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Landmark Bipartisan, Bicameral Infrastructure Package Delivers $50 Million for Pennsylvania

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) celebrated the Senate’s passage of key legislation, including the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), the reauthorization of the Economic Development Administration (EDA), and provisions for regional commissions. The package, which passed 97-1, includes major wins for Pennsylvania’s communities with new programs and funding that will create jobs, address environmental challenges, and invest in critical infrastructure. 

“I’m proud to see the Senate come together in a nearly unanimous vote to deliver these transformative investments to communities across Pennsylvania and the country. This legislation addresses critical needs in Pennsylvania—revitalizing our communities, safeguarding our environment, and spurring economic growth,” said Senator Fetterman. “This is how we show working people that the government can deliver real results that build stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities. The people of Pennsylvania and our nation are counting on us to deliver these critical investments and I’m proud to bring it home.” 

This legislation reflects a major step forward in supporting Pennsylvania’s working families, rebuilding critical infrastructure, and fostering regional economic development. WRDA and the EDA reauthorization are designed to tackle long-standing challenges including flooding, pollution from legacy industries, and economic stagnation in transitioning communities. Together, these investments will position Pennsylvania for growth while protecting and improving the quality of life for its residents. 

Key Wins for Pennsylvania in WRDA: 

New Acid-Mine Drainage Program: dedicates $50 million to clean up legacy pollution from mining in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio to benefit both the environment and public health 

Johnstown River Walls Project: enables the repair and enhancement of the Johnstown river walls to mitigate flood risks  

South Wetlands Park: authorizes the development of a wetlands park in South Philadelphia, enhancing environmental conservation and providing recreational opportunities for residents in an underserved area 

Expedited Completion of the Williamsport Levee: accelerates the completion of critical flood control measures to protect residents and businesses from flooding 

Increased Water Infrastructure Authorization: provides new funding for Pennsylvania and authorizes funding for specific projects upgrade water infrastructure, helping communities make necessary improvements without imposing rate increases on residents, including: 

• $25 million authorized funding for a new statewide environmental infrastructure program across the commonwealth 

• $38.6 million for water and wastewater infrastructure across the commonwealth 

• $7 million for water and wastewater infrastructure in Berks County and Chester County, $2 million for Franklin Township, $50 million for the boroughs of Telford, Franconia, and Lower Safford, and $5 million for Pen Argyl 

• $50 million increase in funding for water and wastewater infrastructure for Northeast Pennsylvania 

• $1.4 million increase in funding for Philadelphia and a change in the authorization to allow the Army Corps to assist with needed water supply infrastructure and prevent rate increases 

• $7.6 million increase in funding for Phoenixville 

Allegheny River Lockage Levels of Services: affirms the importance of the Allegheny River and establishes that the current lockage levels of service on the river should be preserved as the Army Corps performs a study on a navigation and ecosystem restoration 

Key Wins for Pennsylvania in EDA Reauthorization: 

• New Mid-Atlantic Regional Commission: drives investment and economic growth in Pennsylvania and neighboring states, covering Pennsylvania counties that had not previously been included in a regional commission 

• Economic Adjustment Assistance Program: includes new provisions to support and support and invest in Pennsylvania’s steel communities 

• Assistance to Coal Communities Program: offers targeted assistance to communities transitioning from coal-based economies 

The reauthorization of the Economic Development Administration (EDA) marks a historic milestone, as it is the first time Congress has reauthorized the agency in 20 years. The bipartisan legislation will modernize the EDA and other regional commissions whose mission is to foster economic growth in communities across the country. Since 1965, the EDA has led impactful programs to strengthen public works and infrastructure, job creation and workforce development, disaster recovery, and industry advancement. 

From January 2021 through November 2024, the EDA directed nearly $6 billion in investments across 3,393 projects, creating or saving over 554,700 jobs and generating $67.7 billion in private investment. These investments include hundreds of construction projects, creating thousands of good-paying jobs while supporting resilient economic growth across Pennsylvania and the nation. 

The package also includes provisions to reform the General Services Administration (GSA) to improve federal property management and operational efficiency. These provisions are designed to address critical needs in Pennsylvania, including environmental remediation, infrastructure improvements, and economic development, aligning with the objectives outlined in the press release. 

With the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 now passed by both Chambers of Congress, Senator Fetterman called for the president’s swift action to sign these transformative programs into law. 

The full text of the bill is available here. 

A section-by-section explanation of the package is available here.