[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 78 (Thursday, May 22, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S3260]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        WRRDA CONFERENCE REPORT

  Mr. MARKEY. Madam President, I commend the Senate on taking final 
action on the Water Resources Reform and Development Act, known as 
WRRDA. Today's bill includes the $310 million Boston Harbor dredging 
project which will deepen Boston Harbor's main navigation channels.
  Boston Harbor is an economic anchor for the entire New England 
region, and this investment will help ensure its future as a port of 
world class distinction. Improving the harbor to accommodate more and 
larger ships will bring more jobs, more investments, and more economic 
activity to the harbor, extending Boston's position as a shining city 
upon a hill as well as on the shore.
  Dredging the harbor will double the number of containers on ships 
coming into Boston. The project will also allow the port to accommodate 
ships being built to serve the expanded Panama Canal, which is planned 
to open next year.
  The Army Corps projects that for every dollar spent on construction, 
there will be $9 returned in increased economic activity, resulting in 
a $2.7 billion economic benefit for the entire New England region.
  I thank Chairman Boxer and Ranking Member Vitter for their hard work 
getting this bill over the finish line. I also thank Senator Warren and 
Congressman Capuano, Congressman Lynch, and the entire Massachusetts 
congressional delegation for their leadership and commitment in 
securing this vital funding.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Nevada.
  Mr. REID. Madam President, I ask the courtesy of the Senator from 
Nevada to do a brief unanimous consent request.
  Mr. HELLER. Madam President, that is fine with me.

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