Senator Capito Details Army Corps Flood Mitigation Projects in West Virginia

Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Program

• 🎯 The US Army Corps of Engineers' Civil Works program is crucial for navigation, flood risk management, and ecosystem restoration nationwide.
• 💡 The timely implementation of Water Resources Development Acts (WRDA) is essential for ensuring these projects align with congressional intent.

Flood Mitigation in West Virginia

• 🌊 The Lower Mud River flood risk management project in Milton, WV, has seen increased federal share to 90%, with significant federal funding secured.
• 🤝 West Virginia has committed to matching federal funds for the Upper Cheat and Monongahela River Basin flood risk management studies, initiated after historic 2016 flooding.
• 📜 WRDA 2024 includes provisions to increase the federal cost share for future projects identified by these studies and enhances the Corps' ability to conduct smaller debris removal projects.

Dam Safety and Disaster Response

• 🏗️ The Bluestone Dam safety assurance mega project is progressing, with the dam successfully withstanding high water levels during Hurricane Helene, preventing an estimated $577 million in damages.
• ⚠️ The project, once completed, is expected to protect over 150,000 people and $20 billion in infrastructure.
• 🚨 Recent devastating flooding in McDowell, Ohio, and Marion counties, including flash flooding on Father's Day weekend, has necessitated presidential disaster declarations.
• 💬 Senator Capito is committed to working with the Corps and local officials to identify any additional authorities needed for future flood mitigation.