Sam Graves Touts Passage of Water Resources Bill, Highlights Improvements to Missouri's River Infrastructure

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Sam Graves today celebrated the House passing the Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act. The bill strengthens flood protection programs across Missouri and prioritizes improvements to inland waterway systems. S.612 passed today by a vote of 360-61, and is expected to be signed into law by the President before the end of 2016.

“Northern Missouri has the unique advantage of being surrounded by the two longest rivers in the United States,” Rep. Graves said. “It gives us some of the most fertile agricultural land in the country, and an opportunity for local farmers, manufacturers and small businesses to ship their goods across the world. But it also means our safety and economic wellbeing depend on effective river management.

"I am thrilled that this bill includes authorizations for critical flood protection programs across north Missouri, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law in the coming weeks.”

Graves is a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which has jurisdiction over this bill, and is the Chairman of its Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.

“With the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers surrounding his district, no one has fought harder for this country’s water infrastructure than Sam Graves,” Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster said. “He’s worked to ensure life-saving flood protection for Missouri communities, and he's pushed to improve the maintenance of inland waterways that are critical to farmers and manufacturers across the Midwest. Chairman Graves has earned the reputation as a national leader on river issues, and I thank him for everything he did to help pass this important bill.”

Graves’ district is bordered by approximately 284 miles of the Missouri River on its western and southern boundaries, and more than 100 miles of the Upper Mississippi River on its eastern edge. In addition to providing the resources needed to protect against flooding, this bill invests in port and inland harbor infrastructure that allows Missouri farmers, manufacturers and small businesses to transport goods around the globe.

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