WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Wednesday applauded the passage of the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which includes strong a ‘Buy American’ provision, reauthorizes the Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Act, and includes other Connecticut priorities. The bill requires the use of American-made iron and steel products in infrastructure projects, secures a 5-year $65 million commitment to cleaning up Long Island Sound, and streamlines water quality and shore restoration programs to enabled additional focus, oversight and coordination of federal activities related to the restoration of Long Island Sound. Murphy introduced the Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Act with his colleagues U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). 

“This bill is a win for Connecticut and Long Island Sound,” said Murphy. “I am happy to see Buy America provisions included in this bill. We should be using U.S. taxpayer money to support American businesses and American workers in the steel and iron industry. I’m also glad our Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Act was included in this bill. It’s important for the long-term stability and health of Long Island Sound.” 

In 2016, Murphy released his $860 million Long Island Sound Improvement Plan to support federal programs that invest in Long Island Sound’s coastal habitats, coastal resilience, clean water and beaches, and fishing industry. 

The bipartisan Water Resources Development Act supports Connecticut priorities, including: 

  • A strong Murphy-backed ‘Buy America’ provision requiring the use of American-made steel and iron products in infrastructure projects
  • The Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Act, which authorizes up to $65 million for water quality and shore restoration programs and will enable additional focus, oversight and coordination of federal activities related to the restoration of Long Island Sound
  • De-authorizes a portion of Bridgeport Harbor, paving the way for the construction of a new Congress Street Bridge over the Pequonnock River, which has been unstable due to advanced deterioration since 1997.  

###