U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) has spearheaded significant strides in advancing the Water Resources Development Act, marking a pivotal moment for Southern Illinois' critical water infrastructure. The legislation, recently passed by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, underscores Bost's commitment to fortifying levees, locks, and dams in the region. Key provisions include streamlining the levee maintenance process by mandating pre-application meetings with stakeholders, increasing funding for small river and harbor improvements to match inflation rates, and ensuring robust security protocols at locks and dams to uphold national security standards.
Moreover, the bill directs the Army Corps of Engineers to collaborate closely with apprenticeship programs for effective corrosion prevention activities. It also mandates a comprehensive 50-year review of the Kaskaskia River Navigation Project and feasibility studies for essential levee systems like the Grand Tower, Degognia, and Fountain Bluff, including the Cora Levee. These initiatives are crucial in expediting project timelines and alleviating bureaucratic bottlenecks that hinder infrastructure development.
Representative Bost's advocacy aims to streamline processes, enhance infrastructure resilience, and safeguard taxpayer investments, ensuring Southern Illinois remains prepared and protected against natural disasters and economic disruptions related to waterway infrastructure.
