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Reps. Braley, Loebsack Push Water Bill

The two men representing the eastern half of Iowa in Congress are pushing a plan that would encourage more private investment in river infrastructure.

Democrats Bruce Braley and Dave Loebsack traveled to cities along the Mississippi River to hear from residents and elected leaders about the river.

They were also promoting the Water Infrastructure Now Public-Private Partnership Act.

Rep. Braley says this proposal would identify projects where the federal government and the private sector could come together.

He says it is needed because there are currently about $60-billion dollars in projects identified for improvements without money being available.

Rep. Loebsack sees certain projects as priorities, specifically the expansion of locks and dams.

Both men said during a stop in Fort Madison that the challenge is to generate enough support to move the legislation forward.

Jason Parrott is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.