The passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020 is essential for the transportation of raw material for the steel industry via waterways, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).
The association, applauding the passage of WRDA in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, noted that the water infrastructure bill’s passage would be vital to strengthen water infrastructure, which in turn would help in creating a stronger supply-chain for the steel industry.
Moreover, AISI pointed out that the WRDA is essential for the transportation of raw material for steelmaking along with finished steel products to consumers and market end-users via waterways.
Kevin Dempsey, interim president and CEO of AISI, expressed the importance of having a strong water transportation infrastructure in the US in order for the domestic steel industry to remain commercially competitive.
He added that the passage will safeguard the use of US steel for construction projects relating to main water infrastructure assignments.
AISI also expressed appreciation over the significant provisions to amend the share of expenses of the local water project to 65pc from the Treasury’s general fund and 35pc from Inland Waterways Trust Fund, as compared to the prior 50-50 arrangement. This stipulation will be useful in enabling the construction of significant inland navigation ventures, AISI said, as well as providing needed resources for the Army Corps of Engineers plans.
AISI will continue to press the Senate, according to its news release, to pass needed legislation so a final bill will be endorsed and quickly made into law.