A bill that includes speeding up the repair of a vital lock on the Tennessee River passed the U.S. House of Representatives today, U.S. Rep. Dale Strong’s office said.
The Water Resources Development Act of 2024 includes a provision championed by Strong aimed at expediting the repair of Wilson Lock.
Wilson Lock plays a critical role in supporting industries such as agriculture, defense, automotive, construction, and aeronautics, Strong’s office in a news release. The lock and dam are owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority. The Army Corps of Engineers operates and maintains the lock in partnership with TVA for navigation purposes.
“Wilson Lock is a vital piece of infrastructure for both North Alabama’s economy and U.S. national security – its timely repair is imperative to restore the flow of commerce and ensure the on-time delivery of the National Security Space Launch System,” said Strong (R-Monrovia).
In 2021, the Wilson Lock and Dam’s floating boom wall — responsible for guiding boats into the primary lock — separated and sank. A temporary guard wall solution was implemented, allowing limited operation until September 2024.
In September, the main lock chamber was closed, and all traffic was diverted through Wilson’s smaller auxiliary lock, increasing locking time by upward of 16 to 24 hours. These delays have created significant challenges to safety, inter- and intra-state commerce, and the economic interests of the state, the release said.
“I am proud to support the construction necessary to restore Wilson Lock to normal operations and alleviate the backlog of river transportation,” Strong said. “It is critical the lock resume regular operations as soon as possible.”
Courtesy of 256 Today.
