WRDA Funding Bill Passes Congress by ACWA Staff Jan 8, 2025 Water News WASHINGTON D.C. — California water managers will benefit from the December passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024, a critical bill authorizing water infrastructure projects overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. ACWA has remained a strong advocate for passage of WRDA bills and most recently led a coalition letter focusing on expanding water supply opportunities at facilities managed by the Army Corps. Passed in December by both chambers of the U.S. Congress with robust bipartisan support, the latest WRDA bill directs billions of dollars in funding for projects throughout the nation, including more than 80 projects in California. It also contains numerous policy provisions aimed at expanding Army Corps efforts in relation to water supply. One of its provisions affecting California is strengthening the Army Corps’ ability to employ Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations, or FIRO, which combined with advances in weather forecasting can potentially revolutionize water storage management in response to climate change. This includes directing the Army Corps to incorporate FIRO considerations into updates of water control manuals at its projects and requiring the Army Corps to include a FIRO assessment of each reservoir in six Western states, including California. ACWA has actively supported efforts to expand the use of FIRO by federal agencies. The latest WRDA bill also authorizes the Army Corps to accept funds from non-federal partners to formulate, review, or revise operational documents at federal reservoir projects. This authorization will help water managers get operational documents done with greater efficiency. In addition, a declaration in the bill clarifies that the policy of the Army Corps is to “prioritize opportunities for water supply, water conservation and drought resiliency within the operations of Corps projects.” These were among several sections in a portion of the bill championed by retiring California Congresswoman Grace Napolitano. ACWA is grateful for Congresswoman Napolitano’s service to the nation and her dedication to the water community. Further details on projects nationwide can be found in the bill online.
