September 16, 2016 (Arlington, Va.) – The American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) commends the U.S. Senate for passing the Water Resources Development Act of 2016, which takes steps toward promoting critical improvements to our nation’s waterways, harbors, and drinking water infrastructure. The legislation empowers the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to build stronger and longer lasting structures.
The Senate bill also includes a provision authored by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) directing the Corps to study the performance of composites and other innovative materials in water resources projects and make recommendations on their ability to improve the performance of water infrastructure.
“Sen. Whitehouse has been a tireless advocate for the composites industry in Rhode Island and around the country. His efforts to promote the use of composites and other innovative materials in U.S Army Corps projects will make strides toward building out infrastructure that will last longer and perform better than ever before,” said ACMA President Tom Dobbins.
In addition to assessing the performance of composites and other innovative materials in current Corps projects, the provision will also make recommendations on how these materials can be used to build structures less susceptible to corrosion and structural degradation. ACMA believes this initiative will identify data points that will allow for the construction of world-class infrastructure.
ACMA encourages the U.S. House of Representatives to continue their efforts on their draft and ultimately work with the Senate to send a comprehensive WRDA bill to President Obama for signature. As the House concludes its efforts, ACMA strongly supports the inclusion of language directing the innovative materials study included in the Senate package.
