Flood Prevention Measures Approved by Senate

The Water Resources Development Act of 2013 was approved by the U.S. Senate on Wednesday, featuring a number of provisions aimed at helping New Jersey recover from Superstorm Sandy.

The bill, which must still go through the House of Representatives, sets the policy for the nation's water infrastructure, including flood control, beaches, ports, harbors and ecosystem restoration.

"It's critical that we make smart investments now in our nation's water infrastructure so we can recover from storms like Sandy, be better prepared for the next storm, and protect water quality in New Jersey," said Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee.

Within the bill is $12.5 billion in federal funding for Army Corps of Engineers projects that protect communities from flooding and extreme weather.