IFPTE Applauds Inclusion of Key Union Priorities in Water Resources Development Act of 2024

The executive officers of IFPTE commented on provisions in the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024, which was passed by the Senate and the House with overwhelming bipartisan support.

IFPTE Applauds Bipartisan Agreement on Water Resources Development Act, Inclusion Union-Backed Provisions

This week, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee unveiled their compromise text for the Water Resources Development Act of 2024. The agreed-to WRDA text addresses some of the priorities that IFPTE has advocated for inclusion in the bill

House-Passed WRDA Bill includes IFPTEs' Language on Lock and Dam Remote Operations – IFPTE Weighs in with Senate and House WRDA Authorizers

The House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted on Monday to pass H.R. 8812, the Water Resources Development Act of 2024, legislation that includes IFPTE-backed language to bring oversight to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ ability to unilaterally and recklessly implement remote operation at navigational locks and dams and hydroelectric facilities.

House Water Resources Development Act Bill Includes Language for Secure Lock and Dam Operations and Protects IFPTE Members’ Work

The House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee marked up their version of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) with a version of IFPTE-requested language that protects lock and dam operations and hydroelectric operations from being performed and controlled through remote offsite operations.

Unions Express Concerns on USACE Operations

IFPTE, IBEW, NFFE, and AFGE have voiced their concerns with the chair and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) to discuss federal lock and dam operators employed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and the possible implementation of off-site remote operations and the reduction of on-site operations staff on these critical infrastructures.

Government, Labor RightsCandace RhettSeptember 22, 2023USACE, NFFE, IBEW, AFGE, EPW

IFPTE Local 561’s Mike Arendt on Capitol Hill Talking WRDA Reauthorization

IFPTE Local 561 Steward and IFPTE Federal Caucus Legislative Chair, Mike Arendt, joined IFPTE Legislative Director, Faraz Khan, on Capitol Hill this week to meet with lawmakers and staff regarding the reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA).

Government, InfrastructureCandace RhettSeptember 15, 2023WRDA, Army Corps, Mike Arendt, USACE

IFPTE Continues to Fight Against Army Corps of Engineers Efforts to Operate Federal Hydroelectric and Navigational Lock and Dam Facilities without Onsite Personnel

Despite IFPTE’s urging Congress over the last two years to put a stop to efforts by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to replace on-site workers at hydroelectric and navigational lock and dam facilities with remote operation, the USACE doubled down in mid-July by issuing a directive that stipulates that, “USACE will establish a unified, consistent, national lock & dam remote operation program.”

Government, Infrastructure, Labor RightsFaraz KhanAugust 4, 2023USACE, Lock and Dam, inf

IFPTE Urges “Yes” Vote on House Water Resources Bill Ahead of House Passage

In anticipation of the House’s full consideration of the Water Resources Development Act of 2022 (WRDA), IFPTE sent a letter to all House lawmakers urging their support for the bill.

Infrastructure, GovernmentFaraz KhanJune 9, 2022WRDA, Army Corps Council, USACE

IFPTE Sounds the Alarm on Security Risks Related to Remote Operation of Army Corps Locks and Dams

IFPTE sent letters to Congress warning lawmakers that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers unilateral implementation of remote operations of some critical lock and dam infrastructure presents a severe cybersecurity threat.

Government, Infrastructure, EnergyFaraz KhanMay 19, 2022USACE, Energy, Infrastructure

Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal is A Promising First Step - IFPTE Urges YES Vote

With the release of the legislative text for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, IFPTE requested Senators pass the “$1.2 trillion legislation which adds a significant $550 billion in new infrastructure funding and includes necessary reauthorizations for surface transportation, water, and energy infrastructure.