To amend the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 to increase the amount of funds authorized for the Secretary of the Army to carry out wastewater infrastructure projects in Village of Kelleys Island, Ohio, and for other purposes.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Kaptur, Marcy [D-OH-9]
- Committees
- Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 15, 2026
Bottom line
This bill substantially increases the authorized federal funding for wastewater infrastructure in Kelleys Island, Ohio, enabling a larger potential federal contribution to critical local projects.
What it actually does
This bill amends Section 219(f)(558) of the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 to significantly increase the maximum amount of federal funds authorized for the Secretary of the Army to carry out wastewater infrastructure projects in the Village of Kelleys Island, Ohio. Specifically, it raises the authorization ceiling from $1,000,000 to $16,500,000, allowing for a greater potential federal investment in these local projects.
Proponents argue
Supporters would argue that this increased authorization is vital for addressing the pressing wastewater infrastructure needs of Kelleys Island, Ohio. They would emphasize that modernizing these systems is essential for protecting public health, preserving the local environment, and supporting the community's economic stability, particularly its tourism industry, which relies on clean water and reliable services. Proponents would highlight the federal government's role in partnering with small communities to fund essential infrastructure that might otherwise be financially out of reach.
Opponents contend
Opponents might contend that while infrastructure investment is important, such a substantial increase in authorized funding for a single, specific local project, enacted through a direct legislative amendment, could be seen as a form of earmarking. They might argue that this approach could lead to less transparent allocation of federal resources compared to broader, more competitive grant programs, or raise questions about the prioritization of this specific project over other equally deserving infrastructure needs nationwide.
The bill is exceptionally brief and clear, making it very accessible for any reader to quickly grasp its direct impact and implications.
Section 1
Increase in Authorized Funds for Kelleys Island Wastewater Infrastructure
This section amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 by striking the existing authorized amount of '$1,000,000' for wastewater infrastructure projects in the Village of Kelleys Island, Ohio, and inserting '$16,500,000'. This change raises the ceiling on the federal funds that the Secretary of the Army is authorized to expend on these specific projects, allowing for a potential increase of $15,500,000 in federal support.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this increased authorization is essential to enable the Army Corps of Engineers to adequately support the Village of Kelleys Island in modernizing its wastewater infrastructure. They contend that these upgrades are vital for environmental protection, public health, and sustaining the local economy, particularly its tourism industry, which relies heavily on robust infrastructure.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that while infrastructure is important, singling out specific projects for such a substantial increase in authorization through direct legislative amendment, rather than through broader competitive processes, could lead to inefficient allocation of federal resources or create a precedent for similar requests from other localities without sufficient comparative review.
Tradeoffs
The primary tradeoff involves balancing the specific, acute infrastructure needs of a small community with broader federal spending priorities and the mechanisms for allocating federal funds. It also highlights the tension between direct congressional authorization for specific projects versus agency-led competitive funding programs that might ensure broader equity and efficiency.