"Lawmakers have filed a conference report on an $8.2 billion bill to boost U.S. ports and waterways, setting the stage for final passage of the measure next week.

Negotiations over the measure, which is known as the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA), lasted for the better part of six months.

Lawmakers in both chambers said the port and waterways bill would boost shipping and cargo in the United States and help create jobs."

Keith Laing reports for The Hill May 15, 2014. [2]