The U.S. Senate today passed the Water Resources Development Act of 2016, which gives support to ports and inland waterways, drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, drought technologies and more. The legislation also includes a provision that approves the Oklahoma water rights agreement between the state of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City and the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations.
“As farmers and ranchers, we know water is vital in maintaining a successful agricultural industry and a prosperous economy. Oklahoma Farm Bureau is committed to developing our state’s water to the benefit of all Oklahomans. We support the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 because it will help strengthen Oklahoma’s water infrastructure and prepare our state to meet its water needs both now and in the future.
“WRDA gives support and prioritization to our ports and inland waterways, which farmers and ranchers rely on to transport agricultural commodities, provides funds for wastewater and drinking water infrastructure, and promotes technologies to mitigate the effects of drought. The measure also gives final Congressional approval to the historic Oklahoma water rights agreement, which allows Oklahoma to move forward in developing our state’s water.
“We applaud Sen. Jim Inhofe, chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee, and his efforts in passing WRDA 2016.”
Learn more about the WRDA on the U.S. Senate Committee for Environment and Public Works website.
