On March 11, the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works conducted a hearing on the proposed FY 2009 budget for the US Army Corps of Engineers and implementation of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2007. Committee Chair Barbara Boxer (D-CA) expressed concern that the budget fell short with regard to protecting lives, enhancing the environment, and growing the economy. Ranking Member James Inhofe (R-OK) discussed the importance of spending money to maintain and enhance the national infrastructure. John Woodley, Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) explained the three main program areas: commercial navigation, flood and coastal storm damage reduction, and aquatic ecosystem restoration. Lieutenant General Robert Van Antwerp, US Army, discussed the construction program, cost engineering improvements, and the value of the civil works program.
Source: HK Law