AISI Applauds Passage of WRDA Bill, Key for Steel Industry’s Growth and Logistics

Steel Industry’s Vital Support for Water Infrastructure Investments
The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) has welcomed the recent passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) by the U.S. House of Representatives, highlighting its crucial role in strengthening the nation’s water infrastructure. This landmark legislation authorizes investments in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects, which include vital improvements to ports, inland waterways, locks, and dams. These projects are pivotal for the economic competitiveness of the domestic steel industry, which relies heavily on efficient transportation networks to move raw materials and finished products.

Strategic Focus on Infrastructure: Enhancing Steel Industry Logistics
AISI President and CEO Kevin Dempsey emphasized the critical importance of these infrastructure projects, noting that a significant portion of the steel industry’s operations depends on inland waterways and seaports for moving goods. “The stability and efficiency of our nation’s marine transportation system are essential for steel producers to remain competitive,” Dempsey stated. The WRDA bill, which has been debated and refined over the past months, represents a major step toward ensuring that the steel sector’s logistical needs are met with greater efficiency.

Key Provisions: 21 New Projects and Updated Cost-Share Formula
One of the major benefits of the WRDA bill is the authorization of 21 new water infrastructure projects, aimed at bolstering the industry’s logistics system. In addition to these projects, AISI supports the bill’s updated cost-share formula, which will help streamline the financing and construction of inland navigation projects. This revised formula is expected to facilitate the timely and cost-efficient development of essential infrastructure, such as locks, dams, and waterways that are crucial to the smooth operation of the steel supply chain.

Next Steps: Urging Senate Approval to Ensure Timely Action
AISI has been actively involved in advocating for the bill’s passage, having sent a letter to members of the House urging them to approve the measure. The institute was also recognized in the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s press release as a key supporting stakeholder. With the bill now passed in the House, AISI urges the Senate to act swiftly to approve the measure, ensuring that critical water infrastructure projects can begin as soon as possible to support the steel industry’s long-term growth and competitiveness.