NACE International Applauds House and Senate Passage of Bipartisan Water Infrastructure Legislation
Corrosion Control Planning Recommended for Water Infrastructure Projects Nationwide
Today, the Senate passed the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA). WRRDA funds the nation’s waterway, ports, levees, dams, and other important water infrastructure and has not been reauthorized by Congress since 2007.
“I congratulate Members of Congress and staff in the House and Senate for passing legislation that is crucial to the future of our nation’s infrastructure,” said Bob Chalker, Chief Executive Officer of NACE International. “This legislation provides businesses, Federal agencies, and the American public with clarity that there will be improvements to our waterway infrastructure for the foreseeable future. This is an important step forward.”
Among other things, WRRDA authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to carry out its mission of maintaining and improving several water infrastructure projects throughout the nation. The legislation provides support for America’s ports and waterway infrastructure and offers flood protection and environmental restoration solutions for some of the nation’s most vulnerable areas. The bill also sets recommendations for the USACE to have essential corrosion-control plans in place.
“NACE members see the devastating effects of corrosion on a daily basis,” said Chalker. “Unmitigated corrosion risks public safety, harms the environment, and costs the U.S. taxpayer $276 billion each year. If properly installed and maintained, corrosion prevention technologies, such as coatings and cathodic protection systems, significantly mitigate corrosion and reduce overall costs.”
NACE International staff and members have met with Members of Congress and staff in both parties over the past year to ensure they were informed of the reasons why WRRDA must emphasize the need for corrosion prevention and qualified personnel. Additionally, NACE worked with similar stakeholders such as the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT).
“We’re very happy to see that WRRDA addresses the challenges of unmitigated corrosion,” said Helena Seelinger, Executive Director of the NACE International Institute. “Without proper materials, technologies, and corrosion specialist expertise, the nation’s waterways, dams, and levees are subject to deterioration by corrosion and at risk of immeasurable financial and societal costs. I congratulate Congress for addressing this very important issue and we look forward to working with Members and staff as they consider other important infrastructure legislation such as the Highway Bill.”
WRRDA passed the House of Representatives on May 20 and currently awaits the signature of President Obama.
Alysa Reich
Senior Manager, Public Relations
281-827-3401
About NACE International Founded in 1943, NACE International, The Corrosion Society, serves 33,000 members in 130 countries. Based in Houston, Texas, with offices in the U.S., China, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, the organization serves all industries impacted by corrosion and provides the most specified technical training and certification programs, conferences, industry standards, reports, and publications focused on corrosion prevention and mitigation.
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