A comprehensive study on the deficiencies of the greater Williamsport levee is a step closer with recently passed federal legislation.

That is what Shannon Rossman, executive director of Lycoming County Department of Planning and Community Development, said Thursday after receiving word of passage of the Water Resources Development Act, federal legislation shepherded through Congress.

“This is a big step toward getting funding and identifying phases and fixes that are needed,” Rossman said, excited about reaching another milestone in the multi-year levee recertification.

The law will enable the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a feasibility study of the 20-mile levee, she said.

The legislation does not authorize funding but its passage marks a milestone for the engineers to do the study, Rossman noted.

The study would “look at the imminent threat the levee poses to area residents and the economy if improvements are not made,” according to the legislation.

City officials involved in the levee say it was important to reach the legislative milestone to have the Army Corps do the study.

Jon Sander, city engineer, said he has been working closely with Rossman and others and described what steps are next toward crossing the finish line on the $16 million project.

“That’s great news,” he said.

The levee protects an estimated $4 billion in real estate assets that include residential, commercial, small business, industrial and non-profits in Williamsport and surrounding communities, including 24 of the county’s 50 largest employers. They are at risk if the levee fails, data from the Army Corps said.

Since its construction in 1955, the levee has held back the West Branch of the Susquehanna River and Lycoming Creek, protecting Lycoming County and greater Williamsport from economic disaster.

Currently, large sections of the levee are compromised and in need of serious improvements.