ATLANTA — A companion bill was introduced last week in the U.S. house aimed at preserving and strengthening parts of the Chattahoochee River.
Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux introduced H.R. 7198 as the Chattahoochee River Act, a companion to a Senate bill by the same name that Sen. Jon Ossoff introduced in February.
According to a release by Rep. Bourdeaux's office, the act "will help improve water quality, protect essential public works, and restore ecosystems along the river."
Bourdeaux was joined in sponsoring the legislation by fellow Georgia Reps. Hank Johnson, Nikema Williams, Lucy McBath and David Scott all Atlanta area Democrats.
"Georgians depend on the Chattahoochee River to meet so many critical needs. This legislation will ensure we protect and preserve our drinking water and natural resources for future generations," Rep. Bourdeaux said in a statement.
The act mirrors the Senate bill, which would provide assistance for projects including:
- Sediment and erosion control
- Protection of eroding shorelines
- Ecosystem restoration, including restoration of submerged aquatic vegetation
- Protection of essential public works
- Beneficial uses of dredged material
Both bills have been endorsed by the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper organization and several other environmental groups.
The House bill was referred to the House Transportation Committee's Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
The bill could be included in the larger Water Resources Development Act of 2022, according to Bourdeaux's office.
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