Rep. Cleaver Secures Key Missouri Priorities in House Water Resources Bill

(Washington, D.C.) - Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) celebrates the inclusion of several Missouri priorities he championed in the House's Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), bipartisan legislation that authorizes critical U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects to strengthen infrastructure, protect communities, and support long-term economic growth.

Among the provisions secured by Congressman Cleaver are:

• A $45 million authorization for Phase 5 of the Brookside Sewer Separation Project in Kansas City
• Language prohibiting out-of-basin water transfers from the Missouri River Watershed, helping safeguard one of the region's most vital natural resources
• Authorization of the Lower Missouri River Flood Risk and Resiliency Comprehensive Study, a critical step toward protecting communities from increasingly severe flooding while improving long-term resilience throughout the region

"Investing in our nation's infrastructure means investing in safer communities, cleaner water, and a stronger economy," said Congressman Cleaver. "These provisions represent collaboration with local leaders, engineers, advocates, and stakeholders who understand the needs of our region. I'm proud to see these priorities included in the House WRDA bill because they will help strengthen our infrastructure, protect the Missouri River, and better prepare our communities for the challenges of the future."

The $45 million authorization for the Phase 5 of Kansas City's Brookside Sewer Separation Project will support ongoing efforts to modernize aging wastewater infrastructure, reduce sewer overflows, improve water quality, and protect public health while ensuring the city can continue meeting federal environmental standards.

The bill also includes Congressman Cleaver's effort to prevent out-of-basin waste transfers from the Missouri River Watershed, preserving water resources that are essential to communities, agriculture, navigation, industry, and ecosystems throughout Missouri and neighboring states.

Additionally, the legislation authorizes the Lower Missouri River Flood Risk and Resiliency Comprehensive Study, allowing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to evaluate long-term strategies to reduce flood risk, strengthen community resilience, and improve management of the Lower Missouri River in the face of increasingly frequent severe weather events.

"Whether it's protecting our drinking water, reducing flood risk, or upgrading critical infrastructure, these investments will have lasting benefits for families and communities across our region. I'm grateful these provision were included and I will continue fighting to ensure Missouri receives the federal partnership it deserves."

The Water Resources Development Act is considered every two years and authorizes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects that improve navigation, flood protection, ecosystem restoration, and water infrastructure across the country.

Full text of the bill here.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.