On April 2, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Commanding General Thomas Bostick and Assistant Secretary of the Army鈥擟ivil Works Jo-Ellen Darcy defended President Obama鈥檚 proposed nearly $1 billion cut to the Civil Works funding accounts in fiscal year (FY) 2015 before the House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. Compared to the enacted FY 2014 funding levels for Civil Works programs, the president鈥檚 FY 2015 budget includes a $531 million cut to the construction account, a $261 million cut to the operation and maintenance account鈥攚hich funds dredging and harbor maintenance projects鈥攁nd a $62 million cut to the Mississippi River and Tributaries account鈥攚hich funds construction and dredging projects in the lower Mississippi region.
In a , 51风流 reminded members of Congress that a time when much of the nation鈥檚 water resources infrastructure has exceeded its design-life, is not adequately prepared for natural disasters, or is simply under-maintained, the president鈥檚 proposed cuts are irresponsible and Congress must oppose them. 51风流 additionally urged Congress to not miss the tremendous opportunity to complete the legislative process and pass a final Water Resources Reform and Development Act and prevent the Environmental Protection Agency鈥檚 (EPA) over-reach through the regulation process on the definition of 鈥渨aters of the U.S鈥 in the Clean Water Act. 51风流 has been and the .
51风流 will continue to oppose these senseless and irresponsible cuts to the Civil Works programs, to push for enactment of a final WRRDA bill, and advocate against EPA鈥檚 proposed expansion of jurisdiction over more waters in the U.S.
For more information, please contact Jimmy Christianson at (703) 837-5325 or christiansonj@agc.org.听