Water bill includes two Hampton Roads projects, senators announce

The new Water Resources Development Act, which the U.S. Senate sent on its way today for President Obama to sign, includes amendments by Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine meant to keep two Hampton Roads water projects on track.

One authorizes funds for Chesapeake Bay oyster restoration projects, the other moves the port's Craney Island expansion forward.

The oyster restoration amendment authorizes $60 million for the work, a compromise between what the House of Reprensentatives and Senate wanted. It also "makes it easier for localities and conservation groups to contribute costs to Chesapeake Bay oyster restoration projects," Kaine said.

For the port, “We have cut red tape to provide a land transfer that supports the Craney Island expansion – a port expansion project that will strengthen Virginia’s economy and support thousands of jobs," Warner said.

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