there are also a number of other important provisions in this year's warda bill. it provides restoration of our great lakes and water systems like puget sound, chesapeake bay, and many more. in fact, the bill includes an authorization of the great lakes restoration initiative through the year 2021 which has been absolutely essential to great lakes cleanup efforts in recent years. it is important to know that the great lakes provide drinking water for over 40 million people. the warda bill will also modernize our ports and improve the condition of our harbors and waterways and keep our economy moving. a saying attributed to benjamin franklin rings especially true with this bill. he says an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. if we make the necessary infrastructure investments now, we will preserve clean water, save taxpayer money in the long run, and protect american families from the dangerous health impacts of aging lead pipes. the environment and public works committee passed the water resources development act with strong overwhelming bipartisan suppo