Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA), alongside Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), is introducing bipartisan legislation to establish an office of water supply, water conservation, and drought resiliency within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
How will this office assist communities with their water supply? The new office will help communities meet their long-term water needs and address new water supply challenges posed by drought and aging infrastructure.
This new office will also centralize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ drought resilience and water supply expertise, ensuring local communities have access to critical water supply support to tackle future challenges.
What lawmakers are saying:
- Sen. Raphael Warnock: “Our bipartisan bill will help Georgia communities, state agencies, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers work together to better address and manage our water resources responsibly. A resilient water supply is crucial to the future of Georgia’s families, farmers, and businesses, and this new office will help provide communities the tools they need to protect this vital resource and build long-term drought resiliency.”
- Sen. Jerry Moran: “Establishing a dedicated Office of Water Supply, Water Conservation and Drought Resiliency will strengthen the Army Corps of Engineers’ mission of addressing water supply needs and support efforts to improve water availability and drought resilience. This new office will improve coordination with states and local partners, helping them access the authorities, programs, and technical resources needed to make certain communities in Kansas and across the country have a reliable and sustainable water supply.”
Further Context: While not yet officially titled, the bill is expected to be known as the Securing America’s Water Supply Act. It has also received early endorsements from the Atlanta Regional Commission and the National Water Supply Alliance.
The new Army Corps of Engineers’ Office must be constructed within 180 days of the bill’s enactment and will answer to the Deputy Commanding General for Civil Works and Emergency Operations.
The new office will be provided with administrative, technical, and budgetary support alongside personnel who can reside in any district or Corps of Engineers.
