Hearing on Army Corps of Engineers Budget
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.
Pushing for Inland Waterways Funding
Stressing the high value to the nation and the critical condition of some of its chief assets, the Inland Waterways Users Board released its Annual Report to Congress, and provides recommendations related to the inland waterways system of the United States. Sent to Assistant Secretary of the Army John Woodley, President of the Senate and Vice President Dick Cheney, and Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, this year's report strongly urges Congress and the Administration to view our nation’s waterways as much more than just transportation routes, but also living resources that provide benefits such as flood control, hydroelectric power, local water supply, recreational opportunities, and habitat for fish and wildlife.
