Congress Appropriates $3.96 Billion for Waterways Programs

The President has signed legislation (H.R. 4060) appropriating $3.96 billion for the USACE's civil works program for FY 99, which began October 1. In addition, the Bonneville Power Administration will transfer $106 million for operation and maintenance (O&M) of the USACE's hydropower projects in the Pacific Northwest, bringing the civil works funding level for the current fiscal year to $4.07 billion - not counting almost $200 million in additional funds included in the supplemental appropriations measure signed on October 21. Included in the catch-all appropriations bill is $50 million for the Tennessee Valley Authority's non- power programs and $35 million for fish mitigation on the Columbia River. To dredge ports and waterways along the Gulf Coast from Florida to Louisiana that were clogged up by Hurricane Georges, the bill earmarked $102.2 million, contingent upon the President's declaration an emergency exists. Included is $2.5 million for the Mississippi River & Tributaries (MR&T) Project for maintenance of the Atchalafaya Waterway linking the Mississippi River with Morgan City and $99.7 million for maintenance dredging of Gulf Coast shipping channels and seaports. If the President declares an emergency exists and releases the additional O&M funding, FY 99 civil works appropriations will amount to approximately $4.25 billion - slightly more than last year, but still far short of the estimated $4.5 billion the USACE says it needs to meet the nation's water resources needs in the areas of navigation, flood control, water supply, coastal protection, hydropower, environmental restoration, bank stabilization, etc. It should be noted, however, Congress - by near unanimous votes - approved appropriations totaling about $1 billion more than the President requested.