Byrne Highlights Critical Army Corps Projects in Southwest Alabama

Statement

Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) used debate on the Energy and Water Appropriations Act last night to bring attention to critical Army Corps of Engineers projects in Southwest Alabama.

Byrne encouraged the Army Corps of Engineers to prioritize important local projects such as dredging Fly Creek, Dog River, and Fowl River. The amendment also asked the Army Corps of Engineers to focus on Bayou Coden in Mobile County. Byrne highlighted the important role these waterways play in tourism, commercial and recreational fishing, and ship building.

A transcript of Congressman Byrne's remarks in support of the amendment can be found below.

Byrne said: "My amendment would allow for a number of important Army Corps of Engineers projects in my home district of Coastal Alabama to move forward.

"In many areas, our nation's waterways are the lifeblood of the economy. Being from a Port City, I certainly understand this and appreciate the work the Army Corps of Engineers does to keep our waterways well maintained.

"I know the Army Corps works hard, in tandem with Congress, to prioritize projects that keep our waterways and ports open for commerce.

"Unfortunately, at times, it seems like smaller projects, in our more rural areas, get ignored or forgotten altogether. While they may not include a major waterway, these projects are vital to many of our local communities and have a significant economic impact from commercial and recreational fishing, as well as tourism in general.

"My amendment seeks to prioritize some projects in Southwest Alabama that are long overdue.

"These include:

"A project to dredge Fly Creek in Baldwin County, where depths need restoring after severe flooding in 2014.

"Another project would allow for Dog and Fowl rivers to be dredged, which will help accommodate commercial and recreational fishing. This project hasn't been touched since 2009.

"Yet another project that needs attention is Bayou Coden, which is an important area for the local shipbuilding industry.

"I also must thank the Army Corps for their attention to a few projects in Coastal Alabama, such as dredging Perdido Pass and Bon Secour River. This are critical projects, but more work remains.

"Mr. Chairman, I understand that my amendment may not be allowed under House rules, but I believe it is important to have this debate and remind the Appropriations Committee, as well as the Army Corps of Engineers, about the importance of these smaller projects that really make in huge difference in communities all across the United States.

"In these tight budget times, I know it can be difficult to balance the need for major Army Corps projects with smaller projects like the ones I have mentioned.

"But I hope the Army Corps will work with Congress to seek a proper balance that ensures our smaller waterways receive the maintenance and attention they deserve."

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