On Sept. 16, the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed the reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). WRDA is a key program for the recreational boating industry because it funds the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers to make improvements on U.S. waterways and harbors.  The vote passed 95-3, and a version of the bill is expected to pass the U.S. House once it is scheduled for a vote.

The legislation provides funding for Army Corps eco-system restoration, such as the Everglades, fisheries improvements, flood protection efforts and projects that support waterway access. The full bill can be reviewed online [https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/2848].