Legislation To Expand The Army Corps Of Engineers' Role In Chesapeake Bay Restoration

Floor Speech

Legislation To Expand The Army Corps Of Engineers' Role In Chesapeake Bay Restoration

* Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to re-introduce legislation that would strengthen and expand the Army Corps of Engineers' role in Chesapeake Bay restoration--a mission they first began in 1996. This legislation would provide the Corps with continuing authority to engage in this work; expand the Corps' work to all six States in the Bay watershed and the District of Columbia; and provide flexibility for the Corps to work with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, and not-for-profit groups engaged in Bay cleanup.

* As the Congress begins to consider the reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act, we must take this opportunity to strengthen the role that the Army Corps of Engineers plays in Chesapeake Bay cleanup. We must turn the tide in the Bay cleanup effort so future generations can continue to enjoy the cultural, historic, and recreational benefits of the Bay and so it can continue to be an economic driver for the Mid-Atlantic region. The Corps can play an important role in that effort.

* The Chesapeake Bay Environmental Restoration and Protection Program, which was established in section 510 of WRDA 1996, authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to provide design and construction assistance to State and local authorities in the environmental restoration of the Chesapeake Bay. These projects range from shoreline buffers to oyster reef construction. As it is currently structured however, the program has been limited in its scope for several reasons. First, the Corps' restoration efforts have been limited to Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, which has precluded a comprehensive, watershed-wide plan that adequately prioritizes projects. Second, unlike all other major Federal agencies engaged in Bay restoration, the Corps has no small watershed grants program that engages State and local governments or non-profits in small scale restoration projects. This limitation is compounded by the Corps' intricate procurement processes. Finally, the matching fund requirements of the section 510 program does not allow for the use of in-kind services or contributions, which limits collaboration.

* The Chesapeake Bay Commission, a multi-State legislative assembly dedicated to the restoration of the Bay, has previously identified these deficiencies and has recommended the several improvements to the program that are the basis for this legislation. For these reasons, I believe the bill would strengthen the section 510 program so that the Army Corps of Engineers can continue to be a strong partner in Chesapeake Bay cleanup.

* I hope my colleagues will continue to support this legislation through the upcoming WRDA process.

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