The White House continues its outward look with President Bush’s veto of the 5-year, $23 billion Water Resources Development Act. The Bill is seen by many as vital for continued economic growth in the Midwest, and by others as the federal government’s obligation in keeping citizens safe from future catastrophes as that experienced during and following Hurricane Katrina and the failure of the levee system.

The Bill is perhaps the first of its kind in United States history. For the first time, the federal government was planning to take a comprehensive look at all of the water resources within the country, repair and improve its network of locks, dams, levees, and bridges, and plan for future growth and development of water resources.

A comprehensive assessment of all of the various, and sometimes conflicting, laws governing water resources was also part of the legislation, with the goal of bringing a comprehensive strategy to bear on one of the most critical resources of the nation.

The concept of this legislation has been in the works for the entirety of the Bush administration, and after years of debate and input, Congress finally crafted the Bill which moved at relative speed through the House and the Senate, having been first proposed in May of this year.

Over 900 projects’ fates now lie in the balance, with the vetoed HR1945 returned by President Bush to Congress.