WASHINGTON—The House of Representatives has passed the Water Resources Development Act, a bill that authorizes water infrastructure projects across the country. Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) advocated for the bill to include reforms of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which manages Lakes Lanier, Hartwell, Russell and Carters.

The bill would give local entities a larger role in sourcing funding for projects and directs the Corps to consider local opinions in projects that involve ports, dams or lakes under its authority.

“The Corps of Engineers too often ignores the impacts its actions have on local lakes and residents, and it’s time for a fundamental change to how the Corps handles its responsibilities. I’m glad to see provisions in this infrastructure bill that would increase the influence that residents of Northeast Georgia have over their water resources, homes and communities, and I’ll continue holding the Corps accountable for how it manages lakes in Northeast Georgia.

“The Water Resources Development Act also ensures that the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project, which creates jobs across the state and is critical to Georgia’s economy, continues to receive necessary resources,” said Collins.

The House Rules Committee oversees every bill that comes to the House floor for a vote. As part of this committee, Collins also spoke to the chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee about improving the Corps of Engineers.