing the Corps to study revetments along the Willamette River in Lane County to identify maintenance needs to reduce flood risks.

Rep. Hoyle also secured the following national policy wins in WRDA 2024:

  • eNEPA Portal: Directs the Corps to complete its electronic permitting portal so stakeholders can more easily monitor the permitting process for their projects and projects in the communities where they live.

  • Apprenticeships for Corrosion Prevention Work: This language would help make sure that apprenticeship programs are utilized in corrosion prevention activities in water resources development projects. This will enhance the quality and effectiveness of corrosion prevention work through certified training programs and industry best practices.

“Willamette River Salmon are a critical resource for Grand Ronde tribal members. I am encouraged that this legislation contains language requiring the Army Corps to evaluate an alternative that ceases hydropower production at Willamette River Basin dams. This is a positive step forward for native salmon, and we thank the work of Congresswomen Hoyle, Chavez DeRemer and Salinas for their leadership on this issue,” said Grand Ronde Tribal Council Chairwoman Cheryle Kennedy. “We urge Congress to prioritize salmon recovery by passing this bipartisan legislation immediately.”

“The power from the Willamette projects is the most expensive hydropower resource within the BPA portfolio, costing five times more than the output from the Lower Snake River Dams. The Public Power Council applauds the work of Rep. Hoyle and stakeholders throughout the region that continue to work towards the deauthorization of the power function while still ensuring a process-based approach that considers the impact of federal actions,” said Scott Simms, Executive Director of the Public Power Council.

"Representative Hoyle understands that it's high time that the Army Corps lays out for the public and Congress whether hydropower production on the Willamette River is worth the steep costs,” said Jennifer Fairbrother, Legislative & Policy Director for Native Fish Society.“We commend her bipartisan efforts to ensure that the Corps pursues the most effective plan possible to restore our iconic salmon and steelhead populations, safeguard clean and safe drinking water for communities, and minimize costs for power customers in the northwest."

In addition to these provisions related to water resources development in Oregon's Fourth Congressional District, Rep. Hoyle has also requested $3,000,000 for critical wastewater improvements in Newport, as part of her Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations funding requests. Rep. Hoyle serves as a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the House Natural Resources Committee. 

###