The passage of a recent bill in Washington is viewed as a positive step for the Grand Lake region.
GRDA CEO Dan Sullivan recently briefed the GRDA Board of Director’s that the final passage of the Water Infrastructure Improvement for the Nation (WIIN) Act passed recently with a strong bipartisan vote.
Sullivan said “Senator Jim Inhofe is the chairman of the U.S. Senate Environmental and Public Works (EPW) Committee, and he was very instrumental in getting this passed through Congress last week.”
He shared that there is language in the bill that deals with coal combustion residuals, and allows the states to set the standards of how to deal with that.
WIIN also conveys the United States Army Corps of Engineers easements on Grand Lake to GRDA.
Due to multiple authorities overseeing the shoreline of Grand Lake, confusion over the maintenance of easements has led to encroachments.
This provision will provide certainty and efficiency for landowners and GRDA when it comes to these easements.
Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-2) stated that “WIIN delivers a major victory for Oklahoma and includes several priorities important to its citizens, and I am proud to support its passage”.
Mullin said “I’d like to thank Senator Inhofe for the role he has played in the inclusion of Oklahoman priorities to WIIN. As the Chairman of the Energy and Public Works Committee, he has been instrumental in crafting these provisions for the benefit of Oklahomans.” S. 612, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act passed the House by a vote of 360 – 61. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.