To properly do its job, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers needs at least $4.7 billion, said some speakers at the National Waterways Conference Budget Summit. On the other hand, some asked, should the USACE be responsible for waterways management at all? Although the budget proposed by the Administration for the USACE in FY 00 is "close" to what's needed; there is still a shortfall of approximately $700 million, said speakers at the National Waterways Conference (NWC) Budget Summitt, held last month in Washington, D.C. Additionally, some speakers questioned the need of proposed harbor services fees; especially if they should be added to the budget proposal. And at least one speaker asked if the USACE should even be the responsible party for waterways management and maintenance.
