Congress Overrides President Bush’s Veto: Water Resources Development Act of 2007 Becomes Law

November 8, 2007 -- (Washington D.C.)- Congressman John P. Murtha, Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, joined his colleagues this week in voting to override President Bush’s veto of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007. The override vote passed the House 361-54 on Tuesday and the Senate 79-14 today. Both chambers voted to override the veto with broad bipartisan support.

The Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (H.R. 1495) authorizes approximately $23 billion in flood control, water supply, environmental infrastructure and navigation projects and studies for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Locally, the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 authorizes an additional $20,000,000 to be used by the Army Corps throughout the 12th and 9th Congressional Districts, including Allegheny, Armstrong, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties. These projects include constructing new wastewater collection systems and extending existing public water distribution lines.

“Many of our water and sewage lines are nearly a century old and are operating unsafely,” added Murtha. “By replacing these systems, and constructing new ones, we are ensuring that our communities have access to basic services and also a key tool in attracting new businesses and residents.”

The Act also authorizes an additional $78,000,000 for the West Virginia and Pennsylvania Flood Control program to implement structural and nonstructural flood control, stream bank protection, storm water management and channel clearing and modification measures in the Lower Allegheny, Lower Monongahela River, and the West Branch of the Susquehanna and Juniata River Basins.

Also authorized by the Act is an Army Corps study of structural and nonstructural flood damage reduction, stream bank protection and storm water management measures in the Allegheny River basin. Specifically, the study will look at flood protection and what can be done to prevent future community losses in Tarentum Borough and East Deer Township.

“With the help of the Army Corps, we can ensure that our communities have the resources and expertise to assist with flood control and stream bank protection measures,” said Murtha.

Locally, the Port of Pittsburgh Commission was one of many organizations urging Congress to override the veto. The Water Resources Development Act of 2007 has become law without President Bush’s signature.

Source: Congressman John P. Murtha

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