Today, our Subcommittee continues working toward the creation of a Water Resources
Development Act of 2010. This bill, last enacted in 2007, is most productive when it is passed
every two years. Adhering to this schedule allows Congress to evaluate and modify Army
Corps of Engineers projects and policy in a timely manner.
As you know, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure began crafting a
Water Resources Development Act last year to consider any new project requests that have
arisen since 2007. It is crucial that we maintain a more regular schedule by passing a bill this
year. Currently, the Committee is evaluating over 2,200 project requests from both Democratic
and Republican Members of Congress for consideration in this year's bill.
I remain committed to this Committee's tradition of transparency as was evident in the
formulation of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007. I expect to uphold that tradition
through a similar process in the formulation of a new water resources bill and will work to
ensure public disclosure of all projects that are included in the upcoming bill. I look forward to
continuing to work with the ranking member, Mr. Boozman, on this legislation.
Historically, water resources bills have been drafted and debated in a cordial and
bipartisan manner. These flood control, navigation, environmental restoration, and other water
related projects are critically important to our constituents, our local economies, and the
American people's lives and livelihoods.
The purpose of today's hearing is to hear from various interest groups on their ideas for
any policy considerations that they would like us to take into account when drafting the bill. I
look forward to hearing the thoughts and ideas that our witnesses will be putting forward today.
Additionally, let me say this. Oversight hearings regarding the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act have demonstrated that the Army Corps of Engineers is a crucial entity that
is capable of driving economic and environmental success in our country. The sooner we
advance legislation directing and guiding them into the future, the better.