Corps To Conduct Limited Review Of Projects

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers today directed a pause nationwide on certain projects authorized but not yet under construction until they can be reviewed. The announcement came as a result of recent questions about the Corps processes. The Corps will take another look at active projects falling into two categories. Those with an economic assessment older than 1999 will have a new economic analysis before they can proceed. The second group of projects includes those where there are credible indications of changes in economic conditions, or engineering, scientific or environmental information since authorization that may have resulted in significant changes in project justification or support since authorization. Documentation for these projects will be reviewed and updated, if necessary. This does not affect studies currently underway that would undergo a more thorough review prior to recommendations. "This action is part of a more comprehensive initiative to ensure that Corps projects are a sound investment for our nation and are proposed in an environmentally sustainable way," stated Army Corps of Engineers Director of Civil Works Maj. Gen. Robert H. Griffin. "It is essential that Corps projects keep up with the pace of change." A preliminary assessment indicates that approximately 150 of the hundreds of Corps projects nationwide will be checked. "Corps projects across the nation protect lives and property, improve our quality of life and ensure and enhance the nation's environment, economic prosperity and national defense," Griffin stated.

Some projects will have a quick check to see when the last economic analysis was done and, if current, will proceed. Others may require more extensive work on the environmental, engineering or economics analyses. Projects will be allowed to proceed once any necessary updates have been made.