Cramer, Merkley Request Update from Army Corps on Initiating the Western Water Cooperative Committee

The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2022 included bipartisan language from U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chairman of the Senate EPW Subcommittee on Chemical Safety, Waste Management, Environmental Justice, and Regulatory Oversight, directing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to establish the Western Water Cooperative Committee (WWCC). The purpose of the WWCC is to ensure the USACE flood control projects in western states are operated consistent with congressional directives and adhere to state water rights and water laws. The legislation was signed into law December 2022, and in March 2024, Congress fully funded the committee.

During an EPW Committee hearing in February, Cramer asked Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Mike Connor for a status update on the WWCC. In his response, Connor stated, "We're teed up ready to go, but we do need the resources to implement." Less than two weeks later, Congress fully funded the WWCC, but more than half a year later, it has not been established.

Cramer and Merkley sent a letter today to the USACE requesting an update on the WWCC.

"The Committee was created to ensure Army Corps water projects in Western states adhere to applicable state water rights and water laws," the senators wrote. "It also provides a critical platform of dialogue for western states to better coordinate with the Army Corps. We firmly believe the increased communication and transparency will facilitate improved collaboration. Western states across the political spectrum were advocates of this committee and are anxiously awaiting its commencement."

"Within 30 days, we request an update on the implementation of the directive outlined in WRDA 2022 as well as a specific timeline for when the Committee will be formally established and conduct its first meeting,"the senators concluded.

Click here for the letter.