House Passes Water Resources Development Act, Includes Language from Sen. Klobuchar, Sen. Smith, Rep. Omar to Protect the Future of the Upper Lock
WASHINGTON— Earlier this week, the House of Representatives passed language from Rep. Ilhan Omar, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, and Sen. Tina Smith to protect the future of the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). This legislation provides authority for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to carry out water resources development projects and conduct studies to provide improvements to the nation's ports, inland waterways, locks, dams, flood protection, ecosystem restoration, and other water resources infrastructure.
“As the land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesotans know better than anyone that our waterways, ports and harbors are critical to our economy and our way of life," said Senator Amy Klobuchar. "We pushed to include language in this legislation that will expand public access around the Upper St. Anthony Lock and Dam while still protecting the Great Lakes from invasive species and provide additional support for flood mitigation on the Upper Mississippi River.”
“Minnesota is fortunate to have many clean waterways and lakes, and we need to preserve them,” said Senator Tina Smith.“The provision we authored is a key step in reopening the area around the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam for the community. It will also ensure that Upper Lock continues to protect Minnesotans’ drinking water supply and the Great Lakes from invasive carp while advancing community efforts to expand public access to this historic site. I’m working hard to advance this legislation through the final steps in the Senate and expect it will soon be signed into law.”
“For centuries, St. Anthony Falls was Owámniyomni – an area with deep spiritual significance for Dakota peoples,” said Representative Omar. “When Congress closed the Upper Lock to protect the Mississippi Headwaters from invasive carp, we also set us on a path for Indigenous peoples to reclaim their presence on this part of the Mississippi. I am so grateful that Sen. Klobuchar, Sen. Smith, and I have been able to work together over the last few years to reimagine a future for the Upper Lock that will ground us in the important history of this area. This is a perfect example of how targeted, collaborative work can make a meaningful difference for our communities."
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