1. The FY23 Omnibus Appropriations act was passed and signed into law in December. This means that the federal government is funded through September 2023.

2. The Water Resources Development Act of 2022 was included in the National Defense Authorization Act and was also signed into law in December. This authorization bill is the bedrock of water infrastructure projects as it authorizes new projects to begin, includes changes and modifications to existing projects, and updates policies and procedures for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This bill is typically passed every two years and WRDA 2022 was overwhelmingly supported in a bipartisan nature. Work will soon begin on WRDA 2024.

3. The Appropriations bill included Community Project Funding (aka earmarks). While the AIWW benefits from the general appropriations process, the Florida stretch of the AIWW  received an additional $2 million in FY23 as discussed below. Every dollar counts for waterway maintenance.

4. The U.S. House of Representatives office buildings will become more open to visitors and stakeholders to advocate and educate the House members and staff. While the AIWA has been successful in working to secure federal investments in the waterway through virtual advocacy meetings, starting today we will see changes on meeting protocols instituted in the House. This is good news as the AIWA board looks forward to our in person Advocacy Trip to Washington, DC this March.

With a new Congress comes the unknown, and we anticipate challenges ahead, yet we are excited about the opportunities and the willingness of Congress and the Administration to work collaboratively on water infrastructure needs in the United States.

Congress Passes FY23 Omnibus Appropriations Bill: Waterway Wins Big!