[House Hearing, 116 Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
PROPOSALS FOR A WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2020: MEMBERS' DAY
HEARING
=======================================================================
(116-55)
HEARING
BEFORE THE
SUBCOMMITTEE ON
WATER RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT
OF THE
COMMITTEE ON
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
ONE HUNDRED SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
SECOND SESSION
__________
FEBRUARY 27, 2020
__________
Printed for the use of the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
Available online at: https://www.govinfo.gov/committee/house-
transportation?path=/browsecommittee/chamber/house/committee/
transportation
______
U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
42-577 PDF WASHINGTON : 2020
COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
PETER A. DeFAZIO, Oregon, Chair
SAM GRAVES, Missouri ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON,
DON YOUNG, Alaska District of Columbia
ERIC A. ``RICK'' CRAWFORD, Arkansas EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON, Texas
BOB GIBBS, Ohio RICK LARSEN, Washington
DANIEL WEBSTER, Florida GRACE F. NAPOLITANO, California
THOMAS MASSIE, Kentucky DANIEL LIPINSKI, Illinois
MARK MEADOWS, North Carolina STEVE COHEN, Tennessee
SCOTT PERRY, Pennsylvania ALBIO SIRES, New Jersey
RODNEY DAVIS, Illinois JOHN GARAMENDI, California
ROB WOODALL, Georgia HENRY C. ``HANK'' JOHNSON, Jr.,
JOHN KATKO, New York Georgia
BRIAN BABIN, Texas ANDRE CARSON, Indiana
GARRET GRAVES, Louisiana DINA TITUS, Nevada
DAVID ROUZER, North Carolina SEAN PATRICK MALONEY, New York
MIKE BOST, Illinois JARED HUFFMAN, California
RANDY K. WEBER, Sr., Texas JULIA BROWNLEY, California
DOUG LaMALFA, California FREDERICA S. WILSON, Florida
BRUCE WESTERMAN, Arkansas DONALD M. PAYNE, Jr., New Jersey
LLOYD SMUCKER, Pennsylvania ALAN S. LOWENTHAL, California
PAUL MITCHELL, Michigan MARK DeSAULNIER, California
BRIAN J. MAST, Florida STACEY E. PLASKETT, Virgin Islands
MIKE GALLAGHER, Wisconsin STEPHEN F. LYNCH, Massachusetts
GARY J. PALMER, Alabama SALUD O. CARBAJAL, California,
BRIAN K. FITZPATRICK, Pennsylvania Vice Chair
JENNIFFER GONZALEZ-COLON, ANTHONY G. BROWN, Maryland
Puerto Rico ADRIANO ESPAILLAT, New York
TROY BALDERSON, Ohio TOM MALINOWSKI, New Jersey
ROSS SPANO, Florida GREG STANTON, Arizona
PETE STAUBER, Minnesota DEBBIE MUCARSEL-POWELL, Florida
CAROL D. MILLER, West Virginia LIZZIE FLETCHER, Texas
GREG PENCE, Indiana COLIN Z. ALLRED, Texas
SHARICE DAVIDS, Kansas
ABBY FINKENAUER, Iowa
JESUS G. ``CHUY'' GARCIA, Illinois
ANTONIO DELGADO, New York
CHRIS PAPPAS, New Hampshire
ANGIE CRAIG, Minnesota
HARLEY ROUDA, California
CONOR LAMB, Pennsylvania
Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment
GRACE F. NAPOLITANO, California,
Chair
BRUCE WESTERMAN, Arkansas DEBBIE MUCARSEL-POWELL, Florida,
DANIEL WEBSTER, Florida Vice Chair
THOMAS MASSIE, Kentucky EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON, Texas
ROB WOODALL, Georgia JOHN GARAMENDI, California
BRIAN BABIN, Texas JARED HUFFMAN, California
GARRET GRAVES, Louisiana ALAN S. LOWENTHAL, California
DAVID ROUZER, North Carolina SALUD O. CARBAJAL, California
MIKE BOST, Illinois ADRIANO ESPAILLAT, New York
RANDY K. WEBER, Sr., Texas LIZZIE FLETCHER, Texas
DOUG LaMALFA, California ABBY FINKENAUER, Iowa
BRIAN J. MAST, Florida ANTONIO DELGADO, New York
GARY J. PALMER, Alabama CHRIS PAPPAS, New Hampshire
JENNIFFER GONZALEZ-COLON, ANGIE CRAIG, Minnesota
Puerto Rico HARLEY ROUDA, California
SAM GRAVES, Missouri (Ex Officio) FREDERICA S. WILSON, Florida
STEPHEN F. LYNCH, Massachusetts
TOM MALINOWSKI, New Jersey
PETER A. DeFAZIO, Oregon (Ex
Officio)
CONTENTS
Page
Summary of Subject Matter........................................ ix
STATEMENTS OF MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE
Hon. Grace F. Napolitano, a Representative in Congress from the
State of California, and Chairwoman, Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment:
Opening statement............................................ 1
Prepared statement........................................... 2
Hon. Peter A. DeFazio, a Representative in Congress from the
State of Oregon, and Chairman, Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure:
Opening statement............................................ 2
Prepared statement........................................... 2
Hon. Bruce Westerman, a Representative in Congress from the State
of Arkansas, and Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment:
Opening statement............................................ 3
Prepared statement........................................... 4
Hon. Sam Graves, a Representative in Congress from the State of
Missouri, and Ranking Member, Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, prepared statement............................. 121
MEMBER TESTIMONY
Hon. Roger W. Marshall from the State of Kansas:
Oral statement............................................... 5
Prepared statement........................................... 6
Hon. Bill Flores from the State of Texas:
Oral statement............................................... 7
Prepared statement........................................... 8
Hon. Ed Case from the State of Hawaii:
Oral statement............................................... 9
Prepared statement........................................... 11
Hon. W. Gregory Steube from the State of Florida:
Oral statement............................................... 12
Prepared statement........................................... 12
Hon. William R. Keating from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts:
Oral statement............................................... 13
Prepared statement........................................... 15
Hon. Pramila Jayapal from the State of Washington:
Oral statement............................................... 16
Prepared statement........................................... 18
Hon. Filemon Vela from the State of Texas:
Oral statement............................................... 19
Prepared statement........................................... 20
Hon. Nanette Diaz Barragan from the State of California:
Oral statement............................................... 21
Prepared statement........................................... 22
Hon. Marcy Kaptur from the State of Ohio:
Oral statement............................................... 23
Prepared statement........................................... 24
Hon. Joseph D. Morelle from the State of New York:
Oral statement............................................... 27
Prepared statement........................................... 28
Hon. Derek Kilmer from the State of Washington:
Oral statement............................................... 29
Prepared statement........................................... 31
Hon. Kurt Schrader from the State of Oregon:
Oral statement............................................... 32
Prepared statement........................................... 34
Hon. Doris O. Matsui from the State of California:
Oral statement............................................... 35
Prepared statement........................................... 36
Hon. Elissa Slotkin from the State of Michigan:
Oral statement............................................... 38
Prepared statement........................................... 39
Hon. Greg Gianforte from the State of Montana:
Oral statement............................................... 41
Prepared statement........................................... 42
Hon. Bradley Scott Schneider from the State of Illinois:
Oral statement............................................... 44
Prepared statement........................................... 45
Hon. Michael Waltz from the State of Florida:
Oral statement............................................... 45
Prepared statement........................................... 47
Hon. Robert C. ``Bobby'' Scott from the Commonwealth of Virginia:
Oral statement............................................... 49
Prepared statement........................................... 50
Hon. Earl L. ``Buddy'' Carter from the State of Georgia:
Oral statement............................................... 51
Prepared statement........................................... 53
Hon. Adam B. Schiff from the State of California:
Oral statement............................................... 53
Prepared statement........................................... 55
Hon. Glenn Thompson from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:
Oral statement............................................... 56
Prepared statement........................................... 58
Hon. James Comer from the Commonwealth of Kentucky:
Oral statement............................................... 59
Prepared statement........................................... 60
Hon. Fred Keller from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:
Oral statement............................................... 61
Prepared statement........................................... 62
Hon. Bill Foster from the State of Illinois:
Oral statement............................................... 63
Prepared statement........................................... 64
Hon. Brian Higgins from the State of New York:
Oral statement............................................... 66
Prepared statement........................................... 67
Hon. Linda T. Sanchez from the State of California:
Oral statement............................................... 67
Prepared statement........................................... 68
Hon. Jim Cooper from the State of Tennessee:
Oral statement............................................... 69
Prepared statement........................................... 70
Hon. Bryan Steil from the State of Wisconsin:
Oral statement............................................... 71
Prepared statement........................................... 72
Hon. Bill Huizenga from the State of Michigan:
Oral statement............................................... 73
Prepared statement........................................... 75
Hon. Clay Higgins from the State of Louisiana:
Oral statement............................................... 77
Prepared statement........................................... 78
Hon. Bill Posey from the State of Florida:
Oral statement............................................... 79
Prepared statement........................................... 80
Hon. Jeff Fortenberry from the State of Nebraska:
Oral statement............................................... 83
Prepared statement........................................... 84
Hon. Rick W. Allen from the State of Georgia:
Oral statement............................................... 85
Prepared statement........................................... 86
Hon. Mikie Sherrill from the State of New Jersey:
Oral statement............................................... 87
Prepared statement........................................... 89
Hon. Emanuel Cleaver II from the State of Missouri:
Oral statement............................................... 90
Prepared statement........................................... 91
Hon. Jackie Speier from the State of California:
Oral statement............................................... 92
Prepared statement........................................... 93
Hon. Josh Gottheimer from the State of New Jersey:
Oral statement............................................... 94
Prepared statement........................................... 96
Hon. Jimmy Gomez from the State of California:
Oral statement............................................... 97
Prepared statement........................................... 98
Hon. Robert J. Wittman from the Commonwealth of Virginia:
Oral statement............................................... 99
Prepared statement........................................... 101
Hon. Mike Johnson from the State of Louisiana:
Oral statement............................................... 102
Prepared statement........................................... 103
Hon. Veronica Escobar from the State of Texas:
Oral statement............................................... 104
Prepared statement........................................... 106
Hon. Cynthia Axne from the State of Iowa:
Oral statement............................................... 107
Prepared statement........................................... 109
Hon. Pete Olson from the State of Texas:
Oral statement............................................... 110
Prepared statement........................................... 111
Hon. Michael Cloud from the State of Texas:
Oral statement............................................... 112
Prepared statement........................................... 113
Hon. Anthony Gonzalez from the State of Ohio:
Oral statement............................................... 114
Prepared statement........................................... 115
Hon. Tom O'Halleran from the State of Arizona:
Oral statement............................................... 116
Prepared statement........................................... 116
Hon. Donna E. Shalala from the State of Florida:
Oral statement............................................... 117
Prepared statement........................................... 118
SUBMISSIONS FOR THE RECORD
Report entitled, ``Major Rehabilitation Evaluation Report and
Environmental Assessment: Cape Cod Canal Highway Bridges,
Bourne, Massachusetts,'' U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New
England District, March 2020, Submitted for the Record by Hon.
Grace F. Napolitano............................................ 15
Prepared statements from the following Members of Congress:
Hon. Danny K. Davis from the State of Illinois............... 121
Hon. Diana DeGette from the State of Colorado................ 122
Hon. Marcia L. Fudge from the State of Ohio.................. 123
Hon. Raul M. Grijalva from the State of Arizona.............. 124
Hon. Alcee L. Hastings from the State of Florida............. 125
Hon. Denny Heck from the State of Washington................. 126
Hon. Chrissy Houlahan from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.. 126
Hon. Andy Kim from the State of New Jersey................... 127
Hon. Andy Levin from the State of Michigan................... 128
Hon. David Loebsack from the State of Iowa................... 129
Hon. Blaine Luetkemeyer from the State of Missouri........... 130
Hon. Elaine G. Luria from the Commonwealth of Virginia....... 131
Hon. Gwen Moore from the State of Wisconsin.................. 131
Hon. Jimmy Panetta from the State of California.............. 134
Hon. Bill Pascrell, Jr., from the State of New Jersey........ 134
Hon. Scott H. Peters from the State of California............ 135
Hon. Guy Reschenthaler from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 136
Hon. Tom Rice from the State of South Carolina............... 137
Hon. Harold Rogers from the Commonwealth of Kentucky......... 138
Hon. Peter J. Visclosky from the State of Indiana............ 139
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
February 21, 2020
SUMMARY OF SUBJECT MATTER
TO: LMembers, Subcommittee on Water Resources and
Environment
FROM: LStaff, Subcommittee on Water Resources and
Environment
RE: LSubcommittee Hearing on ``Proposals for a Water
Resources Development Act of 2020: Members' Day Hearing''
_______________________________________________________________________
PURPOSE
The Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment will
meet on Thursday, February 27, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. in 2167
Rayburn House Office Building to receive testimony related to
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Water Resources Development
Act Members' Day. The purpose of this hearing is to provide
Members of Congress with an opportunity to testify before the
Subcommittee on their priorities in relation to the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers (Corps). Testimony will help to inform the
Committee's drafting of the Water Resources Development Act
(WRDA) of 2020, which the Committee expects to approve this
year.
BACKGROUND
The Corps is the Federal government's largest water
resources development and management agency. The Corps began
its water resources program in 1824 when Congress, for the
first time, appropriated funds for improving river navigation.
Since then, the Corps' primary missions have expanded to
address river and coastal navigation, the reduction of flood
damage risks along rivers, lakes, and the coastlines, and
projects to restore and protect the environment. Along with
these missions, the Corps generates hydropower, provides water
storage opportunities to cities and industry, regulates
development in navigable waters, assists in national
emergencies, and manages a recreation program. To achieve its
mission, the Corps plans, designs, and constructs water
resources development projects.
The Water Resources Development Act is the authorizing
vehicle for the Corps' policy, studies, and construction of
projects. To date, Congress has received 18 Chief's Reports, 10
Director's Reports, and four pending 203 studies from the Corps
for projects. The Corps also submitted its 7001 Annual Report
to Congress in June 2019. The 7001 Annual Report for 2020 is
expected in February 2020. Access to reports submitted to
Congress can be found on the Committee website.\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ https://transportation.house.gov/committee-activity/issue/
water-resources-development-act-of-2020.
PROPOSALS FOR A WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2020: MEMBERS' DAY
HEARING
----------
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2020
House of Representatives,
Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment,
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,
Washington, DC.
The subcommittee met, pursuant to notice, at 10:07 a.m. in
room 2167, Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Grace F.
Napolitano (Chairwoman of the subcommittee) presiding.
Mrs. Napolitano. Good morning, I would call this meeting to
order.
Let me start by asking unanimous consent that the chair be
authorized to declare a recess during today's hearing.
And without objection, so ordered.
I also ask unanimous consent that the committee members not
on the subcommittee be permitted to sit with the subcommittee
at today's hearing and ask questions.
And without objection, so ordered.
Last month, we welcomed Secretary James and General
Semonite of the Army Corps to testify on the Chief's Reports
and other projects that have been submitted to Congress and
awaiting authorization. To date we have 18 Chief's Reports and
10 Director's Reports already submitted. We expect the Corps
section 7001 report shortly for 2020, and several more Chief's
Reports through the spring.
Today, we welcome Members of the House who join us to
present their Corps priorities that could be considered for
WRDA. The Army Corps of Engineers is the largest water manager
in the Nation. The scope and depth of their work impacts every
part of this country. The testimony we receive today will help
inform us on what matters most to our colleagues as we move
forward in drafting legislation.
WRDA has become a product of its own success. Our
constituents demand and expect that we move forward in
developing this legislation every Congress, and I look forward
to working with all of you in enacting a fourth consecutive
WRDA.
Thank you to all Members who have made time to come before
the committee today, and I look forward to your testimony.
[Mrs. Napolitano's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Grace F. Napolitano, a Representative in
Congress from the State of California, and Chairwoman, Subcommittee on
Water Resources and Environment
Last month, we welcomed Secretary James and General Semonite to
testify on the chief's reports and other projects that have been
submitted to Congress and awaiting authorization. To date, we have 18
Chief's Reports and 10 Director's Reports already submitted. We expect
the Corps 7001 Report for 2020 shortly, and several more Chief's
Reports through the spring.
Today, we welcome Members of the House who join us to present their
Corps priorities that could be considered for WRDA. The Army Corps of
Engineers is the largest water manager in the nation. The scope and
depth of their work impacts every part of this country. The testimony
we receive today will help to inform us on what matters most to our
colleagues as we move forward with drafting legislation.
WRDA has become a product of its own success. Our constituents
demand and expect that we move forward in developing this legislation
every Congress. I look forward to working with all of you in enacting a
fourth consecutive WRDA.
Thank you to all Members who have made time to come before the
Committee today. I look forward to your testimony.
Mrs. Napolitano. And at this time, I recognize Mr. DeFazio.
Mr. DeFazio. Thanks, Madam Chair. Thanks for convening
this.
We want to hear today from Members on the needs for their
districts. Nationwide we have phenomenal needs in terms of our
maritime transport, whether we are talking about inland
waterways, or our coastal harbors and ports.
As you know, one of my highest priorities is to unlock the
Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund. We have been collecting a tax
since the Reagan era to maintain our coastal ports, and for
dredging, and jetties, and other necessary work. And Congress
has been diverting part of the funds over that time period.
We have about $10 billion on deposit, and I am pleased that
earlier this year, in a suspension bill, with nearly 300
bipartisan votes, we passed a bill to unlock the Harbor
Maintenance Trust Fund.
Of course, as usual, there has been no activity on the
Senate side. Senator Shelby engaged me in a conversation during
the budget talks, and he really, really wants to do it, but he
is only chair of the Appropriations Committee, so somehow he
can't do it over there. So we will put that in the WRDA bill,
which should move in the Senate.
And hopefully, when we bring up the WRDA bill, Republican
Leader McCarthy will not oppose it because of that inclusion.
He opposed unlocking the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for some
odd reason when it was on the floor, which is not clear to me.
But we roll them pretty good.
So, you know, I am pleased to be here today, and pleased to
hear from Members.
And with that I yield back the balance of my time.
[Mr. DeFazio's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Peter A. DeFazio, a Representative in
Congress from the State of Oregon, and Chair, Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure
Thank you, Chairwoman Napolitano for holding this hearing and
welcome to our Colleagues who have joined us today to talk about their
WRDA priorities. The Water Resources Development Act is an important
component of our infrastructure discussion.
Taking action to address our infrastructure needs is not optional--
letting our roads, bridges, airports, transit systems, ports, and water
systems crumble is creating a national crisis. Every day that we wait
to act also means the price tag to fix our infrastructure goes up. This
is why House Democrats recently released a framework that outlines how
we can move our Nation into a new era of transporting people and goods,
provide safe, clean and affordable water and wastewater services, and
combat climate change in ways we've never done before. This is also why
enacting a WRDA bill every two years is important and a priority of
this committee.
I am proud to have worked with former Chairman Shuster to restore
this Committee's tradition of moving a water resources development act
every Congress. These bipartisan efforts have resulted in this
Committee enacting three consecutive WRDA bills since 2014.
Today, we take another step in continuing that tradition for the
116th Congress, with the goal of enacting the fourth consecutive WRDA.
Madam Chair, as we all know, WRDA bills provide the opportunity for
communities and local sponsors to partner with the Corps for critical
navigation, flood protection, and ecosystem restoration projects, as
well as other civil works mission areas.
Therefore, it is important that our Congressional colleagues have
the opportunity to present their local priorities and how the Corps may
be able to assist their districts, their constituents, and the nation.
Today's hearing is another opportunity to continue that conversation.
One of my biggest priorities for WRDA 2020 is to finally unlock
Federal investment in our nation's ports and harbors. As you may know,
Congress worked with the Reagan Administration to create a mechanism to
recover the operation and maintenance dredging costs for commercial
ports from maritime shippers--called the Harbor Maintenance Tax. This
fee, directly levied on importers and domestic shippers using coastal
and inland ports, was meant to provide the Corps of Engineers with
sufficient annual revenues to keep our ports in a good state of repair,
and sustain our local, regional, and national economies that rely on
the movement of goods and services through our commercial ports.
The good news is that we are currently collecting enough revenues
to adequately maintain our commercial harbors--of all sizes--as well as
critical infrastructure, such as breakwaters and jetties, associated
with these commercial ports.
The bad news is that we refuse to spend this money--or more
accurately, we collect this money, but then use these funds to offset
other expenditures in the Federal government while the needs of our
commercial ports continue to grow.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers estimates that the full channels
of the Nation's 59 busiest ports are available less than 35 percent of
the time. For smaller commercial harbors, such as Coos Bay or Port
Orford in my home State of Oregon, their dredging situations can be far
worse.
The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates that our Nation's
ports and harbors need additional investment of $15.8 billion just to
meet the demands of larger and heavier ships that use the Panama Canal.
The Harbor Maintenance Tax provides ample revenues to meet these needs,
but Congress has continued to siphon off these funds for other
purposes.
For the past three Congresses, I have been working with Members on
both sides of the aisle and I am proud to have received bipartisan
support of my legislation H.R. 2440, the Full Utilization of the Harbor
Maintenance Trust Fund Act. The House passed this legislation by a vote
of 296 to 109 in October of last year and, if the Senate doesn't move
the legislation, I intend to include it in WRDA.
Thank you to Ranking Member Graves, Subcommittee Ranking Member
Westerman, as well as Chairwoman Napolitano for your support of H.R.
2440. I ask for my colleagues continued support ensuring that full
utilization of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund is enacted this
Congress. Authorizing new projects while failing to provide the funding
to build them doesn't get us anywhere. That's why fixing the Harbor
Maintenance Trust Fund is so important.
Thank you again for joining us today and I look forward to working
with all of you in passing WRDA.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you, Mr. DeFazio.
Mr. Westerman?
Mr. Westerman. Thank you Chairwoman Napolitano, and good
morning. I would like to welcome Members of Congress from off
the committee here today to share their priorities for an
upcoming Water Resources Development Act.
As you know, the foundation of WRDA bills is to authorize
Army Corps Civil Works projects, and to study recommendations
that have been delivered to Congress since the last WRDA was
signed into law. And, as we have already heard, we know that in
this case that was the 2018 WRDA law.
Each one of those projects was proposed by non-Federal
interests, in cooperation and consultation with the Corps. All
the reports, while tailored to meet locally developed needs,
have national and regional economic and environmental benefits.
But equally important are the priorities and support from both
a project and policy standpoint that Members bring before the
committee. That is why I am glad to see such a robust
participation here today.
Since 2014, a WRDA bill has been passed every 2 years on a
bipartisan basis. We expect to continue that strong tradition
of bipartisanship in 2020. I look forward to working with my
fellow colleagues to develop and pass this important
legislation over the next several months.
[Mr. Westerman's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Bruce Westerman, a Representative in
Congress from the State of Arkansas, and Ranking Member, Subcommittee
on Water Resources and Environment
I'd like to welcome Members of Congress from off the Committee here
today to share their priorities for an upcoming Water Resources
Development Act (WRDA).
The foundation of each WRDA bill is to authorize Army Corps' Civil
Works project and study recommendations that have been delivered to
Congress since the last WRDA was signed into law. In this case, that's
the WRDA 2018 law.
Each one of those projects was proposed by non-federal interests in
cooperation and consultation with the Corps. All of the reports, while
tailored to meet locally developed needs, have national and regional
economic and environmental benefits.
But equally important are the priorities and support--both from a
project and policy standpoint--that Members bring before the Committee.
That is why I am glad to see such robust participation here today.
Since 2014, a WRDA bill has been passed every two years on a
bipartisan basis. We expect to continue that strong tradition of
bipartisanship in 2020.
I look forward to working with my fellow colleagues to develop and
pass this important legislation over the next several months.
Mr. Westerman. And I yield back.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you, sir. I appreciate that. Now the
Members appearing before the subcommittee today will have 5
minutes to give their oral testimony, and their written
statements will be made part of the formal hearing record.
And given the number--at last count it was 68--the number
of Members appearing before the committee today, and out of
consideration for our colleagues' time, I ask unanimous consent
that members of this committee be given 2 minutes each if they
have questions following the statements. However, if you don't
use your time, thank you very much.
Without objection, so ordered.
And without objection, our witnesses' full statements will
be included in the record.
Since your testimony, written testimony, has been made part
of the record, the committee requests that you limit your oral
testimony to 5 minutes each.
And with that, we will start with the first witness, the
gentleman from Kansas, Mr. Roger Marshall.
You are on, sir.
TESTIMONY OF HON. ROGER W. MARSHALL, A REPRESENTATIVE IN
CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF KANSAS
Mr. Marshall. Chairwoman Napolitano, Ranking Member
Westerman, and Chairman DeFazio, as well as other members of
the subcommittee, good morning and thank you. I am honored for
the opportunity to highlight some of the needs facing Kansas as
you consider the upcoming water resources development package.
The Water Resources Development Act represents Congress'
continued investment in vital infrastructure projects across
the country, ensuring that our communities have access to
reliable sources of water, not just for farming or recreation,
but also contributing to the health and wellness of our cities
and towns.
In Kansas, the spring of 2019 was one of the wettest on
record, wherein excessive flooding along the Missouri River,
which forms part of the boundary, part of the border between
Kansas and Missouri, resulted in a major disaster declaration
for nearly half of the State of Kansas. During the spring and
early summer, I managed to get to all 105 counties in Kansas.
The northern third of the State was basically under water.
Hundreds of thousands of acres of corn fields, soybean fields
were literally in 6 to 8 feet of water, and the same could be
said for southeast Kansas.
Additionally, for cities like Manhattan, which has been
partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to raise the
levees north of town that excess water brought the river
systems and reservoirs within an inch--literally, an inch--of
breaching their banks. This threatened more than 1,600 acres of
urban, industrial, commercial, public, and residential
development in and around Manhattan, Kansas, highlighting the
need for continued investments and progress in raising the
existing levee systems.
Now, Manhattan wasn't the only community impacted by the
flooding of 2019. Municipalities from Kansas City to Garden
City felt the effects. As we continue to make repairs from the
2019 floods, we are also making preparations for the future.
And 2020 is, unfortunately, projected to be another wet year.
It is imperative that the Army Corps make every effort to
work with farmers and landowners on cleanup and future flood
mitigation efforts. Most farmers and landowners know the land
better than the Army Corps officials, and they would appreciate
the opportunity to be part of mitigation and rebuilding
efforts. Too often in my townhalls I am told that the Army
Corps personnel do not consult with landowners during these
processes, and their recommendations place cumbersome
requirements on landowners that often prove ineffective.
Beyond encouraging greater coordination with farmers and
landowners, I would also encourage collaboration between
agencies. Recently the Army Corps of Engineers announced a
joint commitment to water infrastructure with the Bureau of
Reclamation. In addition to water quantity issues, I suggest
this working group consider critical water quality issues, as
well. Partnerships such as this bring together a wide array of
tools aimed at improving the water resource management and
environmental protection. As we continue to utilize programs
that span multiple Federal agencies, we need to encourage
communication and coordination so that projects can be
implemented efficiently.
While not in my district, the Port of Catoosa, located in
Tulsa, Oklahoma, is essential to the flow of agriculture
products in and out of Kansas. However, this port is in need of
major maintenance and dredging. I encourage the committee to
prioritize this important infrastructure project, ensuring that
the products grown or manufactured in Kansas can make it
quickly and efficiently to market.
Water infrastructure is of vital importance to my district,
whether through availability of quality water sources, or
upgrading the aging water towers, levees, and dams across our
State. I appreciate the opportunity to highlight some of these
priorities I have heard back in Kansas, and yield back the
remainder of my time.
Thank you.
[Mr. Marshall's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Roger W. Marshall, a Representative in
Congress from the State of Kansas
Chairwoman Napolitano, Ranking Member Westerman, and Members of
this subcommittee,
Thank you for the opportunity to highlight some of the needs facing
Kansas as you consider the upcoming water resources development
package. The Water Resource Development Act represents Congress'
continued investment in vital infrastructure projects across the
country, ensuring that our communities have access to reliable sources
of water, not just for farming or recreation, but also contributing to
the health and wellness of our cities and towns.
The Spring of 2019 was one of the wettest on record, wherein
excessive flooding along the Missouri River resulted in a Major
Disaster Declaration for nearly half of the State of Kansas. For cities
like Manhattan, which has been partnering with the US Army Corps of
Engineers to raise the levees north of town, that excess water brought
the river systems and reservoirs within an inch of breaching their
banks. This threatened more than 1,600 acres of urban industrial,
commercial, public, and residential development in and around
Manhattan, highlighting the need for continued investments and progress
in raising the existing levee systems.
Manhattan wasn't the only community impacted by the flooding of
2019. Municipalities from Kansas City to Garden City felt the effects.
As we continue to make repairs from 2019 floods, we are also making
preparations for the future, and 2020 is projected to be another wet
year. It is imperative that the Army Corps make every effort to work
with farmers and landowners on cleanup and future flood mitigation
efforts. Most farmers and landowners know the land better than Army
Corp officials, and they would appreciate the opportunity to be a part
of mitigation and rebuilding efforts. Too often, Army Corps personnel
do not consult with landowners during these processes, and their
recommendations place cumbersome requirements on landowners that often
prove ineffective.
Beyond encouraging greater coordination with farmers and
landowners, I'd also like to encourage collaboration between agencies.
Recently, the Army Corps of Engineers announced a joint commitment to
water infrastructure with the Bureau of Reclamation. In addition to
water quantity issues, I suggest that this working group consider
critical water quality issues as well. Partnerships such as this bring
together a wide array of tools aimed at improving water resource
management and environmental protection. As we continue to utilize
programs that span multiple federal agencies, we need to encourage
communication and coordination so that projects can be implemented
efficiently.
While not in my district, the Port of Catoosa, located in Tulsa,
Oklahoma, is essential to the flow of agricultural goods in and out of
Kansas. However, the port is in need of major maintenance and dredging.
I encourage the committee to prioritize this important infrastructure
project, ensuring that the products grown or manufactured in Kansas can
make it quickly and efficiently to market.
Water infrastructure is of vital importance to my district, whether
through availability of quality water sources, or upgrading the aging
water towers, levees, and dams across my state. I appreciate the
opportunity to highlight some of the priorities I've heard about back
in Kansas and yield back the remainder of my time.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you very much. And thank you for
your patience and for your testimony.
Does any Member have any questions for him?
With that, we thank you for your testimony, and we now
recognize Mr. Flores.
TESTIMONY OF HON. BILL FLORES, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
FROM THE STATE OF TEXAS
Mr. Flores. Thank you, Chairwoman Napolitano and Republican
Leader Westerman, for holding this hearing to discuss WRDA
priorities for noncommittee members.
I would like to take this opportunity to discuss potential
improvements to this year's WRDA that would positively impact
projects located in the district I represent in central Texas.
Specifically, McLennan County, home to almost 250,000
Texans, has two projects that fall within Federal jurisdiction
and the purview of WRDA. With a few changes to the statutory
language, these projects would have a more streamlined,
proactively managed approach to avoid potentially catastrophic
mishaps. If these projects do not receive Federal attention,
they may end up costing the Federal Government a substantial
amount of funding in reconstruction and emergency response.
The first issue I would like to discuss is erosion and
instability of Lake Shore Drive along Lake Waco, a Corps of
Engineers property. This road is unstable, and presents serious
risk of landslides and slope failures. These infrastructure
failures would result in flood risk, devastation of local water
quality, and significant reclamation costs.
Recent engineering reports done by the city of Waco
confirmed that the entire embankment of Lake Waco, on which
Lake Shore Drive is located, is unstable, presents landslide
risk, and potential catastrophic failure. The city continues to
make repairs to Lake Shore Drive, but the instability of the
embankment owned by the Corps of Engineers will continue to
endanger Lake Waco and public welfare.
Mitigating potential disaster on such a project would
directly support the mission of the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, which includes managing flood risk and providing
environmental stewardship.
I have been working with local officials and the Corps to
address this issue for over 4 years, continuing dialogue
between stakeholders to reiterate the importance of Lake Shore
Drive to the Greater Waco area. In this regard, I secured
Appropriations Committee support language in fiscal year 2018
to highlight the importance of this project. But the project
still lacks proper statutory authority for the Corps to address
the embankment issue under Lake Shore Drive.
It is my understanding that the city of Waco is more than
willing and able to work with the Corps to address these
problems in a cost-efficient manner. To that end, I request the
inclusion of a number of cost-effective and efficient additions
to the 2020 WRDA that would enhance the Corps' existing
continuing authority projects, and better utilize partnerships
with non-Federal entities.
Specifically, I ask support to, first, reauthorize section
1043 of the 2014 WRRDA for the non-Federal implementation pilot
program, and to include language supporting Corps' ability to
apply it to continuing authority projects.
Second, to amend section 13 of the 1946 Flood Control Act
to allow non-Federal entities to receive in-kind credit for
performing in advance of Federal funding to offset non-Federal
share project costs.
And third, to extend the authority of the Corps to address
issues of embankments on Federal lands.
And fourth, the inclusion of Lake Waco restoration under
section 7001 of the 2014 WRRDA to clarify Corps authority in
this regard.
The next issue I would like to address is arsenic levels in
community drinking water systems in rural McLennan County. As
the committee is aware, in 2001 the EPA lowered the safe
drinking water maximum containment level standards for arsenic
from 50 parts per billion to 10 parts per billion. Several
groundwater systems in eastern McLennan County do not meet the
EPA's revised arsenic MCL, and will soon begin receiving fines
of noncompliance.
To solve this issue, the affected water systems are working
with the city of Waco, Brazos River Authority, the Texas
Commission on Environmental Quality, and EPA officials to find
grants that are available to the State through the Texas State
Drinking Water Revolving Fund.
Should the committee consider any improvements or
alterations to the State Drinking Water Revolving Fund in WRDA,
I would encourage you to expand the program's flexibility to
address the needs of rural water systems in times of changing
administrative rulemaking actions, and to consider doing so in
a way that does not add considerable financial burdens that
disproportionally harm smaller water systems that don't have
the financial capability to deal with the changing regulatory
landscape.
I do thank you for the opportunity to testify, and your
consideration of these important additions to WRDA.
I yield back the balance of my time.
[Mr. Flores' prepared statement follows:
Prepared Statement of Hon. Bill Flores, a Representative in Congress
from the State of Texas
Thank you Chairwoman Napolitano and Republican Leader Westerman for
holding this member day hearing to discuss WRDA priorities for off-
committee members.
I would like to take this opportunity to discuss potential
improvements to this year's WRDA that would positively impact projects
located in the district I represent in Central Texas.
Specifically, the City of Waco, home to over 130,000 Texans, has
two projects that fall within federal jurisdiction and the purview of
WRDA. With a few changes to statutory language, these projects could
enjoy a more streamlined, proactively managed approach to avoid
potentially catastrophic mishaps. If these projects do not receive
federal attention, they may end up costing the federal government a
substantial amount of funding in reconstruction and emergency response.
The first issue I would like to discuss is erosion and instability
of Lake Shore Drive along Lake Waco. This road is deeply unstable and
presents serious risks of deep landslides and shallow slope failures.
These infrastructure failures would result in flood risk, a disruption
of surrounding recreational areas, and devastation to local water
quality.
In fact, recent engineering reports done by the City of Waco
confirmed that `` . . . the entire embankment of Lake Waco on which
Lake Shore Drive is located is unstable and in danger of slides and
potential catastrophic failure. The City can make repairs to Lake Shore
Drive but the instability of the embankment (owned by the Corps) will
continue to endanger Lake Waco and public welfare.''
Mitigating potential disaster on such a project would directly
support the mission of the US Army Corps of Engineers, which includes
managing flood risks and providing environmental stewardship.
I have been working with local officials and the Corps to address
this issue for over four years, continuing dialogue between
stakeholders to reiterate the importance of Lake Shore Drive to the
greater Waco area. I secured appropriations committee support language
in FY18 to highlight the importance of this project, but the project
still lacks proper statutory authority for the Corps to fix Lake Shore
Drive.
Now, it is my understanding that the City of Waco is more than
willing and able to work with the Corps to address these problems in a
cost-efficient manner. To that end, I request the inclusion of a number
of cost-effective and efficient additions to 2020 WRDA that would
enhance Corps' existing Continuing Authority Projects and better
utilize partnerships with non-federal entities.
Specifically, I ask support to--
Reauthorize Section 1043 of 2014 WRDA for the Non-Federal
Implementation Pilot Program and to include language supporting Corps'
ability to apply it to Continuing Authority Projects.
To amend Section 13 of the 1946 Flood Control Act to
allow non-federal entities to receive in-kind credit for performing in
advance of federal funding to offset non-federal share of the project
costs.
To extend authority of the Corps to address issues of
embankment on federal lands.
And the inclusion of Lake Waco restoration under Section
7001 of the 2014 WRDA to clarify Corps authority.
The next issue I would like to discuss is arsenic levels in
community drinking water systems in McLennan County. As the committee
is aware, in 2001, the EPA lowered the safe drinking water Maximum
Containment Level (MCL) standards for arsenic from 50 parts per billion
to 10 ppb. These ground-water systems in McLennan County no longer meet
EPA's revised arsenic MCL and will soon begin receiving fines of non-
compliance. To solve this issue, affected water systems are working
with the Brazos River Authority, Texas Center on Environmental Quality,
and EPA officials to find grants that are available to the state
through the State Drinking Water Revolving Fund.
Should the committee consider any improvements or alterations to
the State Drinking Water Revolving Fund in WRDA, I would encourage you
to continue the program's flexibility to address the needs of rural
systems in times of changing administrative actions, and consider doing
so in a way that does not add considerable financial burdens that
disproportionally harm smaller water systems.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify and for your consideration
of these important improvements.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you, and now I will recognize our
next witness, the Honorable Ed Case from Hawaii.
TESTIMONY OF HON. ED CASE, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM
THE STATE OF HAWAII
Mr. Case. Madam Chair and members of the committee, thank
you very much for allowing me to share my thoughts on water
resources development priorities that are important to both our
Nation and my home State of Hawaii.
With Hawaii's unique reliance on ocean shipping as an
island State, and the growing challenges of changing Pacific
weather patterns resulting in increasing flooding and coastal
erosion, Hawaii needs U.S. Army Corps of Engineers assistance
more than ever.
I would like to highlight a few new studies and projects
that are critical to protecting our economic lifeline to the
world and vulnerable communities.
The island of Oahu, which is where 70 percent of Hawaii's
population lives, and where our Nation's Indo-Pacific defense
infrastructure is centered, has two critical ports.
As the main port of Hawaii, Honolulu Harbor receives and
distributes all overseas cargo shipments, constituting over 80
percent of all imports into the State, supports fishing
operations and cruise ships, and handles Federal maritime
activity, including the U.S. Coast Guard's 14th District. The
harbor, though, is in need of critical improvements. These
modifications will improve transportation efficiency and lessen
the impact of cross-channel currents, and we ask for your
support.
Kalaeloa Barbers Point Harbor is equally important to
Hawaii, as it specializes in dry-bulk and liquid-bulk cargoes,
and provides space for ship maintenance and repair services
that cannot fit in Honolulu Harbor. With increased congestion
causing berthing conflicts between dry- and liquid-bulk
shipments, the harbor facilities must be expanded, and we ask
for your support.
My State is also experiencing increased flooding from
severe storms that place lives and property at extreme risk.
For example, in April 2018, the islands of Oahu and Kauai were
struck by heavy rains and wind. Kauai, in fact, received some
50 inches of rain in a single day, causing massive flooding
with related landslides, and leaving victims stranded, damaged
or destroyed hundreds of houses, and caused millions of dollars
in damage. These risks will likely continue to increase as we
see increased hurricane activity in the Pacific and other
weather changes.
In this area I am seeking your support for the Wailupe
Flood Risk Management Study, a New Start, critical to
protecting the particularly exposed Aina Haina community in
eastern Honolulu from flooding of Wailupe Stream. A 100-year
flood of that stream would not only risk lives and widespread
residential and commercial property damage, but would sever
Kalanianaole Highway, which is the main and only artery around
the island.
Finally, accelerating coastal erosion is taking a mounting
toll on our economy and infrastructure in Hawaii and other
coastal States. In addition to widespread property destruction,
Hawaii's economy relies heavily on tourism and beaches. And so
shoreline erosion is additionally a direct threat to our main
livelihood.
There is a critical need overall for new studies and
projects to mitigate these risks not only in Hawaii, but across
our country.
Thank you very much for your time and your full
consideration of these proposed studies and projects to address
critical Hawaii concerns as this committee authorizes the Water
Resources Development Act.
I thank you and yield back.
[Mr. Case's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Ed Case, a Representative in Congress from
the State of Hawaii
Chairman DeFazio, Ranking Member Graves, distinguished Members of
the Committee:
Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts with the Committee
on water resources activities and programs that are important to both
our nation and my home state of Hawai'i.
With its unique reliance on ocean shipping as an island state and
the growing challenges climate change is causing through coastal
erosion and flooding, Hawai'i needs our assistance now more than ever.
The State of Hawai'i needs the vision and technical assistance only the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can provide. We must start new studies and
implement new construction projects to protect vulnerable communities
and my state's economic lifeline to the world.
The Island of O'ahu has two critical ports that need your support.
As the main port of Hawai'i, Honolulu Harbor receives and distribute
all overseas cargo shipments for the state, supports fishing operations
and cruise ships and handles government activity, such as the work done
by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. With roughly
80% of our goods imported via shipping, the harbor is our lifeline to
the outside world, which is why Honolulu Harbor needs critical
improvements. These modifications will improve transportation
efficiency and lessen the impact of cross channel currents. Kalaeloa
Barbers Point Harbor is equally important to Hawai'i as it specializes
in dry-bulk and liquid-bulk cargos and provides space for ship
maintenance and repair services that cannot fit in Honolulu Harbor.
With increase congestion causing berthing conflicts between dry- and
liquid-bulk shipments, the harbor facilities must be expanded.
My state is also dealing with increased flooding from severe rains,
especially from hurricanes, as part of climate change. It places lives
and property at extreme risk. For example, in April 2018, the Island of
Kaua'i received nearly 50 inches of rain, causing flooding and setting
a new national record for the most rainfall within the span of 24
hours. This massive flooding and related landslides left flood victims
stranded, damaged or destroyed hundreds of houses and caused millions
of dollars in damage. My state expects this problem to continue in the
years to come, with an increasing number of hurricanes in our region of
the Pacific. This is why I am seeking your support for the Wailupe
Flood Risk Management Study, a ``new start'' important to my
constituents living in 'Aina Haina. If a 100-year flood of Wailupe
Stream were to occur, it would wash out the Kalaniana'ole Highway,
strand thousands of motorists, flood more than 819 homes in the valley
and affect twenty-eight commercial buildings. With your support we have
the power to directly mitigate these risks and potentially save lives.
Finally, accelerating coastal erosions is leaving the economy and
infrastructure of Hawai'i and other coastal states at risk. In addition
to houses and businesses that may be overtaken by the ocean, Hawaii's
economy relies heavily on beaches, so shoreline erosion is a direct
threat to our economic future. For example, researchers with the
University of Hawai'i found that within the next 25-30 years Hawaii's
shores could lose 100 feet of beachfront. The critical need for new
studies and projects to mitigate these risks cannot be overstated.
If Hawai'i does not see these new start projects and studies in the
three areas I have discussed today, my state will face growing
physical, economic, environmental and social challenges. We need to act
now to ensure sufficient, reliable funding for critical water
infrastructure programs.
Thank you for your time, and I appreciate your consideration of
these concerns from Hawai'i as the committee reauthorizes the Water
Resources Development Act.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you for your testimony. Does any
Member wish to question Mr. Case?
Hearing none, thank you, Mr. Case. I would now like to
recognize the next witness, the gentleman, Mr. Steube from
Florida, for 5 minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. W. GREGORY STEUBE, A REPRESENTATIVE IN
CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF FLORIDA
Mr. Steube. Thank you, Madam Chair and Ranking Member
Westerman. Thank you for the opportunity to speak today about
the importance of the Water Resources Development Act, and how
this bill can most effectively address challenges in my
district, the 17th district of Florida.
I would like to start by applauding your efforts to develop
and pass a new WRDA bill in the 116th Congress. As you know
from my Florida colleagues on the committee, the Army Corps of
Engineers is critical to our State. From restoration of the
Everglades, to management of Lake Okeechobee, to port
maintenance and development and beach restoration, the Army
Corps is involved in many critical public work projects in our
State.
One area in which the Corps currently has less involvement
in Florida is their environmental infrastructure program. This
program could be an important tool to help improve the
environment of Florida and maintain our economy. Therefore, I
ask for the committee's support in continuing to fund this
program.
As many of you know, one of the greatest challenges for
Florida's water quality is our aging septic tanks. These aging
tanks are leaking into our water supply, and severely
compromising our water quality. To help mitigate this problem,
I ask that we work together to amend an existing congressional
authorization to support the ongoing efforts of Charlotte
County to help transition the community from older, often
failing septic systems to central sewer.
The authorization amendment would help eliminate
approximately 2,600 existing failing septic systems that are
negatively affecting water quality in Charlotte Harbor National
Estuary and the Gulf of Mexico, and is part of a much larger,
$400 million county project. This water quality initiative is a
priority of mine, and I look forward to working with you on
this, while also trying more broadly to accelerate septic-to-
sewer conversions throughout Florida.
The amended Charlotte County authorization was included in
the Senate version of WRDA 2018, before I came to Congress, but
was unfortunately dropped in conference. I ask that you support
this provision in the House version of WRDA 2020, and work to
keep it in the final bill until it becomes law.
Thank you for your efforts to develop and pass WRDA 2020,
and for working with me and my office on this important septic-
to-sewer initiative for Charlotte County. Water quality is a
top priority of mine, and incredibly important to my district
and the State of Florida. I look forward to working with my
colleagues to get the final Water Resources Development Act
passed.
I thank you for your time, and I yield back.
[Mr. Steube's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. W. Gregory Steube, a Representative in
Congress from the State of Florida
Chairman DeFazio and Ranking Member Graves, thank you for the
opportunity to speak today about the importance of the Water Resources
Development Act and how this bill can most effectively address
challenges in my district, the 17th Congressional District of Florida.
I would like to start by applauding your efforts to develop and
pass a new WRDA bill in the 116th Congress. As you know from my Florida
colleagues on the Committee, the Army Corps of Engineers is critical to
our state. From restoration of the Everglades, to management of Lake
Okeechobee, to port maintenance and development, and beach restoration,
the Army Crops is involved in so many critical public works projects in
our state.
One area in which the Corps currently has less involvement in
Florida is their environmental infrastructure program. This program
could be an important tool to help improve the environment of Florida
and maintain our economy. Therefore, I ask for the committee's support
in continuing to fund this program.
As many of you know, one of the greatest challenges for Florida's
water quality is our aging septic tanks. These aging tanks are leaking
into our water supply and severely compromising our water quality.
To help mitigate this problem, I ask that you please work with me
to amend an existing Congressional authorization to support the ongoing
efforts of Charlotte County to help transition the community from
older, often failing septic systems to central sewer. The authorization
amendment would help eliminate approximately 2,600 existing failing
septic systems that are negatively affecting water quality in the
Charlotte Harbor National Estuary and the Gulf of Mexico and is part of
a much larger $400 million county project. This water quality
initiative is a priority of mine and I look forward to working with you
on this while also trying more broadly to accelerate septic-to-sewer
conversions throughout Florida.
The amended Charlotte County authorization was included in the
Senate version of WRDA 2018 before I came to Congress, but was
unfortunately dropped in conference. I ask that you support the
provision in the House version of WRDA 2020 and work to keep it in the
final bill until it becomes law.
Thank you for your efforts to develop and pass WRDA 2020 and for
working with me and my office on this important septic-to-sewer
initiative for Charlotte County. I look forward to discussing this with
you further and helping to get the final WRDA bill passed by the House
this year.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you for your testimony. Does any
member of the committee have a question?
No?
So thank you. I would now like to recognize our next
witness, Mr. William Keating from Massachusetts, for 5 minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING, A REPRESENTATIVE IN
CONGRESS FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Mr. Keating. Thank you, Chairwoman Napolitano, Ranking
Member Westerman.
T&I began this whole congressional process early on with
their first hearing when they addressed the cost of doing
nothing. And they specifically addressed the cost of doing
nothing with the bridges, over 56,000 bridges that aren't
functioning in our country. And I must tell you I am going to
direct my remarks on what I think is exhibit A of this.
And the reason we are here, too, is because, if the hearing
room we are sitting in right now needed repair, whose
responsibility would that be? It would be the Federal
Government, because they own this building. And unlike so many
other projects that we will hear, so many other needs we will
hear in the next year, what is unique about this is the two
bridges that connect the Peninsula of Cape Cod to the rest of
the mainland are owned by the U.S. Government. They are U.S.
assets. It is our responsibility to fix those, the same way it
is to fix any repairs here in this room. And that amounts to
the Federal bridges are probably--1 percent is a good estimate
of all our bridges, our Federal--almost all of those are on
Federal land. This is uniquely the responsibility, the
statutory responsibility, of the Army Corps to fix it.
Now, these were built around the WPA era, 85 years old now,
and they are functionally obsolete. In fact, when they started
out, it was 40,000 people, full-time population, in that
Peninsula of Cape Cod. And now it is one-quarter of a million.
There were 80,000 vehicle trips a month, on average, at that
time. There are 3.4 million now. And what have we done to
improve that? The U.S. Government has done nothing, in terms of
delaying action to deal with it, and a responsibility they
statutorily have themselves.
So we are looking at the options, and the day of reckoning
has arrived here in terms of this U.S. asset--that we are now
at a stage of saying we have to replace those bridges, or go
down the road of rehabbing them and repairing them.
And what is that going to mean? Three and a half years to
repair these bridges it would take. They would have to close
off completely, just shut off the bridges for 10 months of
that. They would have to close the lanes, at least for an
additional 28 months. When we just did some repair--the cost we
are not talking about is just those lane closures that--in
terms of weeks, versus months, cost $30 million, just when we
did the last ones. That is in commerce that is there.
So there is really a great need to address this. If we
don't replace those bridges, they are going to have to be
rated, so that the truck containers that are around 46 tons,
usually, they couldn't go over it. And the ferries that connect
the islands couldn't get those containers at that size onto the
ferries, and people wouldn't be able to do this.
And there are other U.S. assets at stake here. That is the
only way that we connect to Joint Base Cape Cod and the whole
east coast of the United States. The PAVE PAWS missile system
detection, our radar for the whole east coast and beyond, is in
that base, Joint Base Cape Cod. They track the missiles that
are there. They look for the defense. They track the space
launches. They track the satellite movements that are there.
The 102nd Intelligence Wing is there doing 24/7 oversight
over all our troop activities and any nuclear--worldwide--
located there. The National Guard that came to the Boston
Marathon bombing was there, able to be mobilized in that
emergency. They would be cut off. And if we get a natural
disaster, which we would in such a fragile area that sticks out
and is all coastal, we would be cut off without an escape route
to deal with that.
So the Coast Guard is also housed in that same facility. It
would be cut off. And they do about 200 search and rescue
missions every year.
So this is important in so many respects for the U.S.
Government's responsibility. It does make it different. We do
have to act.
And, in fairness, the Army Corps--this would be such a huge
part of the budget, we will have to get creative, all of us,
and work together. We have been working with the State
government in that regard, and they are stepping up to the
plate, helping us with the U.S. asset.
I would like to put in the record, if I could, to the
committee--allow the Army Corps Cape Cod Canal Bridge and the
Sagamore Bridge's official evaluation report. It is a long time
in coming. The cost of not acting will cost more than the cost
of acting. The cost of doing nothing is greater than the cost
of doing something.
So I thank you for allowing me to speak.
Mrs. Napolitano. Without objection, so ordered.
[The information follows:]
Report entitled, ``Major Rehabilitation Evaluation Report and
Environmental Assessment: Cape Cod Canal Highway Bridges, Bourne,
Massachusetts,'' U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District,
March 2020, Submitted for the Record by Hon. Grace F. Napolitano
The 146-page report is retained in committee files and is
available online at https://capecodcanalbridgesstudy.com/wp-content/
uploads/2020/04/CCCB-MRER-Final-March2020.pdf
Mr. Keating. And I appreciate that.
[Mr. Keating's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. William R. Keating, a Representative in
Congress from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
This Committee began this whole congressional process early on with
its first hearing and they addressed the cost of doing nothing, and
they specifically addressed the cost of doing nothing with the bridges,
over 56,000 bridges that aren't functioning in our country.
I must tell you, I'm going to direct my marks on what I think is
exhibit A of this and the reason we're here too is because if the
hearing room we're sitting in right now needed repair, whose
responsibility would that be? It would be the federal government
because they own this building and unlike so many other projects that
we'll hear, so many other needs we'll hear in the next year, what's
unique about this is the two bridges that connect the peninsula of Cape
Cod to the rest of the mainland are owned by the U.S. government.
They are U.S. assets, and it's our responsibility to fix those, the
same way it is to fix any repairs here in this room, and that amounts
to federal bridges that probably 1% is a good estimate of all bridges
are in federal land. This is uniquely the responsibility, the statutory
responsibility of the Army Corps to fix it. Now these were built around
the WPA era, 85 years old now, and they're functionally obsolete. In
fact, when they started out there was 40,000 people full-time
population on the peninsula of Cape Cod, and now it's a quarter of a
million.
There were 80,000 vehicle trips a month on average, at that time.
There are 3.4 million now, and what have we done to improve that? The
U.S. government has done nothing in terms of delaying action to deal
with it and act on a responsibility they statutorily have themselves.
So we're looking at the options and the day of reckoning has here in
terms of this U.S. asset that we're now at a stage of saying we either
have to replace those bridges or go down the road of rehabbing them and
repairing them, and what's that going to mean?
Three and a half years to repair these bridges it would take. They
would have to close off completely, just shutoff the bridges for ten
months of that. They would have to close the lanes at least, for an
additional 28 months when we just did some repair. The cost we're not
talking about is just those lane closures in terms of weeks versus
months cost 30 million dollars just when we did the last ones, that's
in commerce that's there.
So, this is a really a great need to address this, if we don't
replace those bridges they're going to have to be weight rated, so that
the truck containers that are on 46 tons usually, they couldn't go over
it, and the ferries that connect the islands couldn't get those
containers at that size onto the ferries. People wouldn't be able to do
this and there's other U.S. assets at stake here.
That is the only way that we connect the Joint Base Cape Cod in the
whole east coast of the United States, the PAVE PAWS missile system
detection. Our radar for the whole east coast and beyond is in that
base, Joint Base Cape Cod, they tracked the missiles that are there.
They look for the defense, they track the space launches, they track
the satellite movements that are there. They also have the 102nd
Intelligence Unit, doing 24/7 oversight over all our troop activities
and any nuclear activity worldwide, located there.
The National Guard that came to the Boston Marathon bombing was
there, able to be mobilized in that emergency. They would be cutoff,
and if we get a natural disaster, which we would in such a fragile area
that sticks as all coastal, we would be cutoff without an escape route
to deal with that. So, the Coast Guard is also housed in that same
facility that would be cutoff, and they do about 200 search and rescue
missions every year.
This is important in so many respects for the U.S. government's
responsibility, it does make it different, we do have to act and in
fairness to the Army Corps, this would be such a huge part of the
budget, we'll have to get creative, all of us and work together. We've
been working with a state government in that regard and they're
stepping up to the plate helping us with the U.S. asset.
I'd like to put in, if I could to the Committee allow, the Army
Corps Cape Cod Canal Highway Bridge in Bourne and the Sagamore Bridge's
official evaluation report. It's a long time coming, and this will say
the cost of not acting will cost more than the cost of acting. The cost
of doing nothing is greater than the cost of doing something.
I thank you for allowing me to speak.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you, sir. Thank you for your
testimony. We will enter it into the record. Thank you.
Does any member of the committee wish to question?
Thank you, and I would recognize our next witness, the
gentlewoman from Washington, Ms. Jayapal, for 5 minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. PRAMILA JAYAPAL, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
FROM THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
Ms. Jayapal. Thank you, Madam Chair. And thank you, members
of the committee. I appreciate the opportunity to share how the
2020 Water Resources Development Act reauthorization would
benefit the people and the economy of the country in the
context of the Seventh Congressional District in the State of
Washington.
My district is growing rapidly. It is booming with
innovation, with people, and with industry. It is a trade-
dependent State that I live in, the State of Washington, and so
our economy depends on keeping our region's cargo gateways
competitive, and building a strong maritime workforce, and
protecting vital ecosystems that ensure our precious ocean
species can thrive all at the same time. For that reason I come
to you with two elements that I am strongly urging the
committee to include in the WRDA authorization bill.
First, I represent the Port of Seattle. We believe it is
time to comprehensively reform the Harbor Maintenance Tax. The
HMT, as you all know, is the single largest source of Federal
funding for coastal ports and waterways. But unfortunately,
these funds are not going to their intended purpose. The HMT
collects more revenue from shippers than Congress has
appropriated to the Corps to maintain our harbors, with $9.3
billion in revenue sitting idle in the U.S. Treasury.
I applaud this committee's efforts to ensure annual HMT
revenues are fully spent through full utilization of the Harbor
Maintenance Trust Fund Act, which passed the House last year.
Fully using the tax is a no-brainer. However, right now,
donor ports like the Port of Seattle are contributing far more
to the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund than they receive back for
maintenance. If we only ensure full use without equitably
investing in donor and energy ports, while protecting emerging
ports and the Great Lakes, we do not fully address the unfair
system that is endangering the long-term health of our Nation's
cargo gateway infrastructure.
As an example of the current inequity, the six donor ports
identified in the 2014 WRRDA bill generated 53 percent of the
Harbor Maintenance Tax collections in 2017, but only received 3
percent in return--3 percent in return. That means that the
Ports of Seattle and Tacoma receive only pennies for every HMT
dollar generated. As a result, Puget Sound ports are losing out
on cargo revenue to nearby ports in Canada, as documented by
the Federal Maritime Commission.
Congress should pass comprehensive HMT reform legislation
that resolves the wide range of concerns that the Nation's
ports have about the HMT, and that should include dedicated
funding for donor ports to ensure that we receive a fair
return, and minimum floors to protect emerging ports and the
Great Lakes region.
Second, I hope to work with the committee to improve the
WRDA section 214 program, and further expedite reviews for
mitigation bank applicants seeking to sell credits to other
public entities. The section 214 program helps expedite the
Corps' review process, as local public entities mitigate for
impacts that their projects have on aquatic resources.
However, this expedited program is only currently available
to project sponsors in situations where a bank is used
exclusively by the sponsor to meet its own mitigation
requirements. If the sponsor sells any of the credits that it
generates to another public entity, the expedited process
cannot be used. Selling mitigation credits helps fund those
habitat projects, and enabling public entities to expedite the
approval process for mitigation banks will lead to the creation
of more habitat more quickly. These outcomes clearly serve a
public purpose, and we should allow public-sector sponsors,
specifically, to access that expedited process in these
situations.
For example, last summer the Port of Seattle submitted an
application to the Army Corps to establish a mitigation bank
that would create 85 acres of new habitat that will support the
recovery of Puget Sound's ESA-listed Chinook salmon and
Southern Resident killer whales. The port was told that it
would be 2 years before the Corps began its review of the
application, and probably 6 years until the review was
complete. This is too long to wait. Because it plans to sell
about 25 percent of the credits the bank will generate to other
public entities in order to generate review for additional
habitat development, the port cannot expedite its application
under section 214.
And so I am asking the committee to expand that expedited
section 214 review process for projects that serve the public
good.
In closing, Madam Chair, I commend the committee for
continuing Congress' track record of regularly updating water
legislation, and I look forward to working with you.
Thank you. I yield back.
[Ms. Jayapal's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Pramila Jayapal, a Representative in
Congress from the State of Washington
Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the opportunity to share how the 2020
Water Resources and Development Act reauthorization will benefit the
people and economy of the country in the context of my district.
Washington's 7th district is growing rapidly, booming with
innovation, people and industry. In a trade dependent state like ours,
our economy depends on keeping our region's cargo gateways competitive,
building a strong maritime workforce and protecting vital ecosystems
that ensure our precious ocean species can thrive all at the same time.
For that reason, I come to you with two elements that I strongly
urge the committee to include in its WRDA reauthorization bill.
First, it is time to comprehensively reform the Harbor Maintenance
Tax. The HMT is the single largest source of federal funding for
coastal ports and waterways. Unfortunately, these funds are not going
to their intended purpose. The HMT collects more revenue from shippers
than Congress has appropriated to the Corps to maintain our harbors,
with $9.3 billion in revenue sitting idle in the U.S. Treasury. I
applaud this Committee's efforts to ensure annual HMT revenues are
fully spent, through the Full Utilization of the Harbor Maintenance
Trust Fund Act, which passed the House last year.
Fully using the tax is a no brainer. However, right now, donor
ports like Seattle are contributing far more to the Harbor Maintenance
Trust Fund than they receive back for maintenance. If we only ensure
full use without equitably investing in Donor and Energy Ports, while
protecting emerging ports and the Great Lakes, we will not fully
address the unfair system that is endangering the long-term health of
our nation's cargo gateway infrastructure.
As an example of the current inequity, the six donor ports
identified in the 2014 WRDA bill generated 53% of HMT collections in
2017 but received only 3% in return. That means that the ports of
Seattle and Tacoma receive only pennies for every HMT dollar generated.
As a result, Puget Sound ports are losing out on cargo revenue to
nearby ports in Canada, as documented by the Federal Maritime
Commission.
Congress should pass comprehensive HMT reform legislation that
resolves the wide range of concerns the nation's ports have about the
HMT. This should include dedicating funding for donor ports to ensure
they receive a fair return and minimum floors to protect emerging ports
and the Great Lakes region.
Second, I hope to work with the Committee to improve the WRDA
Section 214 program and further expedite reviews for mitigation bank
applicants seeking to sell credits to other entities. The Section 214
program helps expedite the Corps' review process as local public
entities mitigate for impacts their projects have on aquatic resources.
However, this expedited program is only available to project sponsors
in situations where a bank is used exclusively by the sponsor to meet
its own mitigation requirements. If the sponsor sells any of the
credits it generates to another entity, the expedited process cannot be
used. Selling mitigation credits helps fund habitat projects, and
enabling public entities to expedite the approval process for
mitigation banks will lead to the creation of more habitat more
quickly. These outcomes clearly serve a public purpose, and we should
allow public-sector sponsors to access the expedited process in these
situations.
For example, last summer the Port of Seattle submitted an
application to the Army Corps to establish a mitigation bank that would
create 85 acres of new habitat that will support the recovery of Puget
Sound's ESA-listed Chinook salmon and Southern Resident Killer Whales.
The Port was told it would be two years before the Corps began its
review of the application and probably six years until the review is
complete. This is too long to wait. Because it plans to sell about 25
percent of the credits the bank will generate to other entities in
order to generate revenue for additional habitat development, the Port
cannot expedite its application under Section 214. I hope to work with
the Committee to fix this issue and expand the expedited Section 214
review process for projects that serve the public good.
In closing, I commend this committee for continuing Congress' track
record of regularly updating WRDA legislation that is essential to
preserve our economy, protect our communities and maintain our quality
of life. I look forward to working with you to ensure an equitable and
fair use of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund and to protect our vital
ecosystems through reforms to WRDA's Section 214 program.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you very much for your testimony.
And does any member of the committee wish to question?
No?
Thank you very much. I now recognize our next witness, the
gentleman from Texas, Mr. Vela.
TESTIMONY OF HON. FILEMON VELA, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
FROM THE STATE OF TEXAS
Mr. Vela. Chairwoman Napolitano and Ranking Member
Westerman, thank you for giving me the opportunity today to
testify about water projects in my district.
Chairwoman Napolitano, thank you for your past support on
all these districts and your hometown. I was just thinking it
is too bad you left, but then I am glad you did, because
otherwise you would probably be sitting here instead of me.
But in any event, I request that my full written statement
be included in the record.
As you prepare to draft legislation to authorize the Water
Resources Development Act, I wanted to bring your attention to
some critical flood control needs in the Rio Grande Valley of
Texas.
In just the past 2 years, south Texas has suffered
catastrophic flooding, causing tens of millions of dollars in
damage on more than one occasion. In June 2018, storms brought
a year's worth of rainfall to the Rio Grande Valley in just a
few hours, resulting in massive flooding and over $60 million
in infrastructure damage. In June 2019, the Rio Grande Valley
again experienced record rainfall and flooding.
To help address these flooding concerns, it is critical
that the Raymondville Drain project move forward. Once
constructed, the 63-mile drainage system will provide
stormwater management on a regional basis, and ultimately
contribute to improvements to the watershed in the four-county
region. I urge you to include language in your legislation to
authorize construction of the project.
It is also vital for our region to fully understand the
entire watershed, and take action to address flooding and
stormwater issues throughout. The ASA's office is currently
reviewing a proposal for just such a regional approach for
inclusion in the section 7001 report.
The Lower Rio Grande Valley watershed feasibility study
proposal was submitted by Cameron County in August, with the
support of many local entities, including the Lower Rio Grande
Valley Development Council, Hidalgo County, Willacy County, and
a number of cities in Cameron County. I urge you to include
authorization language for this important study in the upcoming
WRDA legislation.
Addressing flood control issues is important throughout the
United States, but areas of persistent poverty in our Nation,
like the Rio Grande Valley, lack the resources of many other
communities to fund critical infrastructure projects. And all
too often areas with high poverty rates are prone to flooding.
I urge you to include language in your bill for the Army Corps
to account for these issues when determining feasibility, and
to help flood-prone, low-income areas fund projects to increase
resiliency and prevent flood damage.
Thank you again for giving me this opportunity to testify
about some of these critical water issues, and I appreciate you
all having me here.
[Mr. Vela's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Filemon Vela, a Representative in Congress
from the State of Texas
Chairman DeFazio, Ranking Member Graves, Chairwoman Napolitano, and
Ranking Member Westerman, thank you for giving me the opportunity today
to testify about water projects in my district.
As you prepare to draft legislation to reauthorize the Water
Resources Development Act (WRDA), I wanted to bring to your attention
some critical flood control needs in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.
In just the past two years, South Texas has suffered catastrophic
flooding, causing tens of millions of dollars in damage on more than
one occasion. In June 2018, storms brought a year's worth of rainfall
to the Rio Grande Valley in just a few hours, resulting in massive
flooding and over $60 million in infrastructure damage. In June 2019,
the Rio Grande Valley again experienced record rainfall and flooding.
While the United States is one of the richest countries in the
world, pockets of persistent poverty exist. Sadly, financial hardship
and poverty in these regions are exacerbated by severe weather and
flooding. The Rio Grande Valley is one of these areas.
To help address these flooding concerns, it is critical that the
Raymondville Drain project moves forward. It is also vital to
understand the watershed of our entire area and what is required to
avoid future flood events, and we must work to allocate needed
resources to fund flood control infrastructure to prevent flooding that
threatens the lives and livelihoods of Americans, especially those in
areas of persistent poverty.
Raymondville Drain Project
The Raymondville Drain project was previously authorized in WRDA
1986 and updated in WRDA 2007. Once constructed, this project will
provide storm water management on a regional basis and ultimately
contribute to improvements to watersheds of three Texas counties. The
project will add a new channel that connects to existing channels,
widen existing channels, and make additional improvements to the
approximate 63-mile drainage system of in-line and off-line detention,
reservoirs, and control structures from Edinburg Lake in Hidalgo County
to the Laguna Madre in Willacy County.
The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works is currently
reviewing the Raymondville Drain Section 203 Submittal. I understand
that the submittal is expected to be delivered to the Committee as a
Favorable Decision Document and will be a recommended project for
Construction Authorization, so I urge you to include language in your
legislation to authorize construction of the project.
Lower Rio Grande Valley Watershed Feasibility Study
Not only is construction of the Raymondville Drain project vital to
flood control in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, but the region needs to
fully understand the entire watershed and take action to address
flooding and stormwater issues.
In August, Cameron County submitted a proposal to the Army Corps of
Engineers for a Lower Rio Grande Valley Watershed Feasibility Study.
The ASA's office is currently reviewing the project submittal for
inclusion in the Section 7001 report that is due to Congress next
month. I urge you to include authorization language for this project in
the upcoming WRDA legislation.
Impoverished Community Flood Risk Management, Resiliency, and
Sustainability Equity
Studying flood control needs and producing plans to address these
issues is important for areas throughout the United States, but
impoverished regions of our nation, like the Rio Grande Valley, lack
the resources of many other communities to fund critical infrastructure
projects; and all too often areas with high poverty rates are prone to
flooding. I urge you to include language in your bill for the Army
Corps to account for these issues when determining feasibility and to
help flood-prone, low-income areas fund projects to increase resiliency
and prevent flood damage.
Beach Nourishment
Not only is support for risk management in local watersheds
critical to the resiliency of communities like mine, but maintaining
our beaches on barrier islands is also important to avoid damage both
to the islands themselves as well as the mainland. I appreciate the
work of this committee and the Army Corps to help renourish local
beaches with materials dredged from navigation projects. I urge you to
continue this support and encourage the Army Corps to look for even
more approaches to ensure the most efficient and effective ways to move
dredge material to support the beaches.
Thank you again for giving me this opportunity to testify about
some of the most critical water issues in my district.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you for your testimony, and your
testimony will be included in the record, as was stated before.
Does any Member have a question?
None. Thank you.
As we await additional Members, I will call a recess for 5
minutes until the Members arrive.
[Recess.]
Mrs. Napolitano. I call the hearing back to order. I wish
to recognize Ms. Barragan from California for 5 minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. NANETTE DIAZ BARRAGAN, A REPRESENTATIVE IN
CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Ms. Barragan. Thank you, Chairwoman Napolitano, for
providing this opportunity today. The work of the Army Corps of
Engineers to protect against flooding, sea-level rise, and
improved water quality is critical for coastal States and
coastal communities. There are five priorities that I want to
bring to your attention for inclusion in the Water Resources
Development Act.
My district's Port of Los Angeles is America's busiest port
by container volume. It is an economic catalyst for the region
and the country. The port would like to see the reforms on how
the Harbor Maintenance Tax funds are allocated and used.
I am grateful to committee chair Mr. DeFazio's leadership
with his bill, H.R. 2440, the Full Utilization of the Harbor
Maintenance Trust Fund Act. This allows for full use of the
trust fund, which is a positive step for ports infrastructure
investment. However, there are additional reforms needed to
address maintenance at our ports.
First, donor ports like the Los Angeles and Long Beach
ports need to be permanently recognized as donor ports, and
receive a minimum of 10 percent of the revenues they generate
for the trust fund. In 2019 the Port of Los Angeles contributed
$206.6 million in revenue to the fund, yet received only $5.85
million back. That is less than 2 percent, and a local loss of
more than $200 million.
Second, we need an expansion of the eligibility criteria
for Highway Maintenance Trust Fund expenditures to include in
water infrastructure. Currently, the Port of Los Angeles needs
nearly $134 million in concrete and corrosion repairs on decks,
beams, and mooring bitts at our wharfs. Additionally, the port
needs to fortify against seismic activity. Expanding the
eligibility criteria can help ensure these critical projects
move forward.
In addition to the needs of the port, there are three
broader policy considerations I am asking for the committee's
assistance to incorporate into WRDA.
First, underserved communities often need Federal
assistance to conduct flood and storm damage reduction
feasibility studies. Congress, through WRDA, should waive the
non-Federal cost share to lower the barrier for these
communities to evaluate their flood risks. This would make it
easier for these communities to develop both traditional and
natural infrastructure solutions.
Second, I would like authorization for the Los Angeles Army
Corps to assess the impact of sea-level rise and stronger
storms off the coast of southern California on our flood
control infrastructure. Providing this authority is critical,
since it can affect planning for future projects and identify
new areas of need.
And finally, there is a need for Congress to clarify
through WRDA that natural infrastructure projects such as
coastal wetlands should receive the same non-Federal cost share
requirement as nonstructural projects, which is capped at 35
percent. This would eliminate the risk of unfairly burdening
non-Federal sponsors for green infrastructure alternatives,
which can bring the cobenefits of increasing resilience from
flooding and avoiding environmental harm.
Thank you again for the opportunity to speak and to testify
here today. I look forward to working with the subcommittee and
your leadership to advance our priorities. Thank you.
[Ms. Barragan's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Nanette Diaz Barragan, a Representative in
Congress from the State of California
Thank you, Chairwoman Napolitano, for providing this opportunity
today. The work of the Army Corps of Engineers to protect against
flooding, sea level rise, and improve water quality is critical for
coastal states and coastal communities.
There are five priorities that I want to bring to your attention
for inclusion in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA).
My district's Port of Los Angeles is America's busiest port by
container volume. It is an economic catalyst for the region and the
country. The port would like to see reforms on how the Harbor
Maintenance tax funds are allocated and used.
I am grateful to Committee Chair DeFazio's leadership with his
bill, H.R. 2440, the Full Utilization of the Harbor Maintenance Trust
Fund Act. This allows for full use of the trust fund, which is a
positive step for ports infrastructure investment. However, there are
additional reforms needed to address maintenance at our ports.
First, donor ports like the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports, need
to be permanently recognized as donor ports, and receive a minimum of
10% of the revenues they generate for the trust fund. In 2019, the Port
of Los Angeles contributed $206.6 million in revenue to the fund yet
received only $5.85 million back. That's less than 2 percent and a
local loss of more than $200 million.
Second, we need an expansion of the eligibility criteria for
Highway Maintenance Trust fund expenditures to include in-water
infrastructure. Currently, the Port of Los Angeles needs nearly $134
million in concrete and corrosion repairs on decks, beams, and mooring
bitts at our wharfs. Additionally, the port needs to fortify against
seismic activity. Expanding the eligibility criteria can help ensure
these critical projects move forward.
In addition to the needs of the port, there are three broader
policy considerations I am asking for the subcommittee's assistance to
incorporate into WRDA:
First, underserved communities often need federal assistance to
conduct flood and storm damage reduction feasibility studies. Congress,
through WRDA, should waive the non-federal cost share to lower the
barrier for these communities to evaluate their flood risk. This would
make it easier for these communities to develop both traditional and
natural infrastructure solutions.
Second, I would like authorization for the Los Angeles Army Corps
to assess the impact of sea level rise and stronger storms off the
coast of Southern California on our flood control infrastructure.
Providing this authority is critical, since it can affect planning for
future projects and identify new areas of need.
And, finally, there is a need for Congress to clarify through WRDA
that natural infrastructure projects, such as coastal wetlands, should
receive the same non-federal cost share requirement as nonstructural
projects, which is capped at 35%. This would eliminate the risk of
unfairly burdening non-federal sponsors for green infrastructure
alternatives, which can bring the cobenefits of increasing resilience
from flooding and avoiding environmental harm.
Thank you again for the opportunity to testify. I look forward to
working with the subcommittee to advance our priorities.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you very much for your testimony.
And does any Member have questions?
Seeing none, I would like to recognize our next witness,
Ms. Kaptur from Ohio, for 5 minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. MARCY KAPTUR, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
FROM THE STATE OF OHIO
Ms. Kaptur. Thank you, Chairwoman Napolitano and Ranking
Member Westerman, for this great opportunity, and for your
fantastic leadership. I appreciate the opportunity to be here
today to discuss issues of great importance to the Great Lakes
region, and there are three I will focus on: one dealing with
invasive species; the Brandon Road Lock and Dam; and finally,
open lake disposal.
First of all, on the Brandon Road Lock and Dam, the
invasive, voracious bighead carp has placed the Great Lakes
fishery, valued at over $7 billion, in jeopardy. Lake Erie, the
southernmost of the lakes, contains more fish than all the
other lakes combined. The Asian bighead carp are on the
doorstep of the Great Lakes. And unless we act quickly, Asian
carp biomass could make up 30 percent of the total fish biomass
in Lake Erie. Asian carp have been found just 9 miles from Lake
Michigan. And the Chicago Area Waterway System is a crucial
choke point. And the only way to win this fight is to
strengthen defenses at Brandon Road Lock and Dam near Joliet,
Illinois.
The Great Lakes are united in support of this project.
Governors from New York, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota,
Michigan, and Pennsylvania passed a resolution indicating that
these States will support the State of Illinois in its non-
Federal sponsorship role of Brandon Road.
The Water Resource Development Act of 2020 presents an
opportunity to amend the authorization for the project, and to
increase the Federal cost share for the program as a project of
national priority. And I would urge the committee's
consideration to authorize the project as outlined in the
Chief's Report, and increase the Federal cost share to 90
percent.
The Great Lakes Task Force, a bipartisan and bicameral
coalition of Members, completely supports this project.
Number two, in terms of harmful algal bloom projects, the
Army Corps of Engineers is a crucial partner in the national
fight against increasingly large harmful algal blooms that
plague our lakes. Corps scientists and engineers bring to bear
a unique skill for helping communities confront the devastating
impacts of HABs. With management of resources across our
country and knowledge of waterflow design and engineering
solutions, the Corps is a key partner in the HAB response and
control, and it plays an essential role in raising awareness of
HAB events to the public.
And I would urge your committee to explicitly acknowledge
the ongoing work of the Corps to test and model HAB controls,
and encourage continued interagency cooperation under the
Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act.
I represent the mouth of the Maumee River, the largest
river that flows into the Great Lakes, and it drains the
largest watershed in any of the Great Lakes. The massive
sediment and nutrient flow from the vast agricultural
watershed, along with increased rainfall, has created an
annually recurring increasing HAB that threatens the economic
and ecological diversity of Lake Erie. The problem continues to
worsen. And if you look at the Chesapeake Bay, or the
Everglades, and other major water management challenges, we fit
that category.
And finally, in terms of open lake disposal, in 2015, Ohio
banned open lake disposal of its dredged material, and this
created a long-term challenge to maintaining Ohio's ports,
particularly small ports. And we have the opportunity with WRDA
2020 to come together to create a long-term solution to update
the Federal budgeting standard for ports affected by this issue
to prevent the closure of some of Ohio's smaller ports.
The Federal standard seeks to identify the method of
sediment disposal which is of least cost to the Federal
Government. However, this does not take into consideration
State laws that ban open lake disposal when considering funding
decisions for Ohio's federally maintained harbors. Ohio has
committed significant State resources to build increased
combined disposal facilities and to address the backlog, and
created a $172 million program called H2Ohio, aiming to assist
with water quality issues, and has been used to build new
capacity at ports to dispose of material on land, and help the
ports manage their dredge material.
In closing, the Federal Government has a 100-percent
Federal share for managing these harbors, and this standard
should not change. However, if Ohio wants to ban open lake
disposal, the Corps should be allowed to budget above that
standard with a State match.
In conclusion, I look forward to working with the committee
on these issues of great importance to the Great Lakes region,
and I thank you so very much for the opportunity to testify.
[Ms. Kaptur's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Marcy Kaptur, a Representative in Congress
from the State of Ohio
Thank you, Chairwoman Napolitano and Ranking Member Westerman. I
appreciate the opportunity to be here today and discuss issues of great
importance to the Great Lakes region and northwestern Ohio.
Brandon Road Lock and Dam
The voracious bighead carp has placed the Great Lakes fishery in
jeopardy. The carp are on the doorstep of the Great Lakes and unless we
act quickly. Asian carp biomass could make up 30% of the total fish
biomass in Lake Erie. Carp have been found just 9 miles from Lake
Michigan. The Chicago Area Waterways system is a crucial choke point
and the only way to win this fight is to strengthen defenses the
Brandon Road Lock and Dam near Joliet, Illinois. The Great Lakes are
united in support of this project. Governors from New York, Indiana,
Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan and Pennsylvania passed a resolution
indicating that these states will support the State of Illinois in its
non-federal sponsorship role of Brandon Road. The Water Resources
Development Act of 2020 (WRDA) presents an opportunity to amend the
authorization for the project and to increase the federal cost share
for the program. As a project of national priority, the committee
should authorize the project as outlined in the Chief's Report and
increase the federal cost share to 90 percent.
The Great Lakes Task Force, a bipartisan and bicameral coalition of
members, supports the project, and will likely weigh in with specific
recommendations.
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
Harmful Algal Bloom Projects
The Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) is a crucial partner in the
national fight against harmful algal blooms (HABs). Corps scientists
and engineers bring to bear a unique skillset for helping communities
confront the devastating impacts of HAB's. With management of resources
across the country, and knowledge of water flow design and engineering
solutions, the Corps is a key partner in the HAB response and control.
The Corps plays an essential role in raising awareness of HAB events to
the general public, and leads in innovation in HAB prevention,
mitigation, and control. This committee should explicitly acknowledge
the ongoing work of the Corps to test and model HAB controls and
encourage continued interagency cooperation under the Harmful Algal
Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act (HABARCA).
I represent the mouth of the Maumee River, which is the largest
watershed of any of the Great Lakes. The massive sediment and nutrient
flow has created an annually recurring HAB that threatens the economic
and ecological diversity of Lake Erie. The problem continues to worsen,
with 2019 marking the 5th largest HAB since 2002. In 2014, the Toledo
drinking water crisis plagued half a million people with the inability
to use their tap water, which required the Ohio National Guard to
ensure residents had potable water.
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
Open Lake Disposal
In 2015, Ohio banned open lake disposal of its dredged material.
This created a long-term challenge to maintaining Ohio's ports,
particularly small ports. We have the opportunity with WRDA 2020 to
come together to create a long-term solution. I believe we must update
the federal budgeting standard for ports affected by this issue to
prevent the closure of some of Ohio's smaller ports.
The federal standard seeks to find identify the method of sediment
disposal which is of the least cost to the federal government, but does
not take into consideration of state law banning open lake disposal
when considering funding decisions for Ohio's federally-maintained
harbors.
Ohio has committed significant state resources to build increased
combined disposal facilities and to address the backlog. Ohio created a
$172 million program called H2Ohio, which is meant to assist with water
quality issues and has been used to build new capacity at ports to
dispose of material on land and to help the ports manage their dredged
material.
Rightfully so, the federal government has a 100 percent federal
share for managing these harbors. This standard should not change.
However, if Ohio wants to ban open lake disposal, the Corps should be
allowed to budget above that standard with a state match.
In conclusion, I look forward to working with the Committee on
these issues of great importance to the Great Lakes region and
northwestern Ohio.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you for your testimony, Ms. Kaptur.
Does any Member have any question?
None. I thank you very much, and I would like to recognize
the next witness, a gentleman from New York, Mr. Morelle, for 5
minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. JOSEPH D. MORELLE, A REPRESENTATIVE IN
CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF NEW YORK
Mr. Morelle. Thank you, Madam Chair, to you, the ranking
member, and members of the committee for holding this hearing.
When it comes to the integrity of our Nation's water
infrastructure, Americans living along the shores of our
Nation's five Great Lakes know all too well the importance of
quality investments. For years, we have experienced an uptick
in severe and costly flooding, which hammers communities like
mine on the southern shore of Lake Ontario. We can no longer
afford to wait and see if yet again our shores will flood. It
is time to take the necessary steps to invest in preparation,
and protect our communities.
I am grateful to this committee for taking up the mantle to
authorize the Water Resources Development Act. I also
appreciate this opportunity to share just how important high-
quality and sustainable water infrastructure is to my district
of Rochester, New York, as well as all communities living along
the shores of the Great Lakes or within the Great Lakes Basin.
Often referred to as our Nation's fourth sea coast, the
power and expanse of the Great Lakes is no mystery to those
living along her shores. Spanning a total surface area of
nearly 95,000 square miles, and accounting for more than 20
percent of the world's surface freshwater, the Great Lakes have
inspired explorers, environmentalists, and artists from near
and far for generations.
But with the sense of awe comes a level of respect for the
raw power of these natural wonders. As residents of the
southern shore of Lake Ontario, my constituents know that it
can be challenging to live in tandem with the Great Lakes,
especially as increased climate instability leads to spikes in
severe weather patterns, rising sea levels, and destroyed
ecosystems. As natural disasters increase in frequency, our
communities pay the price through destroyed infrastructure and
economic instability.
With 100 miles of shoreline that fronts directly on Lake
Ontario or nearby bays, rivers, and streams, my district is
regularly impacted by lake fluctuations, and we are
experiencing more severe floodwaters that erode beaches,
devastate family homes, and cripple lakeside businesses.
In 2017, a major disaster declaration was declared in eight
New York counties, due to severe flooding along the shore of
Lake Ontario. This extensive flooding cost the State of New
York $100 million in recovery funding. Again in 2019 we saw
record-high water levels leading to a state of emergency
declaration by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.
According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the water
level on Lake Ontario is currently 246.42 feet, nearly 2 feet
above the average level for this time of year. Such extremes
foreshadow yet another year of unprecedented water levels in
the spring, and my community will again face severe, if not
record, flooding.
While my colleagues along the southern shore and I continue
to push for maximum outflows of water through the Moses-
Saunders Dam in order to lower the lake levels ahead of spring
flooding, we are troubled by the International Joint
Commission's Plan 2014, and recently heard that outflows will
decrease come April 1. We will not cease our efforts to lower
lake levels, but we cannot afford to wait for the IJC to
prioritize the livelihood of our constituents. And so we turn
to preparation and response.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is a key asset of our
region when it comes to preparing and responding to flooding
incidents, and it is critical that we not only reauthorize the
U.S. Army Corps, but ensure the continuation of projects
related to flood protection and control, and the ecosystem
restoration.
Additionally, we must authorize new Army Corps studies and
projects that will help communities enact plans to become
sustainable and resilient against future disasters. As you
assess new Army Corps studies, I ask that the committee
consider the Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study, a proposal
supported by 29 Members of the House whose districts border the
Great Lakes. The proposal, outlined in H.R. 4032, would allow
the Army Corps of Engineers to partner with the eight Great
Lakes States on assessing threats and resiliency measures for
coastal communities. The study will help to ensure we are
utilizing resources efficiently and effectively to better
protect our communities from future storms. As so many
communities throughout the country face devastation from
natural disasters, which often hit the same region year after
year with worsening impacts, we can no longer afford to react
in the aftermath of destruction. We must take preventative
measures and strong investments through the WRDA
reauthorization. And that is a great place to start.
So I want to thank you, Chairwoman Napolitano, Chairman
DeFazio, and the ranking member for starting this process, and
for the opportunity to come to speak here today. I look forward
to following the committee's work as you begin to reauthorize
WRDA, and hope we can find common ground to help communities
along the Great Lakes access high-quality and sustainable water
infrastructure. Thank you for your time.
[Mr. Morelle's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Joseph D. Morelle, a Representative in
Congress from the State of New York
When it comes to the integrity of our nation's water
infrastructure, Americans living along the shores of our nation's five
Great Lakes know all too well the importance of quality investments.
For years, we have experienced an uptick in severe and costly
flooding, which hammers communities like mine on the Southern shore of
Lake Ontario. We can no longer afford to wait and see if, yet again,
our shores will flood. It is time to take the necessary steps to invest
in preparation and protect our communities. I am grateful to this
Committee for taking up the mantle to reauthorize the Water Resources
and Development Act (WRDA). I also appreciate this opportunity to share
just how important high quality and sustainable water infrastructure is
to my district of Rochester, NY, as well as all communities living
along the shores of the Great Lakes, or within the Great Lakes Basin.
Often referred to as our nation's fourth seacoast, the power and
expanse of the Great Lakes is no mystery to those living along her
shores. Spanning a total surface area of nearly 95,000 square miles,
and accounting for more than 20 percent of the world's surface
freshwater, the Great Lakes have inspired explorers, environmentalists,
and artists from near and far for generations. But with the sense of
awe, comes a level of respect for the raw power of these natural
wonders.
As residents of the Southern shore of Lake Ontario, my constituents
know that it can be challenging to live in tandem with the Great Lakes,
especially as increased climate instability leads to spikes in severe
weather patterns, rising sea levels, and destroyed ecosystems. As
natural disasters increase in frequency, our communities pay the price
through destroyed infrastructure and economic instability.
With 100 miles of shoreline that fronts directly on Lake Ontario or
nearby bays, rivers, and streams, my district is regularly impacted by
lake fluctuations and we are experiencing more severe flood waters that
erode beaches, devastate family homes, and cripple lakeside businesses.
In 2017, a major disaster declaration was declared in eight New
York counties due to severe flooding along the shore of Lake Ontario.
The extensive flooding cost the state of New York $100 million in
recovery funding.
Again in 2019, we saw record high water levels leading to a State
of Emergency declaration by Governor Cuomo.
According to the US Army Corps of Engineers, the water level on
Lake Ontario is currently 246.42 ft, nearly two feet above the average
level.
Such extremes foreshadow yet another year of unprecedented water
levels in the spring, and my community will again face severe flooding.
While my colleagues along the southern shore and I continue to push
for maximum outflows of water through the Moses-Saunders Dam in order
to lower the lake levels ahead of spring flooding, we are at odds with
the International Joint Commission's (IJC) Plan 2014 and recently heard
that outflows will decrease come April 1.
We will not cease our efforts to lower lake levels, but we cannot
afford to wait for the IJC to prioritize the livelihood of our
constituents. And so, we turn to preparation and response.
The US Army Corps of Engineers is a key asset to our region when it
comes to preparing and responding to flooding incidents, and it is
critical that we not only reauthorize the Army Corps, but ensure the
continuation of projects related to flood protection and control, and
ecosystem restoration. Additionally, we must authorize new Army Corp
studies and projects that will help communities enact plans to become
sustainable and resilient against future disasters.
As you assess new Army Corp studies, I ask that the committee
consider the Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study, a proposal supported
by 29 Members whose districts border the Great Lakes. The proposal--
outlined in HR 4032--would allow the Army Corps of Engineers to partner
with the eight Great Lakes states on assessing threats and resiliency
measures for coastal communities. This study would help ensure we are
utilizing resources efficiently and effectively to better protect our
communities from future storms.
As so many communities throughout the country face devastation from
natural disasters--which often hit the same region year, after year
with worsening impacts--we can no longer afford to react in the
aftermath of destruction. We must take preventative measures, and
strong investments through the WRDA reauthorization are a great place
to start.
Thank you, Chairman DeFazio, for starting this process and for the
opportunity to come speak here today. I look forward to following this
committees work as you begin to reauthorize WRDA and hope we can find
common ground to help communities along the Great Lakes access high
quality and sustainable water infrastructure.
Thank you.
Mrs. Napolitano. Sir, thank you for your testimony.
And does any Member have a question?
No. Thank you very much.
I would like to recognize our next witness, the gentleman
from Washington, Mr. Kilmer. You are recognized for 5 minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. DEREK KILMER, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
FROM THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
Mr. Kilmer. Thank you, Madam Chair and Ranking Member
Westerman, for holding this hearing to solicit input from
Members as you work to draft the next WRDA.
There are countless priorities I would like to cover, but
since I only have 5 minutes I would like to focus on three that
I think are pretty important.
First, I want to thank you for making coastal and climate
resilience one of your key infrastructure priorities. As you
know, I represent Washington State's Sixth Congressional
District, which includes the furthest northwestern part of the
contiguous United States. In my neck of the woods, climate
change is no longer a threat, it is a reality. Folks are
already experiencing the consequences of climate change, from
rising sea levels to more frequent and severe storms which are
costing our communities and costing livelihoods.
In my district there are four coastal Native American
Tribes that are actively working to move their communities to
higher ground, because the places they have called home since
time immemorial are no longer habitable. There are cities like
Ocean Shores and Hoquiam that are trying to invest in resilient
infrastructure to end the annual cycle of road washouts and
seawall failures. But these communities need technical
assistance and resources to adapt to the changing climate. And
unfortunately, there are very few Federal programs designed to
assist with that work. And what little Federal support is
available often can't be accessed until a disaster has already
happened.
As we continue to see more communities grapple with the
impacts of climate change, the Federal Government needs to
invest in dedicated resources and technical assistance to
support these efforts. The Army Corps of Engineers has the
expertise to assist these communities, but they need the
funding, and they need the authority to be able to play an
active role in resilience planning.
As you begin drafting this WRDA, I strongly urge you to
include new funding and authorities that will allow the Army
Corps to assist communities that are working to proactively
invest in resilience. The Corps is uniquely positioned to
provide the resources that underresourced communities
desperately need to begin addressing the climate impacts they
are experiencing already today, and to plan for the future. As
a member of the Energy and Water Development Subcommittee of
the Appropriations Committee, I look forward to working with
your committee to develop a coordinated strategy that will
provide the Corps with both the authorities and funding
necessary to fulfill this critical role.
The second issue: I would strongly encourage the committee
to expand the Army Corps' existing section 214 authority to
allow non-Federal public entities, including public ports, to
contribute funds to support the review and approval of new
mitigation banks.
In the Pacific Northwest, mitigation banks play a key role
in ensuring that we can continue to invest in working
waterfronts, while also restoring the critical habitat that our
iconic species, including salmon and orca, rely on.
Unfortunately, the Corps' regulatory branch is significantly
underresourced, which has led to years-long delays in the
approval of new mitigation banks in our region.
As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I fought to
increase funding for regulatory staff, but there is still a
significant gap to fill. This small expansion of the existing
section 214 authority would allow the Corps to expedite the
review of new mitigation bank applications without sacrificing
resources from other key regulatory programs. Given the
significant public benefit provided by these mitigation banks,
it would be a true win-win.
Finally, I would like to end by expressing my strong
support for the Harbor Maintenance Tax reform that ensures full
use of these funds, and modernizes the allocation of funds to
fairly address the needs of all ports. I want to thank Chairman
DeFazio for his tireless leadership on this critical issue,
while working to balance the interests of all ports.
Madam Chair, Ranking Member Westerman, we have a fantastic
opportunity to make critical changes in WRDA to empower the
Corps and make great strides to build resilient communities,
restore and protect critical habitat, and enable our working
shorelines to keep up with the ever-increasing threat that
climate change is posing to people of the State of Washington.
So thank you very much.
[Mr. Kilmer's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Derek Kilmer, a Representative in Congress
from the State of Washington
Thank you, Chairman DeFazio.
I want to start by thanking you and Ranking Member Graves for
holding this hearing to solicit input from Members as you work to draft
the next Water Resources Development Act.
I also want to thank you for making coastal and climate resilience
one of your key infrastructure priorities.
As you know, I represent Washington's sixth congressional district,
which includes the furthest northwestern part of the contiguous United
States.
In my neck of the woods, climate change is no longer a threat, it's
reality.
Folks are already experiencing the consequences of climate change--
from rising sea levels, to more frequent and severe storms--which are
costing our communities their livelihoods.
In my district, there are four coastal Native American tribes who
are actively working to move their communities to higher ground because
the places they've called home since time immemorial are no longer
habitable.
And there are cities like Ocean Shores and Hoquiam that are trying
to invest in resilient infrastructure to end the annual cycle of road
washouts and sea wall failures.
But these communities need technical assistance and resources to
adapt to their changing climate--and unfortunately, there are few
federal programs designed to assist with this work.
And what little federal support is available often can't be
accessed until a disaster has already happened.
As we continue to see more communities grapple with the impacts of
climate change, the federal government needs to invest in dedicated
resources and technical assistance to support these efforts.
The Army Corps of Engineers has the expertise to assist these
communities--but they need the funding and authority to be able to play
an active role in resilience planning.
As you begin drafting this WRDA, I strongly urge you to include new
funding and authorities that will allow the Army Corps to assist
communities that are working to proactively invest in resilience.
The Corps is uniquely positioned to provide the resources that
under-resourced communities desperately need to begin addressing the
climate impacts they're experiencing today and to plan for the future.
As a Member of the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee--I
look forward to working with the Committee to develop a coordinated
strategy that will provide the Corps with both the authorities and
funding necessary to fulfill this critical role.
In addition to bolstering the Corps' ability to support climate
adaptation, I would also strongly encourage the Committee to expand the
Army Corps' existing Section 214 authority to allow non-Federal public
entities--including public ports--to contribute funds to support the
review and approval of new mitigation banks.
In the Pacific Northwest, mitigation banks play a key role in
ensuring that we can continue to invest in our working waterfronts
while also restoring the critical habitat that our iconic species--
including salmon and orca--rely on.
Unfortunately, the Corps' Regulatory Branch is significantly under-
resourced, which has led to years-long delays in the approval of new
mitigation banks in our region.
As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I've fought to
increase funding for regulatory staff--but there's still a significant
gap to fill.
This small expansion of the existing Sec. 214 authority would allow
the Corps to expedite the review of new mitigation bank applications,
without sacrificing resources from other key regulatory programs.
Given the significant public benefit provided by these mitigation
banks, it would be a true win-win.
Finally, I'd like to end by expressing my strong support for Harbor
Maintenance Tax reform that ensures full use of these funds and
modernizes the allocation of funds to fairly address the needs of all
ports.
I want to thank Chairman DeFazio for his tireless leadership on
this critical issue while working to balance the interests of all
ports.
Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Graves--we have a fantastic
opportunity to make critical changes in WRDA to empower the Corps and
make great strides to build resilient communities, restore and protect
critical habitat, and enable our working shorelines to keep up with the
ever-increasing threat that climate change is posing to Washingtonians.
Thank you.
Mrs. Napolitano. Well, thank you for your testimony, sir.
Does any Member have a question?
Seeing none, thank you very much.
I would now like to recognize our next witness, the
gentleman from Oregon, Mr. Schrader, for 5 minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. KURT SCHRADER, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
FROM THE STATE OF OREGON
Mr. Schrader. Thank you very much, Madam Chair, Ranking
Member Westerman, and the rest of the Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee members for hosting this opportunity
for Members.
The success that WRDA has had during these divided times is
a testament to the committee's willingness to work across the
aisle. And I hope that work will be just as successful for WRDA
2020.
My number-one priority is the reconstruction of the south
jetty into Tillamook Bay, the lifeline for the north central
coast communities.
The north and south jetties started construction in 1913,
and have grown over the decades to fight against the crushing
impact of the Pacific Ocean. In 2010, the Army Corps
rehabilitated the north jetty to its current length of 5,213
feet. During this work they made key repairs and added to the
structure so that it could actually survive the onslaught of
these North Pacific waves.
However, the south jetty was not included in that
rehabilitation, and over the past 10 years has eroded
considerably. It now poses an extreme danger to the community,
our fishing fleet, and recreational boaters, as they try to
enter and exit the bay. The Coast Guard and Army Corps Portland
District both recognize the danger. I hear it every time I meet
with them.
It only costs us more money in the long run if we don't fix
it now. The failure of the south jetty will severely impact the
lifespan of the north jetty, which we just finished. And if the
jetty system isn't working properly, then we will need more
dredging, due to increased sediment in the bay. In the interest
of safety for my constituents, and for saving Uncle Sam a
little money, I ask the committee to work with me on ways to
get this project done before anyone else gets hurt.
Another important project in the district, one that the
committee staff has been very helpful on, is the disposition of
the Willamette Falls locks at the end of the fabled Oregon
Trail. These locks have been operating since the early 1870s,
but were closed back in 2011, due to the lack of proper
maintenance and investment. They are still owned by the Corps,
and WRDA 2020 will be the vehicle to transfer that property to
a new public or public-private partnership to run the locks.
A wide range of stakeholders in Oregon have been working to
establish a way to reopen them. The Willamette Falls Locks
Commission is currently recommending a State appropriation of
$14 million in lottery revenue bonds in the 2020 State
legislative session to repair and reopen the locks.
The Willamette Falls Locks Commission also has legislation
that proposes establishing a public corporation, the Willamette
Falls Locks Authority, as the new owner-operator to manage the
operations and maintenance of the locks, following their
transfer from the Corps. Several cities, along with Metro, the
Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Yamhill and Marion
Counties, and other entities are committing funding for phase
1, which is expected to begin in 2020, and will remain until
the locks are open, probably--hopefully, 2024. It is estimated
to cost about $250,000 in annual expenses for phase 1. This is
a great partnership leveraging local, State, and Federal tax
dollars to maximum advantage.
I want to thank my folks back home who have led the way on
this project, the Army Corps Portland District staff, and the
T&I Committee staff for all the great work.
My last request for the committee is a project that has
been developing for years, but is rapidly escalating into a
crisis. The city of Newport is currently seeking $70 to $80
million to replace Big Creek Dam complex, which holds our
municipal water supply. The current dam was originally built
1958, and over time it has deteriorated to the point where they
are vulnerable to complete failure in the event of an
earthquake registering 3.5 or higher, something that happens on
the west coast. Should these dams fail, the flows would breach
Highway 101, the only coastal road in the community, and
destroy homes downstream.
The city is currently investigating multiple funding
sources, including State funding and FEMA High Hazard Potential
Dams Grant Program money. But the full cost is too great to be
borne solely by a local bond with this small town of less than
11,000 people. Your staff has been very helpful in finding
Federal solutions to this problem. I hope you will continue to
work with us during this process.
Thank you again for the opportunity to testify about my
priorities for Oregon's Fifth Congressional District, and thank
you again for--your committee, for working with my office on
these issues. I look forward to seeing the committee's final
product. Thank you.
[Mr. Schrader's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Kurt Schrader, a Representative in Congress
from the State of Oregon
Thank you, Chairman DeFazio, Ranking Member Graves, and the rest of
the Transportation and Infrastructure committee members for hosting
this opportunity. The success that WRDA has had during these divided
times is a testament to the committee's willingness to work across the
aisle and I hope that work will be just as successful for WRDA 2020.
My number one priority here is to advocate for the reconstruction
of the South Jetty into Tillamook Bay. The north and south jetties
started construction in 1913 and have grown over the decades to fight
against the crushing impact of the Pacific Ocean. In 2010, the Army
Corps rehabilitated the North Jetty to its current length of 5,213
feet. During this work they made key repairs and added to the structure
so that it could survive the onslaught of the waves.
However, the South Jetty was not included in that rehabilitation
and over the past ten years has eroded considerably. Its current state
poses an extreme danger. This failure has severely impacted my
communities and puts folks in danger as they try to enter and exit the
bay. The Coast Guard and the Army Corps Portland district both
recognize this fact. I hear it every time I meet with them about how
the jetty is impacting their work.
And it's just going to cost us more money in the long run if we
don't fix it now. Because the failure of the South Jetty will severely
impact the lifespan of the North Jetty. And if the jetty system isn't
working properly, then we'll need more dredging due to increased
sediment in the bay. In the interests of safety for my constituents and
for saving Uncle Sam money, I ask that the committee works with me on
ways to get this project done before anyone else is hurt.
Another important project in my district and one that the
committee's staff has been helpful on is the disposition of the
Willamette Falls Locks. These locks have been operating since the early
1870s but were closed back in 2011 due to lack of proper maintenance
and investment. However, they are still owned by the Corps and WRDA
2020 will be the vehicle to transfer that property.
Currently, a wide range of stake holders in Oregon are working to
establish a way to reopen the locks. The Willamette Falls Locks
Commission is recommending a state appropriation of $14.043 million of
lottery revenue bonds in the 2020 legislative session to repair and
reopen the locks. The WLFC also has legislation that proposes
establishing a public corporation, the Willamette Falls Locks
Authority, as the new owner/operator to manage the operations and
maintenance of the locks following their transfer from the Corps.
Several cities along with Metro, the Confederated Tribes of Grand
Ronde, Yamhill and Marion Counties, and other entities are committing
funding for phase one, which is expected to begin in 2020 and lasts
until the Locks are open, expected in 2024. It is estimated to cost
around $350,000 in annual expenses for phase one.
I want to thank my folks back home who have led the way on this
project, Army Corps Portland district staff, and T&I Committee staff
for all their work to make this a reality. I am hopeful that the
federal government can do its part to keep this moving forward.
My last request for the committee is a project that has been
developing over the past few months but could rapidly worsen. The City
of Newport is currently seeking $70 to $80 million dollars to replace
Big Creek Dam, which holds their municipal water supply. The current
dams were originally built in 1958, and over time have deteriorated to
the point where they are vulnerable to complete failure in the event of
an earthquake registering at 3.5 or higher. Should these dams fail, the
flows would breach Highway 101 and roughly 20 houses would be destroyed
without warning. The region is also prone to slides every year that
could also wipe out the dam. The city is currently investigating
multiple money sources, including state funding, and Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) High Hazard Potential Dam Grant Program, but
the full cost is too great to be borne solely by a local bond. Your
staff have been very helpful in finding federal solutions to this
problem and I hope that will continue during this process.
Thank you again for this opportunity to testify about my priorities
for Oregon's fifth district. And thank you again to your committee
staff for working with my office on these issues. I look forward to
seeing the committee's final product.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you for----
Mr. Schrader. I yield back.
Mrs. Napolitano [continuing]. Your testimony, sir.
Does any Member have a question?
No?
Seeing none, thank you very much.
I would like to recognize now our next witness, a
gentlewoman from California, Ms. Matsui, for 5 minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. DORIS O. MATSUI, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Ms. Matsui. Thank you very much, Madam Chair and Ranking
Member Westerman, for the opportunity to come before the
committee and lay out my key priorities for the Water Resources
Development Act of 2020.
First I want to be clear. Our top priority should be in
proposing policies that consider the impacts of climate change
in our country. We are facing the consequences of climate
change now, and we absolutely must incorporate climate
resiliency strategies into all our policies.
As a Representative of Sacramento, California, WRDA is
uniquely meaningful to me and to my constituents who live in
the second most flood-prone city in our country, after New
Orleans. We need to be thoughtfully prioritizing projects that
consider the long-term consequences of climate change. The
catastrophic flooding we have seen across the country in just
the last year is telling, and I fear the severe flooding will
no longer be 100- or even 500-year events, but a new norm for
my constituents.
One area where I think we can truly make progress on this
is through further Federal support to improve the safety and
reliability of the Yolo Bypass and the surrounding region.
While the Yolo Bypass was originally constructed as a single-
purpose Federal flood facility, the State and local
stakeholders in California have been working for years to begin
looking at it in a fresh, new way.
The current rules for how the Corps of Engineers calculates
the benefits of Federal flood control projects makes it
difficult to receive Federal recognition and support for
initiatives that could raise the level of flood protection.
WRDA 2020 represents an opportunity to fix this by directing
the Corps to study the region and develop a plan for
coordinating with non-Federal partners such as the Central
Valley Flood Control Board; California Department of Water
Resources; and the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency, SAFCA.
The committee can allow the Corps to remain consistent with
its plan to revolutionize the Civil Works activities, while
also giving this forward-looking project much-deserved
recognition and resources. This change will help advance
proposals for needed projects in the region that would protect
California residents and improve safety and sustainability.
Additionally, my proposed language will establish a
framework to provide for the smooth coordination of permitting
and reviews, and endorses a regional partnership, the Yolo
Bypass/Cache Slough Partnership, to bring together relevant
stakeholders.
We have seen it across the country: severe natural
disasters are becoming more and more common. In the face of a
changing climate, we must begin taking a new look at Federal
flood control projects, starting with WRDA 2020. For years,
SAFCA has put forward flood control efforts that have become a
model for the Nation in providing the highest level of flood
protection, while remaining good environmental stewards. The
Yolo initiative is a continuation of this, and I urge the
committee to lend Federal support.
I also request an extension of the authority of section
1020 of WRRDA 2014, which allows for non-Federal contributions
exceeding cost-sharing requirements to be transferred to other
projects. Certainly this would be critical in flood control
planning across the country.
Lastly, I also support the extension and improvement of the
1043 authority that allows for non-Federal sponsors to
implement authorized Federal projects. In the city of West
Sacramento, the West Sacramento Flood Control Agency, or West
SAFCA, is working with the Corps on the West Sacramento
project, another flood control project in our region. In order
to proceed with construction as soon as possible, we would
consider implementing the balance of the project under 1043 if
the program's authority were extended in WRDA 2020, and if
improvements were made.
For 15 years I worked tirelessly with dedicated
stakeholders in my district to make the Sacramento region as
safe as possible for all residents. During these 15 years, we
have seen with our own eyes how climate change is reshaping our
infrastructure needs: the wildfires in my State, severe
droughts and flooding. All of this requires bold, fresh ideas
that encourage our Federal agencies to look at the big picture.
WRDA 2020 represents a tremendous opportunity to move forward
and achieve even greater strides through responsible and
resilient flood control projects, and forward-looking ideas for
America's water infrastructure that will account for the
climate crisis we are all faced with.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I look
forward to working with you all. Thank you.
[Ms. Matsui's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Doris O. Matsui, a Representative in
Congress from the State of California
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for the opportunity to come before the
Committee and lay out my key priorities for the Water Resources
Development Act (WRDA) of 2020 . . . comprehensive legislation that
addresses navigation and flood risk management issues across the
nation.
First and foremost--I want to be clear: our top priority should be
in proposing policies that consider the impacts of climate change in
our country. We are facing the consequences of climate change now and
we absolutely must incorporate climate resiliency strategies into our
policies on infrastructure, water resources, energy, the environment,
and defense.
As the Representative of Sacramento, California, WRDA is uniquely
meaningful to me and to my constituents, who live in the second most
flood-prone city in the country, after New Orleans.
We need to thoughtfully prioritize projects that consider the long-
term consequences of climate change . . . an existential threat that
will impact this country for years to come.
The catastrophic flooding we have seen across the country in just
the last year is telling and I fear that severe flooding will no longer
be 100 or even 500-year events, but a new norm for my constituents.
One area where I think we can truly make progress on this is
through further federal support to improve the safety and reliability
of the Yolo Bypass and the surrounding region.
While the Yolo Bypass was originally constructed as a single-
purpose federal flood facility . . . the State and local stakeholders
in California have been working for years to begin looking at it in a
fresh, new way . . . by comprehensively addressing factors such as
flood risk management, water supply, agricultural enhancement, and
habitat protection.
Unfortunately, because of the way in which the benefits of federal
flood control projects are calculated, it has been difficult to receive
federal recognition and support for initiatives that could raise the
level of flood protection higher than is possible under the current
Corps of Engineers rules.
WRDA 2020 represents an opportunity to fix this. By including
provisions that will direct the Corps to study the region closely and
develop a plan for coordinating with nonfederal partners, such as the
Central Valley Flood Control Board, the California Department of Water
Resources and the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA) . . .
the Committee can allow the Corps to remain consistent with its intent
to revolutionize its Civil Works activities while also giving this
forward-looking project much-deserved recognition and resources.
This change will help advance proposals for needed projects in the
region that will protect California's residents and dramatically
improve safety and sustainability.
SAFCA has been particularly effective in looking at climate change
and how it is impacting weather patterns. We should be taking a similar
approach.
Additionally, the plan developed in my proposed language will
establish a framework that both the Corps and relevant nonfederal
stakeholders can follow to provide for smooth coordination of
permitting and reviews.
I also urge the Committee to include language in its WRDA bill that
will endorse a regional partnership--the Yolo Bypass-Cache Slough
Partnership--that brings together relevant stakeholders to ensure the
Yolo Bypass Initiative represents the priorities, interests, and needs
throughout the region.
We've seen it across the country: severe natural disasters,
including devastating flooding, are becoming more and more common. In
the face of a changing climate, we must begin taking a new look at
federal flood control projects and we should start with WRDA 2020.
For years, SAFCA has put forward flood control efforts that have
become a model for the nation in providing the highest level of flood
protection while remaining good environmental stewards. This latest
effort is a continuation of their superb work and I urge the Committee
to recognize this by providing federal support for the Yolo Bypass
Initiative.
I also request that the Committee extend the authority of Section
1020 of WRDA 2014, which allows for nonfederal contributions exceeding
cost-sharing requirements to be transferred to other projects.
The Committee has been supportive of this authority in the past and
I appreciate T&I working with me in 2016 to further clarify that
credits could be transferred to a project prior to completion.
Certainty in the ability to transfer excess credits to other
projects will be critical in the ability for flood control agencies
across the country to plan for the future.
Lastly, I also support the extension and improvement of the so-
called ``1043'' authority that allows for nonfederal sponsors to take
over implementation of authorized federal projects under certain
circumstances. For instance, in West Sacramento . . . a city within my
district that lies just to the west of the Sacramento River . . . the
West Sacramento Flood Control Agency--or ``WSAFCA''--is working closely
with the Corps to implement the West Sacramento Project--yet another
part of the systemwide approach to comprehensive flood control in our
region.
WSAFCA has taken great initiative to achieve substantial progress
in moving forward with the design work and we aim to proceed with
construction as soon as possible.
While we are currently proceeding with the project under the Corps'
traditional civil works process, we would consider implementing the
balance of the project under 1043 if the program's authority were
extended in WRDA 2020 and if improvements were made to how the Corps
implements the program.
Thank you for your time and consideration today. For 15 years, I
have worked tirelessly with dedicated stakeholders in my district to
make the Sacramento region as safe as possible for all residents.
During these 15 years, we've seen with our own eyes how climate
change is reshaping the way we plan our infrastructure needs. The
wildfires in my state, severe droughts and flooding . . . all of this
requires bold, fresh ideas that encourage our federal agencies to look
at the big picture.
WRDA 2020 represents a tremendous opportunity to move forward and
achieve even greater strides to protecting my constituents, both
through responsible and resilient flood control projects and forward-
looking ideas for America's water infrastructure that will account for
the climate crisis we are all faced with. Thank you.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you very much for your testimony.
And does any Member have a question?
Seeing none, I would like to recognize now the next
witness, the gentlewoman from Michigan, Ms. Slotkin, for 5
minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. ELISSA SLOTKIN, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
FROM THE STATE OF MICHIGAN
Ms. Slotkin. Thank you, Representatives Napolitano and
Westerman, for the opportunity to share my priorities for the
Water Resources Development Act authorization.
In Michigan we are the Great Lakes State, and ensuring that
our waters are clean to drink, to swim in, to fish, is a major
priority. We consider ourselves the stewards of the Great
Lakes. It is about our way of life, and the safety and security
of our families. This is why we are talking about the health
and quality of our waterways today.
And before I do, I just have to put in a plug on PFAS. I
really urge the committee to look at this issue. Michigan is
looking the hardest, so we have the highest number of sites. We
were able to pass six provisions into law in--through the
Pentagon's budget for the first time. This is the first time we
are doing anything more than study PFAS. We were thrilled to do
it, to hold the Pentagon accountable. But I really urge the
committee to take up PFAS in a big way, because if you haven't
heard of it yet, it is coming to a theater near you.
In Michigan, protecting our waterways and the Great Lakes
is one of the most bipartisan issues, because it is about our
economy and who we are as a State. And we may not think about
it all that much, but in order to keep the Great Lakes great,
we actually need to invest and protect them. In line with that
goal there are two key priorities I want to talk about today on
the Water Resources Development Act reauthorization.
First, the Asian carp. We hate the Asian carp. It is a
nasty fish that, if it reaches the Great Lakes, will take over.
It will dominate. So we must authorize at full Federal cost-
share levels the appropriate funds to begin the preconstruction
engineering and design at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam
project. As many of you know, the Asian carp is right up
against the lake, Lake Michigan. There are just a few things
keeping it from entering our Great Lakes. When it is in one, it
is in all of them. It will absolutely take over our
recreational economy, our way of life for our anglers, our
lakeside communities.
Brandon Road would function as a critical choke point. This
past summer, Democrats and Republicans from Michigan flew
together to Joliet, Illinois, to actually see the Brandon Road
Dam. We saw it from the air, we went on the ground. The Army
Corps gave us a full tour of what they are trying to do there.
And I urge everything you can do to support the preconstruction
and dollars going towards Brandon Roads.
Secondly, our Soo locks. I support the existing
authorization and future appropriation of full funding to
modernize the Soo locks, which is the cornerstone of Great
Lakes commercial navigation waterways. The Army Corps has done
really excellent work to begin the necessary construction. It
is now up to Congress to provide consistent and efficient
funding. The Soo locks are essential, not just for us in
Michigan, for our national economy. They are the only waterway
connection from Lake Superior to the Lower Great Lakes.
And, according to the Army Corps, approximately 90 percent
of the iron ore used in the United States transits the Soo
locks. If you like your iron ore, and you need it, you need the
one lock in the country that helps you get it. In fact, it is
estimated that the Soo locks supports economic activity
representing 3 percent of U.S. gross domestic product. For that
reason, it is absolutely essential that Congress works through
the Army Corps to ensure that the Soo lock modernization
project receives consistent and efficient funding.
Before I yield back my time, I just wanted to take this
opportunity to express my support for two other issues that are
vital for water infrastructure in our communities: the Clean
Water State Revolving Fund and the Wastewater Infrastructure
Workforce Development Program. I know these are outside of the
jurisdiction of WRDA, but I wanted to take the opportunity to
speak before the committee to express my support for robust
funding for both.
I met with the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments to
discuss the status of our water infrastructure in Michigan. We
know in Michigan our Governor ran on the slogan, ``Fix the Damn
Roads.'' Roads are where most Michiganians are focused. But in
Michigan it is also our infrastructure we can't see, namely our
water infrastructure, that needs real updating.
The council emphasized the importance of the State
revolving fund for underresourced local communities that need
to replace and repair aging infrastructure. I live in one of
those communities: Holly, Michigan. They also expressed the
importance of supporting and expanding the water workforce.
Thirty to fifty percent of our water workforce is set to retire
in the next 10 years.
I know the committee has done great work on the Water
Quality Protection and Job Creation Act. Thank you for that.
You all have really done yeoman's work here. I thank the
committee for taking up these initiatives, and urge leadership
to bring the bills to the House floor.
Thanks for your time. Thanks for your work. Thanks for
protecting our waters.
[Ms. Slotkin's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Elissa Slotkin, a Representative in Congress
from the State of Michigan
Thank you Chairman DeFazio, Ranking Member Graves, Chairwoman
Napolitano, and Ranking Member Westerman for the opportunity to share
my priorities for the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA)
reauthorization.
Michiganders are the stewards of the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes
are the backbone of our economy and our way of life.
In Michigan, protecting our Great Lakes is one of the most
bipartisan issues, because it's about our economy and who we are as a
state. This is all of our responsibility and I'm proud that it's a
commitment Michiganders share regardless of party.
We may not always think about it when we're enjoying our beautiful
Great Lakes, but protecting and maintaining them takes investment and
commitment.
In line with that goal, there are two key priorities that I want to
advocate in support of today as the Committee considers the Water
Resources Development Act (WRDA) reauthorization.
First, in order to prevent Asian carp from reaching the Great
Lakes, I support authorization at full federal cost share and
appropriation of funds to begin the preconstruction, engineering, and
design for the Brandon Road Lock and Dam Project.
As many of my colleagues from other parts of the country know,
Asian carp are an invasive species that have devastated ecosystems in
the bodies of water they have been able to infiltrate.
If this devastating species were to invade the Great Lakes, it
would cause irreparable harm to our tourism industry, the recreational
economy, and way of life for fishers, lakeside communities, and the
countless Michiganders who enjoy our Great Lakes every year.
The Brandon Road Lock and Dam project would function as a critical
choke point to halt the spread of this invasive species, using electric
barriers, noisemakers, and an air bubble curtain to block its passage
into the Great Lakes.
This past summer, I joined a bipartisan group of members of the
Michigan delegation to tour the Brandon Road Lock and Dam Project in
Illinois.
During this tour, I had the opportunity to see the site on foot and
from the air, and to hear from the Army Corps of Engineers about the
full suite of both technological and structural measures that can and
must be put into place.
The cost of action to prevent the spread of Asian Carp is high, but
the price for inaction would be ruinous for the millions of
Michiganders who depend on our waterways for their livelihoods.
The Brandon Road Lock and Dam Project represents our best
opportunity to prevent Asian carp from ever reaching the Great Lakes,
and I urge the committee to do everything in its power to expedite its
funding and construction.
Second, I support the existing authorization and future
appropriations of full funding to modernize the Soo Locks, which is a
cornerstone of the Great Lakes commercial-navigation waterway.
The Army Corps has done excellent work in beginning the necessary
construction on this project, and now it is up to Congress to provide
consistent and efficient funding to make sure the project is completed
in a timely and cost-effective manner.
The Soo Locks are essential to both our national economy and our
national security.
The Soo Locks are the only waterway connection from Lake Superior
to the Lower Great Lakes.
According to the Army Corps of Engineers, approximately 90% of the
iron ore used in the United States transits through the Soo Locks. This
iron ore is essential to U.S. steel production, which plays an
important role in our national security and economy.
In fact, it is estimated that the Soo Locks supports economic
activity that represents over 3% of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product.
Currently, 86% of the tonnage passing through the locks is limited
to one lock, the Poe Lock, which is large enough to accommodate the
massive carriers needed to transport iron ore.
The Poe Lock is nearing the end of its 50-year useful lifespan,
increasing the risk for failure that would have significant
implications for U.S. national security and the economy.
For this reason, it is absolutely essential that Congress works
with the Army Corps to ensure that the Soo Lock modernization project
receives consistent and efficient funding.
Thank you for prioritizing these programs that are so important to
Michiganders.
Before I yield back the remainder of my time, I wanted to take this
opportunity to express my support for two other issues that are vital
for the water infrastructure of communities in my district: the Clean
Water State Revolving Fund and the Wastewater Infrastructure Workforce
Development program.
I know that these issues are outside of the jurisdiction of the
Water Resources Development Act, but I wanted to take this opportunity
to speak before the Committee to express my support for robust funding
to support these programs.
I recently met with the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments,
to discuss the status of our water infrastructure in Michigan. We know
that our roads are in desperate need of repair, but in Michigan it's
also the infrastructure that we can't see--our water infrastructure--
that needs updating.
The council emphasized the importance of the State Revolving Fund
for under-resourced local communities that need to replace and repair
aging infrastructure.
They also expressed the importance of supporting and expanding our
water workforce: 30-50% of our water workforce community nationwide
will retire in the next ten years.
I know the Committee recently approved by voice vote the Water
Quality Protection and Job Creation Act, H.R. 1497, which would not
only reauthorize the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, but would also
allow State's to reserve up to 1% of funds from the program to support
water workforce development.
I thank the Committee for taking initiative on this issue that
affects nearly every Michigander, and urge leadership to bring this
bill to the full House for a vote.
Thank you for your time and for allowing me to relay some of these
concerns about water and our Great Lakes that unite us all as
Michiganders. I look forward to continuing to work with the Committee
to support these priorities.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you for your testimony.
And does any Member have a question?
Seeing none, I now recognize Ranking Member Westerman to
recognize our next witness.
Mr. Westerman. Thank you, Madam Chair. And I would like to
recognize our next witness, the gentleman from the beautiful
State of Montana, Mr. Gianforte, for 5 minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. GREG GIANFORTE, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
FROM THE STATE OF MONTANA
Mr. Gianforte. Thank you very much. Thank you, Chairwoman
and Ranking Member. I appreciate the opportunity to testify
here today.
The Water Resources Development Act is primarily focused on
the Corps of Engineers. It has also been an opportunity to
address issues with the Bureau of Reclamation, which manages
much of the water supply across the West. I want to bring to
your attention the St. Mary's-Milk River project, which the
Bureau runs. It is truly the lifeline of Montana's Hi-Line
agricultural economy.
Located in north central Montana, the Milk River project
provides water for irrigation for about 121,000 acres of land.
The project was authorized in 1903, and is one of the first
projects the Bureau of Reclamation ever designed and built. The
Milk River project is critical Federal infrastructure. It
manages water for an international treaty and Tribal water
rights settlement, such as the Blackfeet Settlement. The Milk
River project also provides water to 18,000 citizens across the
Hi-Line, and produces enough food to feed about 1 million
people in the United States and around the world.
At well over 100 years old, the Milk River project has
surpassed its expected design life. Throughout the project,
regular operations and maintenance have quickly turned into
replacement of critical project components like the diversion
dams and drops. If these components fail, it would effectively
shut down a vital water supply for citizens and farms all
across north central Montana. It could also endanger water
rights settlements that rely on the water delivered by this
project.
On September 26, 2019, the Alliance for the Wild Rockies
announced a 60-day notice of intent to sue the Department of
the Interior for bull trout deaths, in part because of this old
technology we are currently using. If a take permit is not
obtained by April 1, 2020, the Alliance for the Wild Rockies
will file suit against this project. While the Fish and
Wildlife Service is working on the permit, the underlying
problem is the infrastructure that is in such a bad shape of
disrepair. This litigation threat accelerated the need for the
diversion structure design and construction so we can actually
protect the fish and keep the water flowing.
The State of Montana has already authorized $50 million to
update the St. Mary's diversion. So the State is doing their
part, but the funds have to have a Federal match. I have
introduced legislation that would authorize a change in the
cost share of the Federal funds for the diversion structure as
soon as possible. I believe this is one of the most important
infrastructure projects in the State of Montana, the St.
Mary's-Milk River diversion project.
On another note, I introduced H.R. 967, the Clean Water for
Rural Communities Act, with Senators Tester and Daines. The
bill supports two Bureau of Reclamation rural water projects.
First, it authorizes the Musselshell-Judith Rural Water
System. The planning process mandated under the 2006 Rural
Water Supply Act is complete. The water project was deemed
fully feasible by Reclamation in 2016, but it still needs
congressional action. Once funded, this water system could be
built in 2 years. This water system will serve about 5,000
people in central Montana.
Second, it authorizes Reclamation to finalize the
feasibility study for the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority
System in eastern Montana and part of North Dakota. The project
would provide clean drinking water to over 30,000 constituents
at a maximum Federal cost share of $5 million.
In both cases, Montana has appropriated the funds for these
projects. We just need the Federal Government to do their part,
and become federally authorized. H.R. 967 had a legislative
hearing in the Committee on Natural Resources in June, and the
Senate bill was reported out of committee last October.
Finally, I ask you to consider H.R. 3471. This bill will
ensure the Sidney-Kinsey Irrigation Districts continue to
receive project use power. The districts received power under
Pick-Sloan for almost 75 years. After renewing contracts nine
times, the Bureau of Reclamation decided these districts were
ineligible for project use power, and it threatens over 130
family farms in eastern Montana. I would ask you to work with
me to address this oversight.
I appreciate the opportunity to discuss these matters with
your committee. And, as the committee works towards a package
that addresses these water issues, I urge you to remember our
issues in Montana.
And with that, I yield back.
[Mr. Gianforte's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Greg Gianforte, a Representative in Congress
from the State of Montana
Thank you, Chairman DeFazio and Ranking Member Graves. I appreciate
the opportunity to testify before the committee today.
The Water Resources Development Act is primarily focused on the
Corps of Engineers. It's also been an opportunity to address issues
with the Bureau of Reclamation, which manages much of the water supply
across the west.
The St. Mary's-Milk River Project, which the Bureau runs, is the
lifeline of Montana's Hi-Line agricultural economy.
Located in north-central Montana, the Milk River Project provides
water for the irrigation of about 121,000 acres of land. The project
was authorized in 1903 and is one of the first projects the Bureau of
Reclamation ever designed and built.
The Milk River Project is critical federal infrastructure. It
manages water for an international treaty and tribal water rights
settlements such as the Blackfeet Settlement.
The Milk River Project also provides water to 18,000 citizens and
produces enough food to feed 1 million people annually.
At well over 100 years old, the Milk River Project has surpassed
its expected design life.
Throughout the project, regular operations and maintenance have
quickly turned into replacement of critical project components like the
diversion dam and drops. If these components fail, it would effectively
shut down a vital water supply for northern Montana. It could also
endanger water rights settlements that rely on water delivered from the
project.
On September 26, 2019, Alliance for the Wild Rockies announced a
60-day Notice of Intent to sue the Department of Interior for bull
trout deaths.
If a take permit is not obtained by April 1, 2020, Alliance for the
Wild Rockies will file suit.
While the Fish and Wildlife Service is working on the permit, the
underlying problem is the infrastructure in disrepair. This litigation
threat accelerated the need for the diversion structure design and
construction.
The state of Montana has already authorized 50 million dollars to
update the St. Mary's Diversion, but funds must have a federal match.
While I have legislation that would authorize a change in the cost
share, federal funds for the diversion structure are needed as soon as
possible.
This is one of the most pressing infrastructure needs in Montana.
On another note, I introduced H.R. 967, the Clean Water for
RuralCommunities Act with Senators Tester and Daines.
The bill supports two Bureau of Reclamation rural water projects:
First, it authorizes the Musselshell Judith Rural Water System. The
planning process mandated under the 2006 Rural Water Supply Act is
complete. The project was deemed ``fully feasible'' by Reclamation in
2016, but still needs Congressional action.
Once funded, this water system could be built in two years. This
water system will serve around 5,000 people in Central Montana.
Second, it authorizes Reclamation to finalize the Feasibility Study
for the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority System in Eastern Montana
and a part of North Dakota. The project would provide clean drinking
water to over 30,000 constituents at a maximum federal cost share of $5
million.
In both cases, Montana has appropriated funds, but cannot begin
work until the projects are federally authorized.
H.R. 967 had a legislative hearing in the Natural Resources
Committee in June, and the Senate bill was reported out of committee
last October.
Finally, I ask that you consider H.R. 3471. This bill will ensure
the Sidney and Kinsey Irrigation districts continue to receive Project
Use Power.
The districts received power under the Pick-Sloan program for
almost 75 years.
After renewing contracts nine times, the Bureau of Reclamation
decided these districts were ineligible for Project Use Power,
threatening over 130 family farms in Eastern Montana.
I ask you to work with me to address this oversight.
Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these matters with your
committee.
As the committee works toward a package of legislation that
addresses water issues across the country, I urge you to remember
issues with the Bureau of Reclamation and the work of the Natural
Resources Committee.
I yield back.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you for your testimony, sir.
Does any Member have a question of the committee member?
Seeing none, thank you very much.
And I would like to recognize our next witness, the
gentleman from Illinois, Mr. Schneider, for 5 minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. BRADLEY SCOTT SCHNEIDER, A REPRESENTATIVE IN
CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF ILLINOIS
Mr. Schneider. Thank you, Madam Chair, for the opportunity
to testify before you this morning. I appreciate the chance to
advocate on behalf of my district as the subcommittee considers
additions to the Water Resources Development Act.
I want to start by talking about climate resiliency. Our
region is already seeing the severe impact of climate change.
We have faced three 100-year floods in the past 11 years,
overwhelming our stormwater management capacity and causing
millions in damage throughout our district. As you consider
future investments in water resources infrastructure, I urge
the committee to make climate resiliency a top priority. Our
current infrastructure has already been pushed beyond its
capacity, and we know that climate change will only exacerbate
these challenges. We must make sure our investments today are
mindful of tomorrow's challenges.
Next I want to talk about the Army Corps of Engineers
section 219 authority regarding the water-related environmental
infrastructure for Lake County. I represent parts of both Cook
and Lake Counties. As you may know, Cook County, Illinois, is
designated a geographic area eligible for section 219
assistance to help local municipalities with environmental
infrastructure. However, Lake County is currently not covered
as an eligible area under section 219. I am advocating that the
subcommittee consider expanding section 219 authority to
include Lake County. With the help of then-Senator Obama, the
2006 WRDA bill included designation of Lake County under
section 219, but that legislation never became law. For an area
facing increased flooding, designating Lake County under
section 219 would help these communities enact long-term
solutions to address the issue.
Last, but certainly not least, I would like to discuss the
historic high lake levels we are seeing in Lake Michigan and
across the Great Lakes system. Currently, Lake Michigan levels
are more than 4 feet above average levels, and well above
records set in the late 1980s. The Army Corps projects that
lake levels are expected to remain at historic highs in the
coming 4 to 5 months. High lake levels alone are cause for
concern, in terms of increased erosion and property damage. Now
combined with fierce winter storms like those seen in my
community in January, the damage to both public and private
property is significant. In one community alone, the Park
District of Highland Park estimates recent damage to public
property along its shoreline to be as much as $1.1 million.
As the subcommittee considers investments in the Great
Lakes region, I encourage you to think about the significant
impact high lake levels are having on shoreline communities
like mine. I strongly support funding to address the damage
wrought by high lake levels, and invest in long-term approaches
to prevent this damage in the future.
Thank you for the opportunity to advocate on behalf of my
district today, and I yield back.
[Mr. Schneider's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Bradley Scott Schneider, a Representative in
Congress from the State of Illinois
Thank you, Madam Chair, for the opportunity to testify. I
appreciate the chance to advocate on behalf of my district as the
subcommittee considers additions to the Water Resource Development Act.
First, I want to talk about climate resiliency. Our region is
already seeing the severe impact of climate change. We have faced three
100-year floods in the past twelve years, overwhelming our water
infrastructure and causing millions in damage. As you consider future
investments in our water resources and infrastructure, I urge the
subcommittee to make climate resiliency a top priority. Our current
infrastructure has already been pushed beyond its capacity--and we know
that climate change will only exacerbate this challenge. We need to
make sure our investments today are mindful of tomorrow's challenges.
Second, I want to talk about the Army Corps of Engineers' Section
219 authority regarding water-related environmental infrastructure for
Lake County. I represent parts of both Cook and Lake Counties. As you
may know, Cook County, Illinois is a designated geographic area
eligible for Section 219 assistance to help local municipalities with
environmental infrastructure. However, Lake County is not currently
covered as an eligible area under Section 219. I am advocating that the
subcommittee consider expanding Section 219 authority to include Lake
County. With the help of then-Senator Obama, the 2006 WRDA bill
included designation of Lake County under Section 219--but that
legislation never became law. For an area facing increased flooding,
designating Lake County under Section 219 would help these communities
enact long-term solutions to address the issue.
Finally, I would like to discuss the historic lake levels we are
seeing in Lake Michigan and across the Great Lakes system. Currently,
Lake Michigan levels are more than four-feet above average levels and
well above records set in the late-1980s. The Army Corps projects that
lake levels are expected to remain at historic highs in the coming four
to five months. High lake levels alone are cause for concern--in terms
of increased erosion and property damage--but when combined with fierce
winter storms like those seen in my community in January, the damage to
both public and private property can be significant. In one community
alone, the Park District of Highland Park estimates damage to public
property along the shoreline to be as much as $1.1 million. As the
subcommittee considers investments in the Great Lakes region, I
encourage you to think about the significant impact high lake levels
are having for shoreline communities like mine. I strongly support
funding to address the damage wrought by high lake levels and invest in
long-term approaches to prevent this damage in the future.
Thank you for the opportunity to advocate on behalf of my district.
I yield back.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you for your testimony, sir.
Does any Member wish to question?
Seeing none, I would like to recognize Ranking Member
Westerman to recognize the next witness.
Mr. Westerman. Thank you, Madam Chair. And I would like to
recognize our next witness, the gentleman from Florida, Mr.
Waltz, for 5 minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. MICHAEL WALTZ, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
FROM THE STATE OF FLORIDA
Mr. Waltz. Thank you, Chairwoman and Ranking Member, for
holding this hearing. I am here today to discuss an issue that
is important to every State, including the State of Florida,
and consistent with the good work this subcommittee has done
already to authorize the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for
the first time since 1987.
My testimony today builds on the request that myself and
nearly all of my Florida delegation colleagues, both sides of
the aisle, have made to the chair and ranking member of the
full committee in November of last year to update the Clean
Water SRF allotment in legislation that amends the Federal
Water Pollution Control Act.
The Clean Water SRF distributes funding to States by what
is called the allotment, based on a ratio that was written into
law in 1987. And curiously, the Congressional Research Service
cannot say definitively what factors Congress back then
considered in determining the allotment that goes out to
States. And this concern was highlighted in the 2014 WRRDA,
which directed the EPA to report back to Congress with
recommendations on how the allotment should be modernized.
That EPA report clearly stated that the 1987 allotment is
insufficient for modern purposes of distributing funds to
States, and the report states that, ``most states do not
currently receive appropriated funds in proportion to their
reported needs or population, which demonstrates the inadequacy
of the current allotment.''
Subsequently, the EPA report makes recommendations to
Congress on options for modernizing the allotment, which is why
I am here today. Congressman Anthony Brown and myself have
reviewed these recommendations and introduced H.R. 5628, the
Clean Water Allotment Modernization Act. Our proposal has
several members of this committee as cosponsors, and has been
endorsed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
And Senators Rubio and Scott have introduced identical
legislation in the Senate. And it is a top priority for Senator
Rubio in this WRDA cycle.
Our proposal requires EPA to update the allotment to
reflect the most recent census data, the Clean Watersheds Needs
Survey, and the water quality attainment ratio. That is kind of
point one.
Point two, our proposal, moving forward, requires the EPA
to update the allotment within a year of the Clean Watersheds
Needs Survey to avoid the situation in the future.
It also, I want to point out, should not score. It should
have zero budgetary effect on Federal spending.
And finally, the proposal includes a transition floor so
States will not receive a decrease from their current allotment
of any more than 5 percent. And this floor is included, in case
funding for the program remains stagnant. But however, as the
committee knows, the floor becomes obsolete under the
authorization levels in H.R. 1497, the Water Quality Protection
and Job Creation Act of 2019, which this committee marked up
and passed in October 2019. And the authorization level for the
program, it increases the authorization for the program by 46
percent in year 1, and doubles the authorization over 5 years.
So if the allotment is updated concurrently, every single
State would see an increase in funding by over 9 percent in
year 1. This would mean nearly a 300-percent increase for
States like Florida, Louisiana, and Arizona, which have seen
their populations nearly double, with dramatic increases in
water infrastructure needs. California and Maryland would see a
72-percent increase. Oregon and Texas see a 50-percent
increase. I could go on. Nearly a 20-percent increase for
Missouri.
For the same reasons that it is good Government to
reauthorize programs that have not seen a reauthorization in
three decades, it is good policy for the Congress to review and
modernize how the resources are distributed. And it doesn't
make sense to double the authorization level for a program
without considering how and where those resources are to be
disbursed. So it is time to update this program. It is a 30-
year-old formula.
A few quick points. My proposal amends the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act, known as the Clean Water Act. I
understand that the House passed versions of the previous three
WRDA bills in 2014, 2016, and 2018, did not amend the Clean
Water Act. However, it is important to note the Senate versions
of WRDA in the previous three cycles did amend the Clean Water
Act.
So, at the end of the day, what is signed into law amends
the Clean Water Act. And for this reason I respectfully ask the
committee to support this legislation, and let's not get caught
up in jurisdictional issues when the final bill makes these
arbitrary.
In closing, I ask the chairwoman, ranking member, the full
committee, and the subcommittee to update this 30-year-old
problem. And thank you very much.
I yield back any time that I don't have.
[Mr. Waltz's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Michael Waltz, a Representative in Congress
from the State of Florida
Thank you, Chairwoman Napolitano and Ranking Member Westerman, for
holding this Members' Day hearing on Water Resources Development Act
proposals.
I am here to discuss an issue that is important to many states,
including the State of Florida, and consistent with the good work this
subcommittee has already done to authorize the Clean Water State
Revolving Fund (Clean Water SRF) for the first time since 1987.
The Clean Water SRF distributes funding to states by what is called
the allotment, based on a ratio that was written into the law in 1987.
Curiously enough, the Congressional Research Service cannot say
definitively what factors Congress considered in determining the
allotment to states in 1987.
This concern was identified in the 2014 Water Resources Development
Act, which directed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to report
to Congress with recommendations on how the allotment could be
modernized to reflect current needs of states.
That EPA report titled Review of the Allotment of the Clean Water
State Revolving Fund (Report), clearly stated that the 1987 allotment
is insufficient for the purposes of distributing funds to states.
The report states, quote: ``Most states do not currently receive
appropriated funds in proportion to their reported needs or population,
which demonstrates the inadequacy of the current allotment.''
Subsequently, the Report makes recommendations to Congress on
options for modernizing the allotment--which is why I am here today.
Congressman Anthony Brown and myself have reviewed EPA's
recommendations and introduced H.R. 5628, the Clean Water Allotment
Modernization Act.
The proposal has 16 cosponsors, including 4 members of the
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
Senators Rubio and Rick Scott have introduced companion
legislation.
Our proposal requires EPA to update the allotment to reflect the
most recent census data, Clean Watersheds Needs Survey, and water
quality attainment ratio.
Moving forward, the EPA would be required to update the allotment
one year after issuance of the Clean Watersheds Needs Survey to avoid
this situation in the future.
The proposal includes a transition floor so states will not receive
a decrease from their current allotment of more than 5%.
This floor was included in case funding for the program remains
stagnant.
However, the floor becomes obsolete under the authorization levels
in H.R. 1497, the Water Quality Protection and Job Creation Act of
2019, which this committee marked up and passed in October of 2019.
H.R. 1497 is the first authorization of the program since 1987 and
increases the authorization level of the program by 46% in year one and
doubles the authorization over five years.
If the allotment is updated concurrently, every state would see an
increase in funding by over 9% in year one.
This would mean a nearly 300% increase for states like Florida,
Louisiana, and Arizona, a72% increase for California, a 50% increase
for Oregon, a 50% increase for Texas, and a nearly 20% increase for
Missouri.
For the same reasons that it is good government to reauthorize
programs that have not been authorized in three decades, it is good
policy to modernize how the program disburses resources to states.
Alternatively, it would be misguided policy to double the
authorization level for a program without considering how and where
those resources are disbursed.
I want to take a moment and clarify a few points.
My proposal amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, or the
Clean Water Act.
I understand that the House passed versions of the previous three
WRDA cycles, 2014, 2016, and 2018 did not amend the Clean Water Act.
I also understand that the Senate versions of WRDA in the three
previous cycles did amend the Clean Water Act.
Therefore, the last three versions of WRDA that were signed into
law amended the Clean Water Act.
For this reason, I respectfully ask the committee not to undermine
House proposals like the Clean Water Allotment Modernization Act and
Water Quality Protection and Job Creation Act of 2019 for
jurisdictional reasons that are arbitrary to the final bill.
In my communication with clean water stakeholders on my proposal, I
have not found anyone who disagrees that the allotment is antiquated
and insufficient.
Also as a result of these conversations, it has been raised that
EPA's Needs Survey currently does not impact allocation of federal
resources and therefore some states do not allocate adequate resources
to it.
I submit to the committee that the Needs Survey should have any
impact on the Clean Water SRF allotment and if states are serious about
water quality, they would be assessing the condition of there
infrastructure.
However, I am open to working with the committee and states on a
workable solution to this concern.
Finally, I ask Chairman DeFazio, Ranking Member Graves, Chairwoman
Napolitano, and Ranking Member Westerman to work with me on an update
to this 30 year old problem and to know that I am flexible and open on
how we accomplish this objective in a way that works for all states.
Thank you and I yield back the remainder of my time.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you for your testimony. And I now
recognize Mr. Mast for a question he has.
Mr. Mast. Thank you, Chairwoman, I appreciate it. I want to
echo my Florida colleague, Mr. Waltz, about the importance of
modernizing the Clean Water State Revolving Fund allotment to
reflect current population infrastructure needs, water
attainment nationwide. It seems very reasonable that, if
Congress is going to invest in the Clean Water State Revolving
Fund by doubling the authorization, that it be done as wisely
as possible. I would be surprised if any of my colleagues
disagreed with that.
It is concerning to me, as well, that the laws from three
decades ago that outline how the EPA is going to spend $1.6
billion, potentially $3.2 billion--and so I am a cosponsor of
this legislation. I think it is good.
I would ask Chairwoman Napolitano, Ranking Member
Westerman, Chairman DeFazio, please work with us on this piece
of legislation to address that allotment.
And it is here where my question lies for you, Mr. Waltz.
While the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, it has impact on
the Florida Everglades water quality, can you clarify the type
of projects that the EPA's Clean Water State Revolving Fund
financing is used for in Florida versus that of the south
Florida ecosystem restoration that the President requested of
$250 million in his budget request? Can you identify those?
Mr. Waltz. Sure. I mean the primary use--and just to
clarify--this is so municipalities can get below-market
financing for, you know, using these funds.
And again, everyone is going to gain with the increase in
the total authorization. It is--but I can't imagine doubling,
as you said, Congressman, doubling this authorization and not
adjusting a 30-year-old formula to reflect population needs.
But Florida, the main thing where it would be used for us
is Florida developed very rapidly in the 1960s and 1970s, and
primarily that development was on septic tanks. Those septic
tanks are old. They are often not replaced. When they are
replaced, it is at a tremendous cost to the homeowner. And the
bottom line is wastewater runoff, septic-to-sewer, all of those
pieces are what this would be used for. And it would be
tremendously helpful.
Mrs. Napolitano. Your time is up.
Mr. Mast. Thank you, Chairwoman. I appreciate it.
Mrs. Napolitano. You are very welcome.
And thank you for your testimony.
And now we move on to Mr. Scott, recognized for 5 minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. ROBERT C. ``BOBBY'' SCOTT, A REPRESENTATIVE
IN CONGRESS FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
Mr. Scott. Thank you, Madam Chair, Ranking Member, members
of the committee. Thank you for the opportunity to discuss the
priorities of Virginia's Third Congressional District in the
upcoming Water Resources Development Act. I represent the Third
Congressional District of Virginia, where the Chesapeake Bay
meets the James, Nansemond, and Elizabeth Rivers, and where
there are both challenges and opportunities.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has worked to keep
America's waterways and ports open to trade, while working with
our communities to ensure that they can continue to live with
the water that surrounds their community.
My district is home for the Port of Virginia, which is one
of the largest and busiest ports on the eastern seaboard.
Ninety-five percent of our Nation's trade moves by water, so it
is essential that the port is able to maintain operations.
The Third Congressional District is also home to multiple
shipyards and neighbors the Norfolk Naval Station, the largest
naval base in the United States. These waterways are essential
to our community.
I would like to take a moment to thank the committee for
your work on the Port of Virginia. The port is tied to nearly
10 percent of the jobs, and responsible for $40 billion in
economic activity in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is
critical to our financial well-being that we ensure that the
port is able to handle the increasing number and size of
containerships.
The port and the Army Corps of Engineers have undertaken
dredging and widening and deepening of the Norfolk Harbor to
enable safe and efficient two-way passage of the new, larger
containerships. This project requires a New Start designation
to keep the project timeline intact, and that is a specific
ask. We need a New Start designation to keep the project
timeline intact.
My district is also home for the city of Norfolk, which has
been a leader in ensuring that the city can manage the
surrounding rising water, and is already serving as an example
for other municipalities working to adapt. Unfortunately, due
to climate-driven sea-level rise, compounded by historic land
subsistence in the region, the waterways pose a serious risk.
Some studies estimate that the rise may be as much as 7 feet by
the year 2100. The Hampton Roads region, therefore, is the
second largest population center at risk of sea-level rise,
right behind New Orleans.
High tides, nor'easters, and hurricanes exacerbate the risk
of flooding. And the city is the home of the Norfolk Naval
Station, as I mentioned, and numerous other Federal and
military installations. So the recurring flooding poses a
severe national security risk. State and local officials in
Virginia already appreciate the significant threats sea-level
rise poses to Hampton Roads.
Unfortunately, the cost to proactively and aggressively
address the problem is far too great for any one city by
itself. Norfolk has already begun to spend some substantial
sums of money to study its recurring flooding issues and
implement resilient infrastructure where feasible. The scope of
the entire project to actually address the problem is expected
to total in the billions of dollars. And that is why I am
appreciative of the committee's action of including resiliency
initiatives in your infrastructure proposal.
The city of Norfolk is identified as a high-risk area for
coastal storm flooding, and engaged in the storm risk
management study with the Army Corps of Engineers. The
subsequent report and plan will reduce storm risk and protect
Norfolk. The project is ready to move into preconstruction
engineering design, PED, and construction phase of the
recommended plan, and requires authorization from Congress.
That is another specific ask; we need the specific
authorization for Congress, so that that project can move
forward.
Madam Chair, I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to
discuss the priorities of the Third Congressional District, and
I look forward to working with you to ensure these projects are
included in order for the critical work of Hampton Roads to
continue.
I thank you, Madam Chair, and I yield back.
[Mr. Scott's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Robert C. ``Bobby'' Scott, a Representative
in Congress from the Commonwealth of Virginia
Chairman DeFazio, Ranking Member Graves, Chairwoman Napolitano,
Ranking Member Westerman and members of the Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee, thank you for providing me this opportunity
to discuss the priorities of Virginia's third district in the upcoming
Water Resources and Development (WRDA) Act.
I represent the 3rd congressional district of Virginia where the
Chesapeake Bay meets the James, Nansemond, and Elizabeth Rivers, and
where there are both challenges and opportunities. The U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers has worked to keep America's waterways and ports open to
trade, while working with our communities to ensure that they can
continue to live with the water that surrounds our community. My
district is home to the Port of Virginia which is one of the largest
and busiest ports on the eastern seaboard. With 95 percent of our
nation's trade moving by water, it is essential that the port is able
to maintain operations. The 3rd district is also home to multiple
shipyards and neighbors Norfolk Naval Station, the largest naval base
in the U.S. These waterways are essential to our community.
I would like to take a moment to thank the Committee for their work
with the Port of Virginia. The Port of Virginia is tied to nearly ten
percent of jobs and is responsible for nearly $40 billion in economic
activity in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is critical to our
financial well-being that we ensure that the Port is able to handle to
the increased number and size of containers. The Port and the Army
Corps of Engineers have undertaken the dredging and widening and
deepening of the Norfolk Harbor to enable safe and efficient two-way
passage of the new larger container ships. The project will require a
New Start designation to keep the projected timeline intact.
My district is also home to the City of Norfolk, which has been a
leader in ensuring that their city can manage the surrounding rising
water and is already serving as an example to other municipalities
working to adapt. Unfortunately, due to climate-driven sea level rise,
compounded by historic land subsidence in the region, these waterways
pose a serious risk. Some studies estimate this rise to be as much as 7
feet by the year 2100, the Hampton Roads region is the second largest
population center at risk from sea level rise in the nation, behind
only New Orleans. High tides, nor'easters, and hurricanes exacerbate
the risk of flooding in the City of Norfolk and the region. As the home
of Naval Station Norfolk and numerous other federal and military
facilities, this recurrent flooding also poses a severe national
security risk.
State and local elected officials in Virginia already appreciate
the significant threat sea level rise poses to Hampton Roads.
Unfortunately, the cost to proactively and aggressively address this
problem head-on is far too great for any city to bear by itself. While
Norfolk has already spent considerable sums of money to study its
recurrent flooding issues and implement resilient infrastructure where
feasible, the scope of the entire project to actually address the
problem is expected to total in the billions of dollars. That is why I
am appreciative of the Committee's inclusion of resiliency initiatives
in your infrastructure proposal.
The City of Norfolk was identified as a high-risk area for coastal
storm flooding and engaged in a Storm Risk Management Study with the
Army Corps of Engineers. The subsequent report and plan will reduce the
storm risk and protect Norfolk. The project is ready to move into the
Preconstruction Engineering Design (PED) and construction phase of the
recommended plan and requires authorization from Congress.
Ms. Chairman, thank you again for allowing me the opportunity to
share my priorities for the forthcoming Water Resources and Development
Act of 2020. I look forward to working with you to ensure that these
projects are included in order for the critical work in Hampton Roads
to continue.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you for your testimony, Mr. Scott.
Does any member of the committee wish to question?
No?
Seeing none, I now recognize Ranking Member Westerman to
recognize our next witness.
Mr. Westerman. Thank you, Madam Chair. And now I would like
to recognize our next witness, the gentleman from Georgia, Mr.
Carter, who is recognized for 5 minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. EARL L. ``BUDDY'' CARTER, A REPRESENTATIVE IN
CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF GEORGIA
Mr. Carter of Georgia. Well, I thank the ranking member and
thank you, Madam Chair, for this opportunity to present to you.
I have the honor and privilege of representing the First
Congressional District of Georgia. The First Congressional
District of Georgia includes the entire coast of Georgia, over
110 miles of pristine coastline that includes barrier islands,
as well. And that is what I wanted to talk to you about today.
Our economy, particularly in the First Congressional
District, is very dependent on a number of different things
dealing with the coast. For instance, the Georgia ports,
tourism, seafood, and more. The coastline is integral to our
economy and to our quality of life. But unfortunately, our area
has been hit by hurricanes in 3 of the last 4 years, and it had
another near miss this year with Hurricane Dorian.
Tybee Island is one of those barrier islands that I was
referring to earlier, and the city of Tybee Island is taking
these natural disasters very seriously, and is a model for
cities around the country that are trying to prepare for these
weather events. Among other things, the city of Tybee Island is
working on a major beach renourishment project that uses
Federal funds authorized through WRDA. However, the Corps of
Engineers, in its latest cost-benefit analysis study,
jeopardizes the project's future beyond 2023.
Because of language in WRDA, the Corps is forced to use an
outdated cost-benefit model, which, in Tybee's instance, can
only look at damages that might occur during the next 15 years.
Tybee, though, won't see damages until 2060, which is largely
due to the hard work and financial investments they have been
putting into the island in order to protect itself from weather
events.
My staff has discussed this issue with the Army Corps of
Engineers, the T&I Committee staff, and other Members' offices,
and we believe we have some legislative language that can fix
this situation. The language specifically authorizes the
Secretary to recommend that Congress authorize up to 50 years
of nourishment to begin on the date of construction, and adds
general study authority to extend the period of nourishment for
up to an additional 50 years after expiration of the original
authorized period of nourishment.
I will be submitting the full extent of the language, along
with other offices for the record, and encourage the committee
to include it in this year's version of WRDA.
Simply put, we need to ensure that our communities are
becoming more resilient in the face of these storms. But with
WRDA's current language on cost-benefit analysis, we are
punishing communities who are trying to take those steps.
Again, I want to thank you, Madam Chair. And thank you, Mr.
Ranking Member and members of the committee, for allowing me to
bring up this very important issue involving the First
Congressional District of Georgia.
Over 110 miles of pristine coastline with barrier islands,
our economy is dependent on our coastline. We have seen changes
in the weather. We have seen the impact of storms, of weather
events, we have been doing our part. The city of Tybee Island
has been doing their part in preparing for this. They should
not be penalized for simply being prepared. And that is what is
happening here, because they are being penalized because of
outdated language. And this is what our legislation tries to
do, to update that language, to make it applicable to what is
happening today.
So I thank you, Madam Chair, for this opportunity to
present before the committee today.
[Mr. Carter of Georgia's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Earl L. ``Buddy'' Carter, a Representative
in Congress from the State of Georgia
Good morning and thank you for letting me testify in front of the
Committee today.
I have the honor and privilege of representing the First
Congressional District of Georgia which contains all 110 miles of the
State's coastline.
Between the Georgia ports, tourism, seafood, and more, the
coastline is integral to our economy and quality of life.
But unfortunately, our area has been hit by hurricanes in each of
the last 3 years with another near miss this year by Hurricane Dorian.
The City of Tybee Island is taking these natural disasters very
seriously and is a model for cities around the country that are trying
to prepare for these weather events.
Among other things, the City is working on a major beach
renourishment project that uses federal funds authorized through WRDA.
However, the Corps of Engineers, in its latest cost/benefit
analysis study, jeopardizes the project's future beyond 2023.
Because of language in WRDA, the Corps is forced to use an outdated
cost/benefit model which, in Tybee's case, can only look at damages
that might occur within the next 15 years.
Tybee, though, won't see damages until 2060 which is largely due to
the hard work, and financial investments, they have been putting into
the island in order to protect itself from weather events.
My staff has discussed this issue with the Army Corps of Engineers,
T&I Committee staff, and other Member offices and we believe we have
some legislative language that can fix this situation.
The language specifically authorizes the Secretary to recommend
that Congress authorize up to 50 years of nourishment to begin on the
date of construction and adds general study authority to extend the
period of nourishment for up to an additional 50 years after expiration
of the original authorized period of nourishment.
I will be submitting the full extent of the language along with
other offices for the record and encourage the Committee to include it
in this year's version of WRDA.
Simply put, we need to ensure that our communities are becoming
more resilient in the face of these storms, but with WRDA's current
language on cost/benefit analyses, we are punishing communities who are
trying to take those steps.
Thank you, again, for the opportunity to speak today.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you, sir, for your testimony.
Do you have any questions of the witness?
Seeing none, I now wish to recognize our next witness, the
gentleman from the beautiful State of California, Mr. Schiff,
for 5 minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Mr. Schiff. Thank you, Madam Chair and Ranking Member
Westerman, for the opportunity to testify at this Members' Day
hearing on proposals for a Water Resources Development Act of
2020.
One of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' important missions
is to plan, design, and build projects to restore aquatic
ecosystems across the country. In my district, in California,
the Corps is currently undertaking planning and design work to
begin restoring an 11-mile stretch of Los Angeles River. This
project, decades in the making, will restore the river's
original natural beauty, and revitalize over 700 acres of
aquatic ecosystem to provide much-needed green space for
wildlife and residents alike.
I am thrilled that the Corps included significant funding
for the L.A. River in its workplan in fiscal year 2020, and
will continue working with the city of Los Angeles and the
Corps to build further momentum on the project.
At the same time, I have also heard from many constituents
and community organizations in my district over the past
several years who have shared concerns regarding the health and
safety implications of using the herbicide glyphosate, commonly
known by its trade name, Roundup, in the L.A. River, as well as
on other federally managed lands. Many State and local
governments have reviewed the medical research on human
exposure to glyphosate, and have limited or banned its use.
The State of California has added glyphosate to its Prop 65
list of chemicals known to cause cancer, and the county of Los
Angeles recently prohibited county departments from using the
chemical. International expert bodies have similarly linked
glyphosate to cancer, including the World Health Organization's
International Agency for Research on Cancer, which found the
chemical ``probably'' causes cancer.
I believe that Federal agencies should always strive to
respect the desires of the local communities in which they
work, particularly when using potentially harmful chemicals on
public lands. I repeatedly called on the Army Corps to cease
using glyphosate in the L.A. River, and have proposed
amendments to appropriations legislation to require the Corps
to do so.
The Corps and other Federal agencies should continue to
seek out alternative vegetation management procedures that do
not require the use of potentially harmful chemicals, and use
these procedures to the maximum extent possible. However, I
also recognize that the Corps uses glyphosate to manage
vegetation, in part to reduce flood risk, an essential task,
and that in certain situations an appropriate alternative may
not be immediately available.
Accordingly, the committee should include in the Water
Resources Development Act of 2020 language to restrict the use
of glyphosate within aquatic ecosystem restoration projects,
including the L.A. River, and other similarly sensitive
ecosystems around the country, except in cases where both the
Corps and the local non-Federal sponsor concur that using the
chemical is necessary to address an immediate threat to human
health or the environment. This balanced approach would ensure
that the Corps respects local wishes regarding use of chemicals
in public lands, while also providing flexibility in cases
where alternatives are not available.
I urge the committee to consider such a provision as it
drafts a Water Resources Development Act of 2020, and I remain
committed to supporting the Corps' important work in
maintaining and restoring the L.A. River.
Thank you for your work on this legislation and your
attention to my requests.
[Mr. Schiff's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Adam B. Schiff, a Representative in Congress
from the State of California
Chair Napolitano and Ranking Member Westerman, thank you for the
opportunity to testify at this Member's Day hearing on proposals for a
Water Resources Development Act of 2020.
One of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' important missions is to
plan, design, and build projects to restore aquatic ecosystems across
the country. In my district in California, the Corps is currently
undertaking planning and design work to begin restoring an 11-mile
stretch of the Los Angeles River. This project--decades in the making--
will restore the river's original natural beauty and revitalize over
700 acres of aquatic ecosystem to provide much-needed greenspace for
wildlife and residents alike.
I am thrilled that the Corps included significant funding for the
LA River project in its Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2020, and I will
continue working with the City of Los Angeles and the Corps to build
further momentum on this project.
At the same time, I have also heard from many constituents and
community organizations in my district over the past several years who
have shared concerns regarding the health and safety implications of
using the herbicide glyphosate (commonly known by its trade name,
Roundup) in the Los Angeles River, as well as on other federally
managed lands.
Many state and local governments have reviewed the medical research
on human exposure to glyphosate and have limited or banned its use. The
State of California has added glyphosate to its Proposition 65 list of
chemicals known to cause cancer, and the County of Los Angeles recently
prohibited County departments from using the chemical. International
expert bodies have similarly linked glyphosate to cancer, including the
World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer
which has found the chemical ``probably'' causes cancer.
I believe that Federal agencies should always strive to respect the
desires of the local communities in which they work, particularly when
using potentially harmful chemicals on public lands. I have repeatedly
called on the Army Corps to cease using glyphosate in the Los Angeles
River, and have proposed amendments to Appropriations legislation to
require the Corps to do so.
The Corps and other federal agencies should continue to seek out
alternative vegetation management procedures that do not require the
use of potentially harmful chemicals, and use these procedures to the
maximum extent possible. However, I also recognize that the Corps uses
glyphosate to manage vegetation in part to reduce flood risk--an
essential task--and that in certain situations, an appropriate
alternative may not be immediately available.
Accordingly, the Committee should include in the Water Resources
Development Act of 2020 language to restrict the use of glyphosate
within aquatic ecosystem restoration projects--including the Los
Angeles River and other similarly sensitive ecosystems around the
country--except in cases where both the Corps and the local non-Federal
sponsor concur that using the chemical is necessary to address an
immediate threat to human health or environment.
This balanced approach would ensure that the Corps respects local
wishes regarding the use of chemicals in public lands, while also
providing flexibility in cases where alternatives are not available.
I urge the Committee to consider such a provision as it drafts a
Water Resources Development Act for 2020, and I remain committed to
supporting the Corps' important work maintaining and restoring the Los
Angeles River. Thank you for your work on this legislation and your
attention to my requests.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you very much for your testimony,
Mr. Schiff.
And does any Member have a question?
Seeing none, thank you again for your testimony.
Mr. Schiff. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Mrs. Napolitano. And this committee will, as we wait for
additional Members, the Chair will call recess for a few
minutes or until additional Members arrive.
[Recess.]
Mrs. Napolitano. I call the meeting to order. And I would
like to recognize the next witness, the gentleman from
Pennsylvania, Mr. Thompson, for 5 minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. GLENN THOMPSON, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania. Chairwoman Napolitano, Mr.
LaMalfa, and members of the House Committee on Transportation
and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and
Environment, thank you. Thank you for providing the opportunity
to share my priorities for the Water Resources Development Act
of 2020.
In order to strengthen and maintain water resources in the
United States, it is crucial we support programs that invest in
water infrastructure needs in our local communities.
I want to start with talking about the Endangered Species
Act, which provides for conservation of threatened and
endangered plants and animals, as well as habitats.
Additionally, legislation established the endangered species
list that is maintained by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
It contains all the endangered species found throughout the
world. The ESA has brought fundamental conservation practices
to our local communities. And while we must continue to improve
and strengthen these strategies, we also should strive to
provide resources to States and industry to help navigate some
of the more nuanced regulations within the ESA.
For example, the Allegheny River and other navigable waters
in and around my district need to be dredged in order to
prevent flooding, and allow safe passage of vessels, whether it
would be commercial or recreational, and obviously, for
economic development in our rural communities.
The environmental restoration efforts of these waterways
have improved the quality of water to a level where they now
sustain populations of endangered mussels. The repopulation of
this species is increasing throughout the river, specifically
in the riverbed. And it has been brought to my attention that
many industry stakeholders have left the region due to
prohibitive costs associated with mitigating the endangered
mussels, resulting in missed opportunities of jobs and revenues
for local communities.
And being good environmental stewards should not be an
either/or situation. It is my hope that this committee will
explore voluntary conservation plans that provide strong
safeguards for these endangered and threatened species, but
also create an opportunity for industries to partner with
Federal, State, and local governments to address the cost issue
and invest in local communities.
I want to also just talk briefly about levee assistance.
You know, the Flood Control and Coastal Emergency Act provides
the United States Army Corps of Engineers the discretionary
authority to undertake activities including disaster
preparedness, emergency operations, as well as rehabilitation
of areas destroyed or threatened by floods. Under this
legislation, local sponsors of a flood control project are
required to provide and maintain the necessary land, easements,
and rights-of-way necessary to perform the required
construction, and procure all necessary permits prior to any
construction activities done by the Army Corps of Engineers.
The local sponsor is also responsible for any operation and
maintenance costs incurred by the flood control project, and
they must contribute 20 percent of the construction costs for
any rehabilitation.
Now, many local sponsors, including those found in my
district, specifically Ford City in Armstrong County,
Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, in Jefferson County, are unable to
financially meet these requirements to maintain their projects.
And due to the lack of financial resources, many of these
projects do not achieve a minimally acceptable rating on their
biannual inspection to be considered for Army Corps
rehabilitation assistance.
Furthermore, FEMA uses these ratings to inform the National
Flood Insurance Program when they update flood insurance rates.
Since these projects receive an unacceptable rating, FEMA
considers these areas unprotected, which results in higher
premiums for landowners and local businesses, which is a
tremendous drag on the existing local economy, and has real
impact on future economic development in these small rural
communities.
It is my hope that this committee would consider
authorizations that would permit the Army Corps to conduct
maintenance on these types of projects. And this would reduce
the financial burden on these small communities, reducing
barriers to qualify for rehabilitation assistance when needed.
And finally, just a little bit on remote lock operations.
The Pittsburgh District of the Army Corps began plans for a
pilot project in January 2017 at Grays Landing Lock and Dam,
located on the Monongahela River in Fayette County. The goal of
this project is to demonstrate the viability of remote lock
operation on a large-scale commercial waterway within the
inland navigation system.
This project will consist of two phases. Phase 1 will
involve remotely controlling the lock from a location onsite
that is out of view of the lock. And phase 2 will involve
remotely controlling the lock from an offsite location.
Automating and remotely operated the locks will significantly
reduce operational costs without negatively impacting transit
through the inland navigation system by allowing one set of
operators in a central location to operate multiple facilities.
Furthermore, reduced operation costs would allow for more
flexibility in funding for maintenance and other capital
investments.
So the success with this project--I am just asking to be
expanded to other locations, including the Upper Allegheny
locks, located in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, where this
technology has the potential to increase the availability and
the capacity of the locks, and support the other economic
drivers, like recreational boating.
I want to thank you, Chairwoman and Ranking Member, and all
the members of this committee, for allowing me to bring and
express my priorities, as you consider working on WRDA 2020.
Thank you so much.
[Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania's prepared statement
follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Glenn Thompson, a Representative in Congress
from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Chairwoman Napolitano, Ranking Member Westerman and Members of the
House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure's Subcommittee on
Water Resources and Environment:
Good morning and thank you for providing the opportunity to share
my priorities for the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA
2020). In order to strengthen and maintain the water resources of the
United States, it is crucial we support programs that invest in water
infrastructure needs in our local communities.
U.S. Fish and Wild Services' Endangered Species List
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) provides for the conversation of
threatened and endangered plants and animals as well as their habitats.
Additionally, the legislation established the endangered species list,
maintained by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), which contains
all the endangered species found throughout the world. The ESA also
requires federal agencies to ensure that any action they carry out does
not harm or jeopardize the presence of any listed species or destroys
their habitat.
The ESA has brought fundamental conservation practices to our local
communities. While we must continue to improve and strengthen these
strategies, we should also strive to provide resources to states and
industry to help navigate some of the more nuanced regulations within
the ESA.
For example, the Allegheny River and other navigable waters in and
around my district need to be dredged in order to prevent flooding,
allow safe passage of vessels, and for economic development in rural
communities. Environmental restoration efforts of these waterways have
improved quality of the water to a level that now sustains populations
of endangered mussels. The repopulation of this species is increasing
throughout the river, specifically in the riverbed. It has been brought
to my attention that many industry stakeholders have left the region
due to prohibitive costs associated with mitigating the endangered
mussels, resulting in missed opportunities of jobs and revenues for
local communities.
Being good environmental stewards should not be an ``either-or''
situation. As we look toward WRDA 2020, it is my hope that the
Committee will explore voluntary conservation plans that provide strong
safeguards for these endangered and threatened species, but also create
an opportunity for industry to partner with federal, state, and local
governments to address the cost issue and invest in local communities.
Levee Assistance
The Flood Control and Coastal Emergency Act (PL 84-99) provides the
United States Army Corps of Engineers the discretionary authority to
undertake activities including disaster preparedness, emergency
operations, as well as rehabilitation of areas destroyed or threatened
by floods.
Under this legislation, local sponsors of a flood control project
are required to provide and maintain the necessary land, easements, and
rights-of-way necessary to perform the required construction and must
secure all necessary permits prior to any construction activities done
by the Army Corps of Engineers. The local sponsor is also responsible
for any operation and maintenance cost incurred by the flood control
project and must contribute 20 percent of the construction cost for any
rehabilitation.
It is my understanding that many local sponsors, including those
found in my district, specifically Ford City, PA and Punxsutawney, PA,
are unable to financially meet these requirements to maintain their
projects. Due to the lack of financial resources, many of these
projects do not achieve a minimally acceptable rating on their
inspection, which is done on a biannual basis by the Army Corps, to be
considered for Army Corps rehabilitation assistance. Furthermore, FEMA
uses these ratings to inform the National Flood Insurance Program when
they update flood insurance rates. Since these projects receive an
unacceptable rating, FEMA considers these areas unprotected, which
results in higher premiums for homeowners and local businesses. This is
a drag on the existing local economy and has real impacts on future
economic development in these small, rural communities.
It is my hope that the Committee considers authorizations which
permit the Army Corp to conduct maintenance on these types of projects.
This would reduce the financial burden on these small communities to
sustain operations and receive acceptable ratings from USACE in order
to qualify for rehabilitation assistance when needed.
Remote Lock Operations
The Pittsburgh District of the Army Corps began plans for a pilot
project in January 2017 at Gray's Landing Lock and Dam, located along
the Monongahela River in Fayette County, PA. The goal of this project
is to demonstrate the viability of remote lock operations on a large-
scale commercial waterway within the inland navigation system.
This project will consist of two phases. Phase I will involve
remotely controlling the lock from a location onsite that is out of
view of the lock. Phase II will then involve remotely controlling the
lock from an offsite location. Automating and remotely operating locks
will significantly reduce operation costs without negatively impacting
transit through the inland navigation system by allowing one set of
operators in a central location to operate multiple facilities.
Furthermore, the reduced operation costs would allow for more
flexibility in funding for maintenance and other capital investments.
If successful, this project should be expanded to other locations,
including the Upper Allegheny Locks located in Armstrong County, PA,
where this technology has the potential to increase the availability
and capacity of the locks and support other economic drivers, like
recreational boating, in the surrounding counties.
Again, thank you to Chairwoman Napolitano, Ranking Member
Westerman, and Members of this Subcommittee for allowing me to express
my priorities for WRDA 2020. I appreciate your consideration and look
forward to working together on these and other issues.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you for your testimony, sir.
Does any Member have a question?
Seeing none, we move on to the next witness.
I would now like to recognize the gentleman from Kentucky,
Mr. Comer, for 5 minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. JAMES COMER, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY
Mr. Comer. Thank you, Madam Chair, Ranking Member LaMalfa,
and members of the subcommittee. Thank you for the opportunity
to speak with you today. I represent the First Congressional
District of Kentucky, which is home to Paducah, which serves as
a major hub of the inland waterway system due to its strategic
location on the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers.
Kentucky's river industry alone moves around 100 million
tons of cargo per year, with a combined value of over $10
billion. Our waterways provide a safe and efficient way to
transport the commodities that America needs, from coal and
petroleum, to chemicals and other hazardous materials, to
grains and other agricultural products like those grown and
used in my district.
Unfortunately, the majority of our waterways infrastructure
is over 50 years old, and we are beginning to pay the price.
This includes levees needed for flood protection, locks and
dams that support navigation and hydropower generation, and
countless other projects necessary to transit the inland
waterway system. These major infrastructure projects are
strategic investments in the future of our Nation's
infrastructure, and Americans deserve consistent, stable
Federal funding in order to capitalize on our highly skilled
workforce and foster further industrial development.
As Congress considers components of a WRDA reauthorization,
I want to voice my support for conforming the cost share for
new construction and major rehabilitation projects on the
inland waterways transportation system. I support adjusting the
cost share to 25 percent Inland Waterways Trust Fund and 75
percent general funds for Inland Waterways Trust Fund
construction projects. This adjustment will allow the inland
waterways construction portfolio of 23 projects to be completed
in 20 years, instead of the current expected completion of 40
years.
Another issue that I would like to discuss today is a
threat to not just my congressional district, but our entire
inland waterway system. That threat is the Asian carp. This
species was brought to the United States decades ago, soon
entered our major waterways, and have since spread to a
considerable portion of our country's interior river system.
Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake in my congressional district
are home to some of the top outdoor recreation sites in all of
Kentucky. Boating, camping, fishing, and other activities have
an estimated $1.2 billion economic impact on the region.
However, Asian carp is threatening our tourism economy. These
invasive fish are known to jump out of the water at the sound
of approaching boats, striking boaters and skiers. They also
eat the food sources of native fish species. The explosion of
carp is driving boaters and fishermen away from our region.
As an example, Asian carp are ruining the annual fishing
tournaments that draw hundreds of visitors to the area and
infuse millions of dollars into the local economy. While
progress has been made, we must still continue to work to
eradicate Asian carp and prioritize resources to fight this
invasive species.
Additionally, I would like to express my support for the
Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, which is used by river ports
such as the Hickman-Fulton County Riverport Authority for vital
dredging.
I look forward to continuing work with my colleagues in
Congress to provide resources for completion of these high-
priority investments in our waterways infrastructure, and I
appreciate the opportunity to relay these priorities to you
today.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
[Mr. Comer's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. James Comer, a Representative in Congress
from the Commonwealth of Kentucky
Chairman Napolitano, Ranking Member Westerman, and Members of the
Subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today.
I represent the 1st Congressional District of Kentucky, which is
home to Paducah which serves as a major hub of the inland waterways
system due to its strategic location at the confluence of the Ohio and
Tennessee rivers. Kentucky's river industry alone moves around 100
million tons of cargo per year with a combined value of over $10
billion. Our waterways provide a safe and efficient way to transport
the commodities that America needs--from coal and petroleum, to
chemicals and other hazardous materials, to grains and other
agricultural products like those grown and used in my district.
Unfortunately, the majority of our waterways infrastructure is over
fifty years old and we are beginning to pay the price. This includes
levees needed for flood protection, locks and dams that support
navigation and hydropower generation, and countless other projects
necessary to transit the inland waterways system. These major
infrastructure projects are strategic investments in the future of our
nation's infrastructure, and Americans deserve consistent, stable
federal funding in order to capitalize on our highly skilled workforce
and foster further industrial development.
As Congress considers components of a WRDA reauthorization, I want
to voice my support for conforming the cost-share for new construction
and major rehabilitation projects on the inland waterways
transportation system. I support adjusting the cost-share to 25% Inland
Waterways Trust Fund and 75% general funds for Inland Waterways Trust
Fund construction projects. This adjustment will allow the inland
waterways construction portfolio of 23 projects to be completed in 20
years instead of the current expected completion of 40 years.
Additionally, I would like to express my support for the Harbor
Maintenance Trust Fund, which is used by Riverports such as the
Hickman-Fulton County Riverport Authority for vital dredging.
I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in Congress
to provide resources for completion of these high-priority investments
in our waterways infrastructure, and I appreciate the opportunity to
relay these priorities to you today.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you for your testimony, sir.
Does any Member have a question?
Seeing none, thank you very much.
I would like to recognize our next witness, the gentleman
from Pennsylvania, Mr. Keller, for 5 minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. FRED KELLER, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Mr. Keller. Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you, Ranking
Member. I appreciate the opportunity to testify today.
Authorization of the Water Resources Development Act for
needed upgrades to the Greater Williamsport levee in
Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District can literally save
lives, as well as hundreds of millions of dollars of economic
assets.
As you may know, Williamsport, Pennsylvania, is home to
Little League Baseball and the Little League World Series. But
what you may not know is that the amazing event, which attracts
tens of thousands of visitors each year from around the world,
and millions of viewers on television, sits directly in the
path of a devastating flood zone. This area is protected only
by a levee in need of serious rehabilitation and improvements.
This levee, built in the 1950s by the Army Corps of Engineers,
has protected this region ever since.
However, after recent inspection by FEMA, large sections of
the levee have received a rating of unacceptable. Currently,
relief wells, cross pipes, and two I-walls are at risk of
failure without significant rehabilitation and improvements.
The effects of possible flood are nothing short of
devastating. The flood zone behind this 20-mile levee system is
responsible for 87 percent of Lycoming County's economic
activity, and employs 45 percent of the county's workforce.
Just under half of the county's 116,000 residents live in the 4
highest risk jurisdictions. In addition, of the thousands of
commercial, industrial, and institutional properties protected
by the levee, around half the county's largest employers,
including Textron and Shop-Vac, and two institutions of higher
education are at risk of major losses. The assessed value of
all these properties is nearly three-quarters of a trillion
dollars.
Also, almost 4,500 residential properties with a value of
$292 million are also at risk.
With all of this taken together, it is no wonder why the
Borough of Williamsport, four other municipalities in the
affected region, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have
contributed significant local share to this project. We were
also pleased to see the levee project was included in the Army
Corps of Engineers Chief Engineer's Report in the main table.
Recently we were happy to see the Federal Government contribute
$5.6 million to this very important project through the
Economic Development Administration.
While we are off to a good start, additional Federal
investment is necessary to see this project through. That is
why authorization of the project in the Water Resources
Development Act reauthorization is so critical. We cannot allow
the home of Little League Baseball to be the home of the next
preventable flooding disaster.
We know problems with the levee exist now, and now is the
time to act. With challenging and unpredictable weather
patterns, one cannot know with certainty when a devastating
flood will impact this deteriorated levee system. However, we
can control what is in front of us, and that is providing the
needed resources in the Water Resources Development Act to
complete this project sooner, rather than later.
I urge the committee to include the authorization for this
project for the safety of Lycoming County businesses and
residents.
I thank the committee, the ranking member, and the chair
for allowing me to testify today.
[Mr. Keller's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Fred Keller, a Representative in Congress
from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Chairman DeFazio, Ranking Member Graves, I want to thank you for
the opportunity to testify today.
Authorization in the Water Resources Development Act for needed
upgrades to the Greater Williamsport Levee in Pennsylvania's 12th
Congressional District can literally save lives as well as hundreds of
millions of dollars in economic assets.
As you may know, Williamsport, Pennsylvania is home to Little
League Baseball and the Little League World Series.
But what you may not know is that this amazing event, which
attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year from around the world
and millions of viewers on television, sits directly in the path of a
devastating flood zone.
This area is protected only by a levee in need of serious
rehabilitation and improvements.
This levee was built in the 1950s by the Army Corps of Engineers
and has protected the region ever since.
However, after a recent inspection by FEMA, large sections of the
levee received a rating of ``unacceptable.''
Currently, relief wells, cross pipes, and two I-walls are at risk
of failure without significant rehabilitation and improvements.
The effects of a possible flood are nothing short of devastating.
The flood zone behind this 20-mile levee system is responsible for
87 percent of Lycoming County's economic activity, which generates 80
percent of its tax revenues and employs 45 percent of the county's
workforce.
Just under half of the county's 116,000 residents live in the four
highest-risk jurisdictions.
In addition, of the thousands of commercial, industrial, and
institutional properties protected by the levee, around half of the
county's largest employers--including Textron and ShopVac--and two
institutions of higher education are at risk of major losses.
The assessed value of all of these properties is nearly three
quarters of a trillion dollars.
Also 4,400 residential properties with a value of $292 million are
also at risk.
With all of this taken together, it is no wonder why the borough of
Williamsport, four other municipalities in the affected region, and the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have contributed a significant local share
to this project.
We were also pleased to see the levee project was included in the
Army Corps of Engineers' Chief Engineers Report in the Main Table.
Recently, we were very happy to see the federal government
contribute $5.6 million to this very important project through the
Economic Development Administration.
While we are off to a good start, additional federal investment is
necessary to see this project through.
That is why authorization of this project in the Water Resources
Development Act reauthorization is so critical.
We cannot allow the home of little league baseball to be the home
of the next preventable flooding disaster.
We know problems with the levee exist now and now is the time to
act.
With challenging and unpredictable weather patterns one cannot know
with certainty when a devastating flood will impact this deteriorated
levee system.
However, we can control what is in front of us and that is
providing the needed resources in the Water Resources Development Act
to complete this project sooner rather than later.
I urge the committee to include authorization for this project for
the safety of Lycoming County businesses and residents.
Thank you.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you for your testimony, sir.
And does any Member have a question of the--none?
So be it. Thank you very much for your testimony, and as we
wait for additional Members, the Chair will call for a recess
for a few minutes until additional Members arrive.
[Recess.]
Mrs. Napolitano. The meeting is called to order. This
hearing is called to order, and I would like to thank Mr.
Foster for coming in. I would like to recognize him for 5
minutes. The gentleman from Illinois is on.
TESTIMONY OF HON. BILL FOSTER, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
FROM THE STATE OF ILLINOIS
Mr. Foster. Well, good afternoon and thank you, Chairwoman
Napolitano and Ranking Member LaMalfa, for holding this
Members' Day hearing, and to the members of the subcommittee
for allowing me to testify here today.
I am here this morning first to urge project authorization
for the Asian carp barrier at Brandon Road Lock and Dam in my
district; secondly, to change the local cost-share adjustment
for the Brandon Road project; thirdly, to fully support funding
for the Army Corps Joliet Flood Mitigation Study, section 205.
Brandon Road Lock and Dam, located in the Des Plaines River
in Joliet, Illinois, serves as the last line of defense to
prevent the spread of Asian carp and other aquatic nuisance
species into the Great Lakes. This invasive species was
introduced decades ago in Arkansas, and has now traveled up the
Mississippi Basin, and is threatening environmental and
economic catastrophe if it reaches the Great Lakes Basin.
The Army Corps has submitted its Chief's Report in May of
2019, and it is now Congress' responsibility to fully authorize
and fund this project, and to provide additional authorizations
to the Corps to rapidly study and implement additional options
and technologies at Brandon Road to improve the efficacy of
that barrier.
This project authorization is urgent in order to prevent
aquatic nuisance species from passing freely into the Great
Lakes, which would damage the economies of the Great Lakes
States and the economy of Canada.
Secondly, the construction of Brandon Road, as it moves
forward following our authorization of this project, I urge the
committee to provide the Corps with additional project
authorization to mitigate the disruption of recreational
activities in the surrounding area. Specifically, the Brandon
Road project, as planned, would disrupt use of the 20-mile bike
path that follows the historic Illinois and Michigan Canal
downstream, as well as nearby pedestrian and bicycle paths
along the Des Plaines River and Hickory Creek.
And to mitigate this damage, Congress should require the
Corps to use a small percentage of the project's money to
integrate Brandon Road, the Brandon Road project, with the
neighboring recreational areas along the I&M Canal, the Des
Plaines River, and Hickory Creek. Specifically, this additional
money should be used to improve and extend the bike path and
walkways along these waterways, and to extend the path over
Brandon Road Lock and Dam.
Thirdly, because of the national scope of the threat, and
the fact that the carp were introduced in a State hundreds of
miles away, we request that the non-Federal cost share be
waived for this project. The Asian carp and aquatic nuisance
species are traveling up from the southern region of the
Mississippi River. And, as a result, it has somehow become the
responsibility of Illinois to prevent them from moving into
Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes States. The Federal
Government, therefore, should pay the full cost of this
project.
With these environmental and economic benefits in mind, I
urge the committee to include Brandon Road's expanded
authorization, including a waiver of the cost share, in WRDA.
Or perhaps you could simply just transfer the cost share to
Arkansas. Illinois did not create this problem, and we should
not be forced to bear the cost of protecting the entire Great
Lakes region and Canada.
Finally, I would also like to draw your attention to
another project that requires funding in my district, the Army
Corps Joliet Flood Mitigation Study. Last year, FEMA placed the
downtown portions of the city of Joliet within a flood plain.
While FEMA is outside this committee's jurisdiction, FEMA's
close coordination with the Army Corps is crucial, and I am
gravely concerned that the recent flood plain determination
will negatively impact Joliet's effort at downtown
revitalization.
Since this decision, the city of Joliet has actively worked
with the Army Corps to design and construct a new floodwall,
which can be certified as a levee and extend flood protections
throughout the downtown. I strongly support ensuring the
initial USACE-Joliet study is fully funded, and that the
section 205 remediation project funding be directed to the
city.
Well, thank you again, and I yield back the balance of my
time.
[Mr. Foster's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Bill Foster, a Representative in Congress
from the State of Illinois
Good morning, and thank you Chairwoman Napolitano and Ranking
Member Westerman for holding this Members' Day and to the members of
the subcommittee for allowing me to testify here today.
I am here this morning:
To urge project authorization for the Brandon Road Lock
and Dam in my district.
To change the cost-share adjustment for Brandon Road.
To support fully funding the Army Corps Joliet Flood
Mitigation Study--Section 205.
Brandon Road Lock and Dam, located along the Des Plaines River in
Joliet, Illinois, serves as the last line of defense to prevent the
spread of Asian Carp and other Aquatic Nuisance Species into the Great
Lakes.
This invasive species was introduced in Arkansas and has now
traveled up the Mississippi Basin and is threatening environmental and
economic catastrophe if it reaches the Great Lakes.
The Army Corps submitted its Chief's Report in May 2019 and it's
now Congress' responsibility to authorize the project, and to provide
additional authorization for the Corps to rapidly study and implement
options and technologies at Brandon Road that improve the efficacy of
the Aquatic Nuisance Species measures similar to the efficacy study
authority associated with the electric barrier.
This project authorization is urgent in order to prevent Aquatic
Nuisance Species from passing freely into the Great Lakes, which would
affect the Great Lakes states' economies.
As the construction of Brandon Road moves forward following our
authorization of the project, I urge the committee to provide the Corps
with additional project authorization to mitigate disruption to
recreational activities in the surrounding area.
Specifically, the Brandon Road project, as planned, would disrupt
use of the 20-mile bike path that follows the Illinois & Michigan Canal
downstream, as well as nearby pedestrian and bicycle paths along the
Des Plaines River and Hickory Creek.
To mitigate this damage, Congress should require the Corps to use a
small percentage of the project's money to integrate Brandon Road with
the neighboring recreational areas along the I&M Canal, Des Plaines
River, and Hickory Creek. Specifically, this money should be used to
improve and extend the bike path and walkways along these waterways and
extend the path over Brandon Road Lock and Dam.
Because of the national scope of the threat and the fact that the
carp were introduced in a state hundreds of miles away, we request that
the nonfederal cost share be waived for this project.
The Asian Carp and Aquatic Nuisance Species are traveling from the
Southern region of the Mississippi River and as a result, it has become
the Great Lake states' responsibility to prevent them from moving
closer to Lake Michigan. The federal government therefore needs to pay
a larger share of this project.
With these economic and environmental benefits in mind, I urge the
committee to include Brandon Road's expanded authorization, including
this cost-share waiver, in WRDA.
Illinois did not create this problem, and should not be forced to
bear the cost of protecting the entire Great Lakes region.
I would also like to draw to your attention to another project that
requires funding in my district--the Army Corps Joliet Flood Mitigation
Study.
Last year, FEMA placed the downtown portions of the City of Joliet
within a floodplain.
While FEMA is outside of the committee's jurisdiction, FEMA's close
coordination with the Army Corps is crucial. I am gravely concerned
that the recent floodplain determination will negatively impact
Joliet's efforts at downtown revitalization.
Since this decision, the city of Joliet has actively worked with
the Army Corps to design and construct a new floodwall, which can be
certified as a levee and extend flood protections through downtown.
I strongly support ensuring the initial USACE-Joliet study is fully
funded and completed in a timely manner and, that, once certified, that
Section 205 remediation project funding be directed to the City.
Thank you again, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you very much for your testimony. It
is very well put. Thank you, sir.
Are there any questions from the committee?
None?
Seeing none, thank you, sir.
I would like to recognize the next witness, the gentleman
from New York, Mr. Higgins, for 5 minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. BRIAN HIGGINS, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
FROM THE STATE OF NEW YORK
Mr. Higgins of New York. Thank you, Chairwoman, Ranking
Member Graves, and members of the committee. Thank you for
giving me the opportunity to speak today about the impact that
the growth of harmful algae blooms have on the future of
communities I represent in western New York.
This committee's consideration of the Water Resources
Development Act this year is an opportunity to address this
issue aggressively and proactively for communities like mine
and across the country. I am hopeful that this bill can prevent
communities like mine from seeing progress on water quality
reversed due to the lack of readiness to evolving threats in
our navigable waterways.
The United States Army Corps of Engineers are the unsung
heroes of the United States infrastructure and economic
development. Their continued work on the Buffalo River played a
major part in its revitalization from its polluted past, which
is why today I will highlight the immense impact the Army Corps
is poised to have in fighting another threat to our waters, the
harmful and rapid increase of algae in Lake Erie. With funding
from WRDA, the Corps can deploy innovative technologies to
fight this scourge in our environment and communities.
Harmful algae blooms are caused by nutrient runoff, and
exist in all 50 States. Blooms plagued the western basin of
Lake Erie in 2014. A bloom near Toledo, Ohio, shut down the
city's drinking water for 2 entire days in 2019. Another algae
bloom grew seven times the size of Cleveland--seven times the
size of Cleveland. Scientists predict that the harmful algae
bloom problem will continue to worsen, due to climate change.
To preserve our Nation's bodies of waters, especially the
Great Lakes, we must prioritize projects for harmful bloom
mitigation. One such project is the HABITATS pilot program on
Lake Okeechobee in Florida. The float and cut technology of the
project is portable, and can be deployed quickly to help lessen
the impact of potential blooms. The harvested algae can be
recycled to consumer products like running shoes and yoga mats.
As described by the Army Corps' report evaluating the pilot
project, the data and scalability of the project shows great
promise. Ninety-five percent of the algae was removed from the
water.
I urge my colleagues to support and prioritize Army Corps
efforts, specifically from the Engineer Research and
Development Center, to prevent and mitigate harmful algae
blooms. Blooms cost the United States an estimated $1 billion
each year. We must deploy preventable measures to avoid
spending more time and resources to undo their significant
damage.
Thank you, I yield back my time.
[Mr. Higgins of New York's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Brian Higgins, a Representative in Congress
from the State of New York
Chairwoman Napolitano, Ranking Member Graves, Members of the
Committee,
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak today about the
impact that the growth of harmful algae blooms will have on the future
of the communities I represent in Western New York.
The committee's consideration of the Water Resources Development
Act this year is an opportunity to address this issue aggressively and
proactively for communities like mine and across the country.
I am hopeful that this bill can prevent communities like mine from
seeing progress on water quality reversed due to a lack of readiness to
evolving threats in our navigable waterways.
The United States Army Corps of Engineers are the unsung heroes of
United States' infrastructure and economic development. Their continued
work on the Buffalo River played a major part in its revitalization
from its polluted past. Which is why today I will highlight the immense
impact the Army Corps is poised to have in fighting another threat to
our waters, the harmful and rapid increase in algae in Lake Erie. With
funding from WRDA, the Corps can deploy innovative technologies to
fight this scourge in our environment and communities.
Harmful algae blooms are caused by nutrient runoff and exist in all
fifty states. Blooms plague the western basin of Lake Erie. In 2014, a
bloom near Toledo, Ohio shut down the city's drinking water for two
entire days. In 2019, another algae bloom grew to seven times the size
of Cleveland, seven times the size of Cleveland.
Scientists predict that the harmful algae bloom problem will
continue to worsen due to climate change. To preserve our nation's
bodies of water, especially the Great Lakes, we must prioritize
projects for harmful bloom mitigation.
One such project is the HABITATS pilot program on Lake Okeechobee
in Florida. The float and cut technology of the project is portable and
can be deployed quickly, to help lessen the impact of potential blooms.
The harvested algae can be recycled to consumer products like running
shoes and yoga mats.
As described in the Army Corps' report to evaluate the pilot
project, the data and scalability of the project shows great promise.
Ninety-five percent of the algae was removed from the water.
I urge my colleagues to support and prioritize Army Corps' efforts,
specifically from the Engineer Research and Development Center, to
prevent and mitigate Harmful Algae Blooms. Blooms cost the United
States an estimate of $1 billion each year. We must deploy preventative
measures to avoid spending more time and resources to undo their
significant damage. Thank you and I yield back.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you for your testimony, Mr. Higgins.
And now I would like to ask if any member of this committee
has a question.
Seeing none, thank you very much.
I would like to recognize the next witness, the gentlewoman
from California, Ms. Sanchez, for 5 minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. LINDA T. SANCHEZ, A REPRESENTATIVE IN
CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Ms. Sanchez. Thank you, Chairwoman Napolitano and Ranking
Member Westerman, for providing this opportunity to testify
today on an issue that is extremely important to the safety of
the residents of Los Angeles County.
I am so glad to report that the Whittier Narrows Dam in the
city of Pico Rivera, California, is in the planning stages for
restoration.
The Whittier Narrows Dam--I can't say that 10 times fast--
is located in my district, and was built in 1957. It is one of
the most crucial elements of flood control infrastructure in
southern California. It prevents the San Gabriel and Rio Hondo
riverbanks from overflowing during major storm events, which
protects millions of downstream residents.
As climate change results in more severe flooding, these
events will become more frequent and more extreme. In 2017, the
Corps designated Whittier Narrows as one of its highest
priority safety projects. The Corps found an unacceptable
likelihood of dam malfunctions during severe weather events.
Should the dam malfunction, or even fail, the loss of life and
economic disruption would be unimaginable.
I was pleased that we were able to get the Corps to include
more than $393 million for the Whittier Narrows Dam Safety and
Seepage Program in its budget and workplan. And I am strongly
supporting the project in the 2021 appropriations cycle.
As we work together to move the Whittier Narrows Dam Safety
project forward, I urge the subcommittee to help mitigate the
project's impact on the surrounding community. The city of Pico
Rivera, where the dam is located, will be permanently disrupted
by the project. It is a built-out city with very little land
for recreation and open space. The city leases its parkland
from the Corps. Unfortunately, the Corps will have to demolish
much of the city's parks and recreation facilities for
construction activities and other modifications, including
staging of the actual construction.
The city estimates that the resulting cost to the community
will be more than $100 million. While we can all agree that
restoring the Whittier Narrows Dam is the highest priority, the
project will have a heavy impact on working families in a
majority Latino community. I urge the subcommittee to consider
the city of Pico Rivera's section 7001 proposal.
I also request the subcommittee work with me to minimize
disruption to working families and communities like Pico Rivera
as a result of Army Corps projects.
I look forward to welcoming members of the subcommittee to
my district next week to hear directly from the Army Corps as
to why this project is such a critical project.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify. I appreciate your
past and future support of this project, and I yield back the
balance of my time.
[Ms. Sanchez's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Linda T. Sanchez, a Representative in
Congress from the State of California
Chairwoman Napolitano and Ranking Member Westerman, thank you for
providing this opportunity to testify today on an issue that is
extremely important to the safety of Los Angeles County residents. I
want to thank the Chairwoman for partnering with me on the restoration
of the Whittier Narrows Dam in the City of Pico Rivera, California.
The Whittier Narrows Dam was built in 1957 and is one of the most
crucial elements of flood control infrastructure in Southern
California. It prevents the San Gabriel and Rio Hondo river banks from
overflowing during major storm events which protects millions of
downstream residents. As climate change results in more severe
flooding, these events will become more frequent and extreme.
In 2017, the Corps designated Whittier Narrows as one of its
highest priority safety projects. The Corps found an unacceptable
likelihood of dam malfunctions during severe weather events. Should the
Dam malfunction or even fail, the disruption and possible loss of life
to residents and businesses would be unimaginable.
I was pleased that the Corps included more than $393 million for
the Whittier Narrows Dam Safety and Seepage Program in its Budget and
Work Plan. I am proud to partner once again with the Chairwoman to
ensure strong support for the project in the FY2021 appropriations
cycle.
As we work together to move the Whittier Narrows Dam safety project
forward, I urge the Subcommittee to help mitigate the project's impact
on the surrounding community. The City of Pico Rivera, where the Dam is
located, will be permanently disrupted by the project. The City leases
its park land from the Corps. Unfortunately, the Corps will have to
demolish much of the city's parks and recreation facilities for
construction activities and other modifications.
The City estimates the cost to the community will be more than $100
million. While we can all agree that restoring the Whittier Narrows Dam
is the highest priority, the project's impact on working families in a
majority Latino community will be heavy. I urge the Subcommittee to
consider the City of Pico Rivera's Section 7001 proposal. I also
request Subcommittee work with me to minimize disruption to working
families in communities like Pico Rivera as a result of Army Corps
projects.
I look forward to welcoming members of the Subcommittee to Pico
Rivera next week to hear directly from the Army Corps of Engineers why
this project is critical for millions of people. Thank you for the
opportunity to testify. I yield back the balance of my time.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you for your testimony.
And does any member of the committee wish to question?
Seeing none, I now would like to recognize our next
witness, the gentleman from Tennessee, Mr. Cooper.
Thank you, sir. For 5 minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. JIM COOPER, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM
THE STATE OF TENNESSEE
Mr. Cooper. Thank you, Chairwoman Napolitano and Ranking
Member LaMalfa.
I have the honor of representing Nashville, Tennessee, one
of the most thriving, growing cities in America. Nashville is
located on the Cumberland River. And I need your help.
In fact, I am begging for your help, because all I need are
three words. I don't need any money. I just need permission for
the Army Corps of Engineers to operate the three existing dams
that are above Nashville. The only dams above Nashville, right
on the Cumberland River, the Old Hickory Dam and the Cordell
Hull Dam, I need them to have permission to do flood control
storage. Right now those dams are only authorized for
navigation and for electrical, and those are fine purposes, but
Nashville was devastated by a 2010 flood.
The 10th anniversary is coming up this year, and in the 10
intervening years we have done almost nothing to mitigate the
damage the water could cause. We bought some houses, but really
no project to help. These are existing dams. They were designed
in 1946. No one envisioned climate change. No one envisioned
that Nashville would multiply in size. And now we need to use
those existing dams for more a flexible purpose, not only to
save the city, but actually to help the Army Corps itself,
because, as the Corps issued a press release in 2010, we came
within 7 inches of the Old Hickory Dam being overtopped. The
Corps said if that dam had been overtopped, it could have
devastated the city with another 4 feet of water.
So this also gives the Corps management flexibility of
existing assets. This is flexibility they need, flexibility
they deserve. So let's not keep the Corps in a straitjacket in
the Nashville community. Let's give them the freedom to save
the city.
I thank the chair, and I yield back the balance of my time.
[Mr. Cooper's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Jim Cooper, a Representative in Congress
from the State of Tennessee
You can solve my problem with no money and three words: ``flood
control storage.''
I represent Nashville, Tennessee, a thriving, fast-growing city on
the Cumberland River that lies below two dams, Old Hickory and Cordell
Hull, that are not allowed to be used for ``flood control storage''
under their congressional authorizations. These are so-called ``run-of-
river'' dams that can be used for ``flood surcharge storage'' but not
to mitigate flooding downstream during torrential rainfalls.
Nashville suffered billions of dollars of flood damages in the 2010
flood but, in the ten years since, very little has been done to
mitigate the chance of future flooding. The Army Corps of Engineers,
Nashville District, has participated in numerous home buyouts and other
minor improvements but their proposals for a $100 million downtown
floodwall and a small $18 million dry dam have not come close to
fruition. I am not asking you for any money, only three words that will
allow us to better manage our river.
On the tenth anniversary of the catastrophic flood, Nashvillians
are naturally asking what has been done to reduce the chance of
reoccurrence. By adding these three words to the authorization of the
two dams, this Committee can finally give the Corps the flexibility it
has long needed to better manage flooding of the Cumberland, the most
flood-prone navigable waterway in the United States.
The straight jacket that the Corps has been operating under only
allows Old Hickory and Cordell Hull to be used for navigation and
hydropower. These are important functions but increasingly outmoded, at
least during flood events. There is only one barge customer left above
Old Hickory and TVA is easily able to adjust electrical loads. In fact,
one of the three turbines at Old Hickory has been down for repairs for
some time with few adverse consequences. Power generation must be
suspended during flood events anyway.
During heavy rainfall, however, Nashville is in urgent need of
having better flood protection all along its 67 miles of river
frontage. Below Nashville, Cheatham County is also in need. Allowing
these dams to be used for flood control storage could give the Corps
the flexibility it needs to protect everyone downstream, as well as the
management flexibility it needs to prevent possible over-topping of the
dams. During the 2010 flood, the Corps came within 7 inches of
overtopping Old Hickory, a tragedy that would have been even more
devastating to Nashville. Overtopping would have, according to the
Corps, increased flooding by four feet, adding many billions of
dollars-worth of damage.
I know that Old Hickory and Cordell Hull were not designed to be
flood control dams, and that dock owners on the lakes will not enjoy
even a temporary draw-down of lake levels. But lowering lake levels in
advance of huge rains will not do any structural harm to the dams but
would give the Corps much more margin of error in the event of any
unexpected deluge or other unanticipated event. Seven inches is way too
close a call for one of America's most dynamic cities. And I am sure
that boaters upstream will accept a minor inconvenience if that is the
price they pay for saving Nashville in an extraordinary event. I am
certain that they would prefer temporary low levels to any tax increase
to pay for the catastrophic damage that severe flooding will cause.
Mrs. Napolitano. Well, thank you very much, Mr. Cooper. And
it makes sense, but we will see what happens.
Mr. Cooper. Thank you.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you. Now I want to know if any
member of the committee wishes to question.
No?
Seeing none, I now recognize our next witness, the
gentleman from Wisconsin, Mr. Steil.
TESTIMONY OF HON. BRYAN STEIL, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
FROM THE STATE OF WISCONSIN
Mr. Steil. Thank you, Chairwoman Napolitano, and Ranking
Member Westerman, and members of the Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment, for holding today's hearing.
The Water Resources Development Act invests in America's
water infrastructure, generating economic growth and protecting
our communities. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to shine
a light on the issues facing Wisconsin and the Greater Midwest
region. Southeast Wisconsin includes Racine, Kenosha, and
Milwaukee Counties, and Lake Michigan is vital to our
communities.
Why are the Great Lakes so important to Wisconsin and the
Midwest? Millions of people live along the shores of the Great
Lakes. The two largest cities in the First Congressional
District are on the shores of Lake Michigan. About 100,000
people live in Kenosha. About 75,000 people live in Racine. If
the Great Lakes region was a country, it would have the third
largest economy in the world. The Great Lakes ports have
generated $1.4 billion in economic impact in Wisconsin, and
Wisconsin tourism has a $450 million impact on Racine and
Kenosha Counties, and a large part of that is driven by Lake
Michigan.
Today I would like to touch on two Great Lakes priorities
that are included in the 2020 WRDA, the Great Lakes Coastal
Resiliency Study and the Brandon Road project.
First, the Great Lakes Coast Resiliency Study. After
experiencing record-low water levels in 2013, Lake Michigan is
now nearing record-high water levels. Shoreline erosion is
becoming a very serious issue. For example, during a recent
storm in January, high winds, combined with high water levels,
resulted in significant flooding and extensive damage in
Kenosha, Milwaukee, and Racine Counties. According to recent
assessments, southeast Wisconsin reported $30 million of damage
to public infrastructure from that storm alone.
As the State and local governments continue to work through
appropriate channels to address the damage, the Federal
Government also has a role to play, and that is why I am here
today. As part of the 2020 WRDA, I ask that you fully fund the
Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study.
The Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study brings together
eight Great Lakes States and Federal partners to examine our
shoreline and prevent environmental hazards. The study area
includes more than 5,000 miles of shoreline. This is a Federal
program that helps detect vulnerabilities along the shoreline,
and improves community sustainability for generations to come.
Finally, I ask that the committee adequately fund the
Brandon Road project to prevent Asian carp from entering the
Great Lakes. This species poses a great threat to the viability
of the region. Asian carp are known for their voracious
appetites and for decimating native fish populations. And they
have been found just a few miles from the Great Lakes shores.
The Asian carp has the potential to hurt the $7 billion fishing
industry in the Great Lakes. Preventing Asian carp in the Great
Lakes is needed to sustain our fishing industry.
The Brandon Road project, an Army Corps of Engineers
program, is a preventative measure to safeguard the Great
Lakes. Adequately funding the Brandon Road project in the 2020
WRDA would help States like Wisconsin, and address threats to
our ecosystem and economy.
Again, I want to thank the chair and ranking members and
members of this committee for having me here today. Your
support for the Great Lakes does not go unnoticed. They are
vital to Wisconsin and the entire Midwest. And I look forward
to working with you on this important issue.
[Mr. Steil's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Bryan Steil, a Representative in Congress
from the State of Wisconsin
Thank you to Chairman Peter DeFazio and Ranking Member Sam Graves
of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and to Chairwoman
Grace Napolitano and Ranking Member Bruce Westerman of the Subcommittee
on Water Resources and Environment for holding this hearing.
The Water Resources Development Act, WRDA, invests in America's
water infrastructure, generating economic growth and protecting our
communities.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to shine a light on issues
facing Wisconsin and the greater Midwest region.
Southeast Wisconsin includes Kenosha, Racine, and Milwaukee
counties and Lake Michigan is vital to our communities.
Why are the Great Lakes so important to Wisconsin and the Midwest?
Millions of people live along the Great Lakes' coast.
And the two largest cities in my district sit on the shores of Lake
Michigan.
According to the Census Bureau, 100,164 people live in Kenosha.
77,432 people live in Racine.
If the Great Lakes region was a country, it would have the third
largest economy in the world.
The Great Lakes ports have generated $1.4 billion in economic
impact in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin tourism has a $477 million impact on Racine and Kenosha
counties and much of that is driven by Lake Michigan.
Today, I'd like to touch on two Great Lakes' priorities to include
in the 2020 WRDA: The Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study and the
Brandon Road Project.
First, the Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study.
After experiencing record low water levels in 2013, Lake Michigan
is nearing record high water levels.
Shoreline erosion is becoming a serious issue.
For example, during a recent storm in January, high winds, combined
with high water levels, resulted in significant flooding and extensive
damage in Kenosha, Milwaukee, and Racine counties.
According to recent assessments, Southeast Wisconsin reported $30
million in damage to public infrastructure.
As the state and local governments continue to work through
appropriate channels to address the damage, the federal government also
has a role to play.
That is why I am here today.
As a part of the 2020 WRDA, I ask that you fully fund the Great
Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study.
The Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study brings together the eight
Great Lakes states and federal partners to examine our shorelines and
prevent environmental hazards.
The Study area includes more than 5,000 miles of shoreline.
This is a federal program that helps detect vulnerabilities along
the shoreline and improve our communities' sustainability for
generations to come.
Finally, I ask that the Committee adequately funds the Brandon Road
Project to prevent the Asian Carp from entering the Great Lakes.
This species poses a great threat to the viability of the region.
The Asian Carp are known for their voracious appetites and for
decimating native fish populations.
And, they've been found only a few miles from Lake Michigan.
The Asian Carp has the potential to hurt the $7 billion fishing
industry of the Great Lakes.
Preventing the establishment of the Asian Carp in the Great Lakes
is an effective approach to sustain our fishing industry.
The Brandon Road Project, an Army Corps of Engineers program, is a
preventive measure to safeguard the Great Lakes.
Adequately funding the Brandon Road Project in the 2020 WRDA would
greatly help states, like Wisconsin, address threats to our ecosystem
and economy.
Again, I want to thank the Chair and Ranking Member for having me
here today.
Your support of the Great Lakes does not go unnoticed.
I look forward to working with you so Wisconsin's valuable natural
resources stay sustainable for generations to come.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you for your testimony, Mr. Steil, I
really appreciate it.
And does any Member wish to question?
No?
Seeing none, thank you very much.
I would now like to recognize our next witness, the
gentleman from Michigan, Mr. Huizenga, for 5 minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. BILL HUIZENGA, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
FROM THE STATE OF MICHIGAN
Mr. Huizenga. There we go, sorry. A slightly different
system over in the Financial Services Committee, so--but thank
you. And I appreciate the opportunity to come. And much like my
friend from Wisconsin who just got done testifying, I too want
to talk about the Great Lakes. This is a great opportunity for
this committee to allow Members to come and talk about their
districts, and talk about the issues in their region.
And one thing that I would like to add is, as we meet
today, the current state of erosion and high water damage is at
a crisis point throughout the Great Lakes Basin and the region.
In my district, along the shores of Lake Michigan, the high
water levels are a threat to people's homes, public
infrastructure, and the overall ecology and economy of the
Great Lakes. As we continue to see the shoreline erode, and the
water levels rise, Government at all levels needs to be
prepared to step in. Whether it is roads, bridges, breakwaters,
or wastewater treatment facilities, the potential for damage
due to high water levels is grave and real.
Furthermore, the amount of debris that has fallen into the
lakes as a result of this erosion also poses a significant
threat to shipping, public beaches, and recreational boating.
Recently I had an opportunity to take a Coast Guard helicopter
flight, and we flew the length of the district, and even the
Coast Guard helicopter pilots were surprised at the damage that
has been going on.
And one of them who had been stationed up in Alaska made
the comment that one of their main concerns is the number of
what they call deadheads, those trees and other debris that is
going into the lake, and the damage that that could pose to
recreational boaters especially, because in the Great Lakes
those tend to be fiberglass-hulled vessels, versus steel-hulled
up in Alaska and other places, not to mention, you know, the
personal watercraft, and the things that are going to be out
there. So there is some real fear for damage, not just property
damage, but personal damage.
I just am asking, as the committee develops the Water
Resources Development Act of 2020, I urge Members to include
provisions that would protect and restore the resiliency of the
Great Lakes shoreline for today, tomorrow, and generations to
come.
Additionally, I am also here today because of Asian carp.
And, as the Republican cochair of the Great Lakes Task Force,
this has been something that we have been keeping an eye on for
a number of years. The Asian carp and other invasive species
are on the doorstep of infiltrating the Great Lakes system. The
importance of protecting our vulnerable lakes' freshwater
system from this disastrous invasive species cannot be
overstated. In fact, the introduction of nonnative species to
the Great Lakes is currently one of the greatest economic and
environmental threats to the region.
The preventive measures that we currently have in place are
only temporary solutions, as Asian carp have been found only a
few miles away from Lake Michigan, as has been noted. However,
the Brandon Road Lock and Dam in Joliet, Illinois, has been
identified as the key choke point in safeguarding the Great
Lakes ecosystem and the economy. Timely completion of the work
at Brandon Road is essential for the next steps in the process
of safeguarding the Great Lakes region. It provides drinking
water for over 30 million people, supports $7 billion in the
fishing industry, and a $16 billion boating industry.
We have a small but critical window of opportunity to
prevent the upstream transfer of this species. In 2019 the Army
Corps of Engineers delivered its Chief's Report on the Brandon
Road Lock and Dam project to Congress. The lock is a logical
point to install both structural and nonstructural control
measures to prevent this movement into the lake.
Additionally, in conversations with President Trump
directly, he has expressed his support for protecting and
preserving the Great Lakes for future generations, and the
Brandon Road project. So I am loving to see that congressional
and White House cooperation.
Congress needs to make protecting and preserving the Great
Lakes a national priority; it can do this by authorizing this
project through WRDA, so that the control measures can be
implemented with the necessary urgency. A further delay only
increases the likelihood that this threat becomes full-scale,
irreversible, and with this highly destructive invasive
species.
And finally, I would like to thank the committee for your
work on maintaining the harbors, ports, and navigation channels
around our Nation from the coast to the Great Lakes. These
harbors and navigation channels are a vital part of our
Nation's transportation infrastructure, and a reduction in the
capacity can have significant impacts on local communities.
Our identity in west Michigan is directly tied to the Great
Lakes, and I appreciate Congress' willingness to support it.
So with that, I yield back.
[Mr. Huizenga's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Bill Huizenga, a Representative in Congress
from the State of Michigan
Thank you, Chairman DeFazio, Ranking Member Graves, and members of
the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, for allowing members to
share their priorities and the needs of their district at this member
day hearing.
As we meet today, the current state of erosion and high-water
damage is at a crisis point throughout the Great Lakes region.
In my district--along the shores of Lake Michigan--the high-water
levels are a threat to people's homes, public infrastructure, and the
overall ecology and economy of the Great Lakes.
As we continue to see the shoreline erode and the water levels
rise, government at all levels must be prepared to step in.
Whether it is roads, bridges, breakwaters, or wastewater treatment
facilities, the potential for damage due to high-water levels is grave.
Furthermore--the amount of debris that has fallen into the lakes as
a result of this erosion also poses a significant threat to shipping,
public beaches, and recreational boating.
As the committee develops the Water Resources Development Act of
2020, I urge the members to include provisions that would protect and
restore the resiliency of the Great Lakes shoreline for today,
tomorrow, and generations to come.
Additionally, I am also here today because Asian carp--an invasive
species with voracious appetites--are on the doorstep of infiltrating
the Great Lakes system.
The importance of protecting our vulnerable Great Lakes freshwater
system from this disastrous invasive species cannot be overstated. In
fact--the introduction of non-native species to the Great Lakes is
currently one of the greatest economic and environmental threats to our
region.
The preventative measures we currently have in place are only
temporary solutions, as Asian carp have been found only a few miles
from Lake Michigan.
However--the Brandon Road Lock and Dam in Joliet, Illinois has been
identified as the key choke point in safeguarding our Great Lakes
ecosystem and economy.
The timely completion of the work at Brandon Road is an essential
next step in the process to safeguard the Great Lakes region--which
provides drinking water to over 30 million people and supports a $7
billion fishing and $16 billion boating industry.
We have a small but critical window of opportunity to prevent the
upstream transfer of this species.
In 2019, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers delivered its Chief's
Report on the Brandon Road Lock and Dam project to Congress. This lock
is a logical point to install both structural and non-structural
control measures to prevent this movement into the lake.
Additionally, in my conversations with President Trump, he has
expressed his support for protecting and preserving the Great Lakes for
future generations.
Congress needs to make protecting and preserving the Great Lakes a
national priority--it can do this by authorizing this project through
WRDA, so that the control measures can be implemented with the
necessary urgency.
Further delay only increases the likelihood that this threat
becomes a full scale, irreversible inundation of this highly
destructive invasive species.
Finally, I would like to thank the committee for your work to
maintain the harbors, ports, and navigation channels around our
nation--from the coasts to the Great Lakes.
These harbors and navigation channels are a vital part of our
nation's transportation infrastructure and a reduction in their
capacity can have significant impacts on local communities.
American ports serve as a critical link to connect U.S.
manufacturers, farmers, and businesses with markets around the world
and are indispensable to making the export of U.S. goods cost-
competitive.
I encourage you to continue to provide valuable resources and
support to maintain our harbors and navigation channels in the Great
Lakes and on the coasts.
In West Michigan--our identity is directly tied to the health of
the Great Lakes. It is critical that Congress take the necessary steps
to protect against erosion, high water, and invasive species, while
also working to protect and restore our channels and harbors.
Chairman DeFazio, Ranking Member Graves, and members of the
committee--Thank you again for offering this opportunity and for
working with us on these important endeavors.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you very much for your testimony,
and I would like to recognize Mr. LaMalfa for a comment.
Mr. LaMalfa. Thank you, Madam Chair, and I appreciate the
work of this committee.
I just wanted to offer a comment on--in general, on the
infrastructure issues we have. Being from California, as well,
up in the north, I have great concern that we are entering into
a drought period again. It looks like we are going to go the
entirety of February without any precipitation, which goes back
to 1864 since the last time something like that has happened,
according to the record.
And disturbing news here the other day that the Anderson
Dam in the Morgan Hill, South San Jose area, FERC has
determined that, because of an earthquake issue, that that dam
probably needs to be drained because of an unsafe situation
there. And so that means 90,000 acre-feet will now not be
available to the citizens of South San Jose, Morgan Hill, and
that area there, because of that. The district will likely have
to replace that with groundwater. And, as we know in
California, with the new regulation called SGMA, then that will
be exacerbated on the challenges we have with groundwater in
the State.
And so our task here needs to be taking a longer look at
our dams and our water storage, as well as our flood control
systems with FERC, with Army Corps, with State projects,
whatever, all of the above, to not only find things that are
wrong, but to, you know, expedite repairs that are needed.
And so, when we are talking about the Anderson Dam, that
needs to be put back online as soon as possible, in my view,
because we are not just going to make up 90,000 acre-feet for
the Bay Area, South Bay Area folks, up my way.
We had the issue with the Lake Oroville spillway 3 years
ago that--really, I mean, a project the size--and that
magnitude, 3\1/2\ million acre-feet being paralyzed, what that
means for the whole State of California, we have to look really
hard at our infrastructure for that, and come up with solutions
to make sure they are in repair.
We have a backlog of repairs, a backlog of inspection, I
think overall, and probably a lot of our projects around our
own State of California, Madam Chairman, and around the
country. We can't lose these assets due to inaction, and have
this be an excuse for, in some cases, just flat dam removal, as
some would like to do. So this backlog must be addressed
because we cannot lose these assets, these resources, and
continue to operate in any kind of a really type of a
civilization that we have become accustomed to, with even more
regulation coming down the line.
So I am really, really concerned that this may become more
of a trend in losing these water storage projects because of
lack of maintenance, lack of inspection, and inability to keep
up and keep them modernized.
So I thank you for the opportunity, Madam Chairman.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you, Mr. LaMalfa. And I--do you have
any questions for yourself?
Mr. LaMalfa. I question myself quite a bit, but----
[Laughter.]
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you very much for those comments.
And I agree. There has got to be more focus put on the
necessities of the whole country. Prioritize them.
I would now like to recognize our next witness, the
gentleman from Louisiana, Mr. Higgins.
TESTIMONY OF HON. CLAY HIGGINS, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
FROM THE STATE OF LOUISIANA
Mr. Higgins of Louisiana. Madam Chairwoman, my esteemed
colleagues, thank you very much for allowing me to speak with
you today. As a Representative for Louisiana's Third
Congressional District, I would like to thank you all for your
continued focus on the health of our Nation's waterways, and
for the thoughtful consideration you will no doubt give to the
issues before you today.
I do not envy the decisions that you must make, but I am
here to present our plea and our case. Like many of my
colleagues, I need to discuss the impact of the projects and
issues that your committee has been discussing as you continue
to work on this year's Water Resources Development Act, WRDA.
I am sure it is no surprise that a Member of the Louisiana
delegation is here to talk to you about the importance of 5,000
miles of navigable rivers, bayous, ship channels, and canals
that make up our State's waterways. The importance of these
waterways and management systems to Louisiana and the entire
Nation cannot be underestimated.
The Mississippi River Basin drains one-third of the
Nation's waters. Indeed, beyond the American Nation--all of
North America. Canada is included. We drain one-third of the
Nation's waters, we receive one-third of the Nation's sediment.
And we don't get further south than south Louisiana, which is
where I represent. So the management and maintenance of these
waterways is incredibly important.
Coastal Louisiana leads the Nation in waterborne commerce.
Sixty percent of United States grain moves through our coastal
ports. Twenty-one percent of all commercial fisheries landings
by weight from the lower 48 States come from our region.
Twenty-three percent of the total U.S. crude is produced in
Louisiana. Eighteen percent of the U.S. oil supply comes from
Port Fourchon. Twenty percent of the Nation's waterborne
commerce travels through Louisiana waters. Five million
waterfowl depend upon Louisiana for habitat.
While many of you know the important role that large
waterway systems like the Mississippi River and its tributaries
play in our economy, you may not know the drastic impacts that
focused Corps of Engineers attention, WRDA authorization, and
workplan dollars can play on smaller systems.
For instance, the Calcasieu Ship Channel, 68 miles long,
and authorized to be dredged 400 feet wide and 40 feet deep.
This channel requires around $40 million a year to be
completely dredged. And when you balance that against the fact
that this channel is the sole access point to the Gulf of
Mexico, not only for the existing industry there, but for the
epicenter of LNG production and $200 billion worth of new
projects, it is our only ship channel.
And consider the fact that the Port of Lake Charles, which
this channel services, sends an average of $400 million in
Federal taxes to DC. So the $40 million imbalance becomes quite
reasonable. This means thousands upon thousands of jobs are
completely relying on making sure that the types of
authorizations and expenditures we are talking about today are
considered and made expeditiously.
It is also imperative that we continue to make improvements
to the functioning of the Corps of Engineers. An example of one
type of improvement is my amendment that was added on the floor
to the 2018 WRDA bill that made a commonsense change in the way
the Corps obtains easements for completing projects. This
amendment focused on removing unnecessary burdens and costs
that the Corps of Engineers were mandated to take, and
jeopardized progress on many projects in my district. Since its
implementation, the Corps has been able to move forward with
work they would not have been otherwise able to do.
And I thank my colleagues for supporting that amendment. It
has made a big difference. I very much appreciate my friend and
colleague, Congressman Garret Graves, for his leadership and
assistance with getting that important amendment to the floor
and added.
Beyond the economic impacts of the work you are doing
today, it is also important, I believe, to remember the health
of these waterways as it is related to flood protection. Two
million people live in coastal Louisiana. As many of you know,
we have experienced several devastating floods and hurricanes
in recent years. Healthy and well-maintained waterways are an
important resource in the flood mitigation arena.
I will leave you with this thought from my personal
response to rescue and relief efforts after a recent hurricane
brought tremendous rains and waters to south Louisiana and
Texas. We went to Texas. It was about 2 o'clock in the morning.
We helped an elderly gentleman escape from his home. He told
me, when he found out who I was, he said, ``Congressman
Higgins, I have been in my house since 1968. We have never
flooded.'' He said that, ``God is not dropping more rain on us,
we just haven't maintained and managed our waterways to allow
the water to get further south.''
So I very much appreciate you allowing me to speak to you
today. Thank you for your consideration. God bless you for the
work you do.
[Mr. Higgins of Louisiana's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Clay Higgins, a Representative in Congress
from the State of Louisiana
Chairman DeFazio, Ranking Member Graves, members of the House
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, thank you for this
opportunity to speak before you today.
As the representative for Louisiana's Third Congressional District,
I want to thank all of you for your continued focus on the health of
our nation's waterways, and for the thoughtful consideration you will
no doubt give to the issues before you today.
Like many of my colleagues, I am here to discuss the impact of many
of the projects and issues that your committee has been discussing as
you continue to work on this year's Water Resources Development Act
(WRDA).
I am sure that it is no surprise that a member of the Louisiana
delegation is here before you to talk about the importance of the 5,000
miles of navigable rivers, bayous, creeks and canals that make up our
state's waterways.
The importance of these waterways to Louisiana and the entire
nation cannot be underestimated. Coastal Louisiana leads the nation in
waterborne commerce:
60% of U.S. grain moves through our coastal ports; and
21% of all commercial fisheries landings by weight from
the lower 48 states come from our region.
23% of the total U.S. Crude is produced in LA.
18% of the US oil supply comes from Port Fourchon.
20% of the nation's waterborne commerce travels through
LA waters.
5 million waterfowl depend on Louisiana for habitat.
While many of you know of the important role that large waterway
systems like the Mississippi River and its tributaries play in our
economy, you may not know the drastic impacts that focused Corps of
Engineers'(Corps) attention, WRDA authorization, and work plan dollars
can play on smaller systems.
Take for instance the Calcasieu channel, which is 68 miles long and
authorized to be dredged to 400 feet wide and 40 feet deep. This
channel requires around $40 million a year to be completely dredged.
Which may sound like a lot, but when you consider that this channel is
the sole access point to the Gulf of Mexico not only for the existing
industry in the area, but also for over $100 billion in new projects.
This means thousands upon thousands of jobs are completely reliant
on making sure that the types of authorizations and expenditures we are
talking about today are considered and made expeditiously.
It is also imperative that we continue to make improvements to the
functioning of the Corps. An example of one type of improvement is my
amendment that was added on the floor to the 2018 WRDA bill that made a
commonsense change to the way that the Corps obtains easements for
completing projects. This amendment focused on removing unnecessary
burdens and costs that the Corps was mandated to take and jeopardized
progress on several projects in my district. Since its implementation,
the Corps has been able to move forward with work they would not have
otherwise been able to do. I want to thank my friend and colleague,
Congressman Garret Graves, for his leadership and assistance with
getting that important amendment added.
Beyond the economic impacts of the work you are doing today, it is
also important to remember that the health of these waterways also is
related to flood protection. 2 million people live in Coastal
Louisiana, and as many of you know we have experienced several
devastating floods and hurricanes in recent years.
Healthy and well-maintained waterways are an important resource in
the flood mitigation arena. Authorizing maintenance projects for
economic purposes often have a side benefit of providing an extra layer
of protection for water related disasters. Spending millions now to
dredge these systems helps save us billions when the storms clear.
Thank you again to the Chairman, the Ranking Member, and members of
the committee for allowing me to speak today.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you for your testimony, Mr. Higgins.
As we wait for more Members to show up, we will call a recess
until 1 o'clock. That way we can line up Members as they come
in. Thank you.
[Recess.]
Mrs. Napolitano. And I would like to thank you for coming
and being a witness to some testimony on WRDA. I would like to
recognize Mr. Posey, the gentleman from Florida, for 5 minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. BILL POSEY, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM
THE STATE OF FLORIDA
Mr. Posey. Thank you, Chairwoman Napolitano, for the
opportunity to submit proposals for the Water Resources
Development Act of 2020. Today I have two proposals that I will
ask you to consider. I have submitted the request in writing
already. I will leave another copy at the desk. And so I will
make these remarks as brief as possible. I know that you will
appreciate that.
The first proposal is about improving the delivery of Civil
Work projects. In 2018 the committee supported my request to
increase the effectiveness of section 204 by allowing sponsors
leading construction of Civil Works projects to request that
the Corps provide technical assistance and reimbursements for
their help. Today I want to propose that we amend section 204
of the WRDA to improve our reimbursement of the Federal share.
For example, in my own district, Port Canaveral is waiting
for reimbursement for the Federal share of a turning basin
across Florida. The sponsors are waiting for reimbursement of
hundreds of millions of dollars due to them. My proposal would
permit sponsors under 204 to submit requests for reimbursement
from the Secretary of the Army during the annual cycle for the
President's budget. Such a request could be for the
reimbursement of Federal share, prospective work in a budget
year, or for reimbursement of amounts due from previously
completed work.
The second proposal, briefly, is centered on an estuary
restoration and the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the congressional
authorization of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan,
or CERP. And, thanks to the President and the Appropriations
Committee, we are getting $200 million toward that work this
year.
When CERP was authorized in 2000, Congress included the
Indian River Lagoon and the Caloosahatchee River Estuary within
the Greater Everglades ecosystem being restored. We have had
some progress with the construction of the Indian River Lagoon
South project under CERP, but many have seen in the news the
chaos that the unnecessary flood control releases wreak on the
ecology of the estuaries. So we look forward to the CERP
reducing the releases from Lake Okeechobee that so imperil
these estuaries, but we also need additional help.
We have the opportunity to further restore these estuaries
within the context of the ongoing CERP. I am here today, both
as cochair of the bipartisan Congressional Estuary Caucus and
Representative of the people of the Indian River Lagoon, to ask
that you authorize a study of potential future projects within
CERP that will give some relief to our problems, and also
contribute to the CERP's goals.
Thank you for allowing me to testify, and I would be
delighted to answer any questions that you might have. Thank
you.
[Mr. Posey's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Bill Posey, a Representative in Congress
from the State of Florida
Thank you, Chairwoman Napolitano and Ranking Member Westerman, for
the opportunity to submit proposals for the Water Resources Development
Act (WRDA) of 2020. I am pleased to submit a statement for the record
of my priorities in support of improving water resources project
Delivery, and restoration of South Florida estuaries that Congress
included in the Comprehensive Everglades Ecosystem Restoration Plan. I
previously urged the full committee's consideration of these proposals
at the May 1, 2019 Member Day Hearing.
Improving Water Resources Project Delivery
I was pleased to work with the Committee and the Florida delegation
in WRDA 2018 to enact enhancements to Army Corps of Engineers
authorities to permit sponsors to construct water resources projects
under Section 204 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986, and
be eligible to receive reimbursement of the federal share of their
expenditures. I would like to offer another enhancement to this
infrastructure delivery mechanism.
Most federal programs are delivered through non-federal partners
that receive grants and execute projects. The Corps Civil Works program
is not a grant program but rather has historically engaged Congress to
plan and develop water projects in the national interest for
navigation, flood risk management, and ecosystem restoration. In 1986,
Congress enacted Section 204 to modernize the delivery of Corps
navigation projects by giving project sponsors a role to design and
construct projects and become eligible for reimbursement of the federal
share of their costs for the project.
Over subsequent years, Congress strengthened Section 204 and
removed obstacles to its implementation. The concept was expanded to
project purposes other than navigation in separate provisions. In the
Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014, Congress merged
authority for sponsor construction of projects for all water resources
purposes into a single, uniform authority under Section 204. In WRDA
2018, Congress made it easier (under my legislation) for sponsors to
obtain technical assistance from the Corps and to obviate duplicative
permitting requirements. Section 204 is becoming friendlier as an
alternative for project sponsors to pursue their needs under the Corps
program. Sponsor leadership can accelerate projects. Local leadership
better integrates projects into the community making them more
sensitive to the diversity of interests associated with such complex
projects. Project sponsors know the environment and physical setting
that projects must fit into. A major plus of Section 204 is that it
applies to authorized projects and thus maintains Committee and
Congressional prerogatives to authorize Corps water resources projects.
Currently, sponsors who want to lead project design and
construction must provide the financing and hope to receive
reimbursement of the federal share. Reimbursement can be uncertain and
slow. The Administration sometimes has been reluctant to budget for
reimbursement. For example, during the tenure of Florida Governor, now
U.S. Senator, Rick Scott, the State laid out $1.4 billion for port
improvements and the federal government has not reimbursed the State
for $140 million on these projects. While not all these funds were for
Corps related water resources, some were. In my district, Port
Canaveral awaits reimbursement of the federal share of the $7,856,000
West Turning Basin. Slow reimbursement contributes to mistrust of
federal partners and denies ports and other entities funds they could
use in advancing other infrastructure needs. Sponsors also face a high
carrying cost of frontloading their own funds. By contrast, water
resources projects designed and constructed by the Corps are funded
from annual federal budgets, appropriations, and work plans. In other
words, sponsor leadership of design and construction faces significant
burdens that traditional projects do not. Relieving this asymmetric
treatment of Section 204 projects can help make them more attractive,
increase sponsor participation, and expand the benefits of this
delivery alternative.
Madam Chair and Ranking Member, I propose that Congress amend
Section 204 to empower sponsors designing and constructing projects
under this authority to participate in the annual Civil Works budget
cycle--to request funds in the President's budget for reimbursement--
past, as well as prospective. For sponsors who have already constructed
project elements under Section 204, a formal, transparent process would
be available to request reimbursement in budget cycles. For those
Section 204 sponsors who would benefit from up-front budgeting of
reimbursement for identifiable annual project segments, the Secretary
would be directed to accept sponsor requests for budget resources and
submit approved requests to Congress with the Army's annual Civil Works
budget. In the annual Corps work plan development, projects that had
been the subject of sponsor budget requests would also be available to
receive work plan funds. In this manner, authorized projects that are
designed and constructed by the local sponsor would be placed on par
with the authorized projects that the Corps designs and constructs. The
Army Civil Works program would be brought closer to the delivery model
that is characteristic of almost all federal programs where the non-
federal entity leads program implementation. At the same time, it
preserves Congressional and Committee prerogatives in approving
projects for authorization in biennial WRDAs.
This is an innovative proposal that will save us money and bring
projects on-line faster. This proposal contributes to our national
infrastructure objectives, promotes trade, and creates jobs. I urge you
to adopt this provision in the upcoming WRDA.
Estuary Protection and Restoration in the Comprehensive Everglades
Restoration Plan
Madam Chair and Ranking Member, I am co-chair of the Congressional
Estuary Caucus that I co-founded with Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. I
work with the Caucus to protect and restore estuaries throughout our
coastal states. Today, I bring you a proposal to strengthen our ongoing
efforts to restore the estuaries of the South Florida ecosystem.
My district is bounded on the East by the Indian River Lagoon, the
most biodiverse estuary in North America. People in my district depend
on this Lagoon for their economic well-being, recreation, and tourism.
On the opposite shore of Florida is another significant estuary, the
Caloosahatchee River Estuary.
The Indian River Lagoon and the Caloosahatchee River estuaries
share a common fate in that they currently receive excess water from
Lake Okeechobee as part of the operation of the Central and South
Florida Project. When flood waters stored in the Lake exceed a safe
level, the Corps of Engineers must release that water into the
estuaries to protect people south of the Lake from the dangers of a
failure or overtopping of the Herbert Hoover Dike that makes Lake
Okeechobee a multiple purpose reservoir. Large volumes of phosphorus
laden water end up in these sensitive estuaries. The results are often
disastrous as when conditions induce harmful algal blooms in the
brackish water estuaries. News accounts have made all of America aware
of the havoc these algal blooms wreak in the Indian River Lagoon and
the Caloosahatchee River Estuary--waters putrefy, the ecosystem is
robbed of oxygen, foul odors and even dangerous fumes are emitted, fish
and wildlife die, tourism evaporates, people and businesses suffer, and
a way of life is profoundly disrupted.
In Title VI of the Water Resources Development Act of 2000,
Congress approved the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP),
a blueprint for modifying the Central and South Florida Project to
restore the Florida Everglades. From its inception, the CERP aimed to
restore the entire South Florida ecosystem, and Congress included the
two estuaries as part of that ecosystem in the approval of CERP. The
Indian River Lagoon and the Caloosahatchee estuaries are integral to
the CERP. Projects were included in the CERP to restore and improve the
environment of the estuaries. The Indian River Lagoon South (IRL-S) is
part of the CERP as approved in WRDA 2000. Construction is underway on
the first component of the IRL-S project, C44 reservoir and storm water
treatment area (STA). The reservoir and STA will serve a vital role in
storing and treating local basin run-off that now threaten the Lagoon.
To the West of Lake Okeechobee, the C-43 reservoir has been authorized
to improve the timing, quantity, and quality of freshwater flows to the
Caloosahatchee River and estuary.
Given the recent dramatic algal blooms and devastation that has
been visited on the estuaries in the South Florida ecosystem, I ask the
Chairwoman and Ranking Member to enact a study to review the CERP to
identify such further modification of the Central and South Florida
Project as may be advisable to protect and restore the coastal
estuaries that are included in the estuaries of the South Florida
ecosystem. This review should be coordinated with Governor of Florida,
the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force, the South Florida
Water Management District, the residents of communities surrounding the
affected estuaries, and the public. The Secretary of the Army should
submit a report that includes a description of projects or other
measures that the Chief of Engineers recommends be included in the
CERP, through the Adaptive Assessment provisions of Title VI of Water
Resources Development Act of 2000, to restore and protect the estuaries
within the South Florida ecosystem. The Secretary should include a
description of any projects or measures to restore and protect
estuaries in the South Florida ecosystem that the Chief of Engineers
recommends for authorization in future water resources development or
other appropriate legislation, and a proposed schedule for the
submission of any project information reports (PIRs) required to
authorize such projects.
Madam Chair and Ranking Member, restoration of the Everglades is
ongoing and has mobilized a team that can tackle the challenges to the
estuaries. Congress intended for the estuaries to be addressed as part
of the CERP. Wherever possible, we ought to emphasize projects that
both advance the restoration of the River of Grass and contribute to
restoring the estuaries. That is my intent, and I urge you to authorize
putting the team to work on the estuaries of the South Florida
ecosystem, and update the plan to integrate the problems and the
disastrous ecological crises that have emerged in recent years.
Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today to support
improving water resources project delivery and the health of our
precious national estuary resources.
Mrs. Napolitano. Well, thank you for your testimony, and it
is very much appreciated, Mr. Posey. Thank you very much.
Now I would like to recognize our next witness, the
gentleman from Nebraska, Mr. Fortenberry.
You are on for 5 minutes, sir.
TESTIMONY OF HON. JEFF FORTENBERRY, A REPRESENTATIVE IN
CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF NEBRASKA
Mr. Fortenberry. Thank you, Chair Napolitano, for the
opportunity to testify before you. It was about a year ago,
near where I live in Nebraska, that we got hit by a 500-year
flood event called a bomb cyclone. Rain on top of melting snow
on top of ice caused a slurry of water and topsoil to rush down
the Platte River into the Missouri River with such force that
it blew out the levee on the Iowa side, creating a 60-foot-plus
hole. The water was so forceful and so inundating, it went back
upstream, up the Missouri River, and came over the top of the
levee at Offutt Air Force Base, which is home to Strategic
Command, covering one-third of the base.
Congress was very generous to our State, in that we were
able to fold underneath the disaster package that was working
itself through from some other events across the country. Plus,
we were able to secure additional funding for the rebuilding of
Offutt, for which I am very grateful.
This is related to my request today, and I would hope the
committee would give it due consideration, because it is an
important fix that would actually help the Federal Government
and help, thus, us locally. So if I could walk through some of
the details with you, I would appreciate it.
Earlier this month I introduced H.R. 5868. We call it the
RELIEF Act. And here's what it does. It makes sure that water
infrastructure repairs in the wake of these types of disasters
are both timely and cost efficient.
In Nebraska, we have what are called natural resources
districts, 23 districts. These are local governing units that
work to manage, conserve, and develop the State's resources.
Basically, environmental projects, flood control projects, and
recreational projects. If enacted, the RELIEF Act would
capitalize these types of municipal entities--we call them
natural resources districts--to swiftly make Corps of
Engineers-approved repairs. This is very important. They could
swiftly make the Corps-approved repairs in order to free up
Federal resources for those areas of the disaster that actually
require Federal assistance. We want to do the work. We just
want to have the capability to do it quickly.
Quite simply, this approach would create efficient and
commonsense solutions that save both time and money for the
Corps so that they and their non-Federal Government sponsors
can better serve individual communities. The goal is to reduce
the time between disaster and repair recovery. So this would
benefit both the local sponsor and the Federal Government by
ensuring that there are capabilities of making, again, Corps-
approved repairs in an effective, efficient, and timely manner.
If that authority had been in place during our flood event
last year, these natural resources districts would have been
able to mobilize and make temporary repairs to flood-related
infrastructure in a matter of days in order to prevent further
damages from another high-water event. So permanent, flood-
induced infrastructure repairs, we could have made them in a
matter of weeks.
It is also important to emphasize the cost component since,
again, local sponsors are often able to make these types of
repairs for a lower price than the Federal Government itself.
So again, thank you for your time and consideration. I
really appreciate this. I think this is an important bill,
Madam Chair. It makes sense at a lot of levels. It helps the
Federal Government implement what we have already designed with
local partners when there are specific needs to get it done in
a timely manner. So thank you very much for the consideration.
[Mr. Fortenberry's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Jeff Fortenberry, a Representative in
Congress from the State of Nebraska
Chairwoman Napolitano, Ranking Member Westerman, and members of the
subcommittee: Thank you for holding this hearing to allow me and other
Members to highlight our priority issues as you develop the Water
Resources Development Act of 2020.
Nearly a year ago, Nebraska experienced a devastating 500-year-
flood event. Nebraskans responded with characteristic care and
resilience. Earlier this month I introduced H.R. 5868, the RELIEF Act,
to make water infrastructure repairs in the wake of such disasters more
timely and cost-efficient. I am requesting your assistance in including
the provisions of this legislation in the new WRDA bill.
In Nebraska, we have 23 natural resources districts. These local
government units work to manage, conserve, and develop the state's
natural resources. If enacted, the RELIEF Act would capitalize these
natural resources districts to swiftly make Corps-approved repairs in
order to free up federal resources for those areas of a disaster that
require federal assistance.
Quite simply, this approach would help create efficient, common
sense solutions that save time and money for the Corps, so that they
and the non-federal sponsors can better serve the community. The goal
is to reduce the time between disaster and repair/recovery. This would
benefit both the local sponsor and the federal government by ensuring
those that are capable of making Corps-approved repairs can do them in
a more efficient manner.
If this authority had been in place during the 2019 flood, the
natural resources districts would have been able to mobilize and make
temporary repairs to flood-related infrastructure damage in a matter of
days in order to prevent further damages from occurring in another high
water event. Permanent flood induced infrastructure repairs could have
been made in a matter of weeks. It's also important to emphasize the
cost component since local sponsors are often able to make certain
repairs for much less than the price paid by the federal government.
I appreciate this opportunity to highlight this important measure
and I ask for your help to include it in the new WRDA bill.
Mrs. Napolitano. Well, thank you for your testimony. And I
agree, there are a lot of things that our country needs, and I
hope the administration pays attention to the needs of the
whole State and the whole country.
Mr. Fortenberry. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Mrs. Napolitano. Each State and the country.
Mr. Fortenberry. If you could help me, I think this would
be a great bipartisan effort.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you. I would like to recognize the
next witness, the gentleman from Georgia, Mr. Allen, for 5
minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. RICK W. ALLEN, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
FROM THE STATE OF GEORGIA
Mr. Allen. Thank you, Chairwoman, and I appreciate the
opportunity to be here with you today. I want to talk about the
Savannah River Lock and Dam to the committee. And I want to
thank the committee for allowing me to provide this testimony
and highlight water issues that are critical to the 12th
Congressional District of Georgia, namely the issues we have
experienced with the Corps of Engineers regarding the New
Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam that has been in place since 1930.
Due to environmental mitigation from the Savannah Harbor
Expansion project, or SHEP, the Corps is responsible for
constructing a mitigation feature that would allow sturgeon and
other endangered fish to access their historic breeding grounds
above the new Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam near Augusta,
Georgia.
Dating back to the 1930s, the dam was originally authorized
for navigation purposes. But after it was no longer used for
commercial navigation, many users draw from the pool that the
lock and dam has created. In times of heavy rain it has been
used to mitigate any flooding in the area, like the rains we
have been having over the past month or so.
Right now, the Corps has not maintained the dam. I think
four out of the five gates are wide open, and the river is the
same level on both sides.
In the 2016 WIIN Act, the language required the fish
passage structure to ``maintain the pool for navigation, water
supply, and recreational activities, as in existence on the
date of enactment of this Act'' for either a ``repair of the
lock wall of the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam and
modification of the structure'' or ``removal of the New
Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam on completion of construction of
the [fish passage] structure.''
The Corps recently selected a rock weir as an alternative
to replace the lock and dam, a design that drops the pool level
that our community desperately needs. I do not support this
alternative, and believe that the lowering of the pool does not
meet the requirements of the WIIN Act, and is unacceptable.
I have heard from a range of local stakeholders throughout
this process that they all have concerns with the Corps'
proposal, especially after a failed simulation in February of
last year, where the Corps simulated the water levels that will
occur should this high fixed weir with a dry flood plain be
constructed. The results were appalling, with boats and docks
marooned, and excess debris exposed throughout the river, and
the Corps had to abandon the simulation, due to instability in
the riverbank.
Additionally, these simulated water levels were only a
representation of average levels, not drought conditions. That
is right. In drought conditions, the water level of a pool
would be even lower.
Local community leaders have agreed that maintaining the
water level of the pool above the lock and dam is critical so
that our water users are not affected. The cities of Augusta
and North Augusta, as well as Aiken County, have come together
supporting resolutions that maintain the pool at or around its
current level, approximately 114.5 feet.
I would like to underscore that the Corps is not in
compliance with the WIIN Act law by choosing this alternative
that does not maintain the pool at a 114.5-foot level, as it
was in December of 2016, when the law was enacted.
Additionally, an independent, external peer review was
conducted as required, which outlines many concerns and
recommendations that I and other community leaders have
highlighted throughout this process, including inconsistencies
in cost analysis, lack of consideration of other alternatives
that would not lower the pool, and a lack of information on
whether or not the leading alternatives would successfully pass
fish overall.
In fact, the report indicated that the full river width
rock weir may kill the fish. I met with NOAA in my office, and
they said they have no proof that this alternative would
actually work to pass sturgeon, and that they have not yet
tagged or videoed sturgeon using a similar rock weir at Cape
Fear.
We should not waste millions of taxpayer dollars and remove
the lock and dam structure on an alternative that we are not
sure will work. In fact, it will cost more to remove the
current lock and dam than to fix it.
Throughout this process, the Corps has been challenging to
work with at every turn. The Corps was involved with the
writing of the WIIN Act language without my knowledge, and has
continually refused to give us a serious cost estimate for the
cost to repair the lock and dam.
Thank you again to the committee for holding this Members'
Day, and I look forward to continuing to work on this issue.
And I yield back.
[Mr. Allen's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Rick W. Allen, a Representative in Congress
from the State of Georgia
I want to thank the committee for allowing me to provide this
testimony and highlight water issues that are critical to the 12th
Congressional District of Georgia--namely the issues we have
experienced with the Corps of Engineers regarding the New Savannah
Bluff Lock and Dam.
Due to environmental mitigation from the Savannah Harbor Expansion
Project, or SHEP, the Corps is responsible for constructing a
mitigation feature that would allow sturgeon and other endangered fish
to access their historic breeding grounds above the New Savannah Bluff
Lock and Dam near Augusta, Georgia.
Dating back to the 1930s, the dam was originally authorized for
navigation purposes, but after it was no longer used for commercial
navigation, many users draw from the pool that the lock and dam has
created.
In times of heavy rain, it has been used to mitigate any flooding
in the area--like the rains we have been having over the past month or
so.
In the 2016 WIIN Act, the language required the fish passage
structure to ``maintain the pool for navigation, water supply, and
recreational activities, as in existence on the date of enactment of
this Act'' for either a ``repair of the lock wall of the New Savannah
Bluff Lock and Dam and modification of the structure'' or ``removal of
the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam on completion of construction of
the [fish passage] structure.''
The Corps recently selected a rock weir as an alternative to
replace the lock and dam--a design that drops the pool level that our
community needs.
I do not support this alternative and believe that the lowering of
the pool does not meet the requirements of the WIIN Act, and is
unacceptable.
I have heard from a range of local stakeholders throughout this
process and they all have concerns with the Corps' proposal, especially
after a failed simulation in February of last year, where the Corps
simulated the water levels that will occur should this High Fixed Weir
with a Dry Floodplain be constructed.
The results were appalling, with boats and docks marooned and
excess debris exposed throughout the river--and the Corps had to
abandon the simulation due to instability in the riverbank.
Additionally, these simulated water levels were only a
representation of average levels--not drought conditions.
That's right--in drought conditions, the water level of the pool
would go even lower!
Local community leaders have agreed that maintaining the water
level of the pool above the lock and dam is critical so that our water
users are not affected.
The Cities of Augusta and North Augusta, as well as Aiken County,
have come together supporting resolutions that maintain the pool at or
around its current level--approximately 114.5 feet.
I'd like to underscore that the Corps is not in compliance with the
WIIN Act law by choosing this alternative that does not maintain the
pool at the 114.5 level as it was in December of 2016.
Additionally, an Independent External Peer Review was conducted,
which outlines many concerns and recommendations that I and other
community members have highlighted throughout this process, including
inconsistencies in cost analyses, lack of consideration of other
alternatives that would not lower the pool, and lack of information on
whether or not the leading alternatives would successfully pass fish
overall.
In fact, the report indicated that the full river width rock weir
may kill fish!
I met with NOAA in my office and they said they have no proof that
this alternative would actually work to pass sturgeon--and that they
have not yet tagged a sturgeon using a similar rock weir at Cape Fear.
We should not waste millions of taxpayer dollars and remove the
lock and dam structure on an alternative that we are not sure will
work!
Throughout this process, the Corps has been challenging to work
with at every turn.
The Corps was involved with the writing the WIIN Act language,
without my knowledge, and has continually refused to give us a serious
cost estimate for the cost to repair the lock and dam.
I urge the committee to work with me to include language that will
repair and maintain the lock and dam and keep the pool level that our
community needs, while still accommodating the modest fish passage
required by SHEP.
The deepening expansion of the Savannah Harbor is critical for
Georgia, and by working together, we can ensure that Augusta's New
Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam can be maintained while not delaying SHEP.
Thank you again to the committee for holding this member day and I
look forward to continuing to work with you on this issue.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you very much, Mr. Allen.
I now recognize the next witness, the gentlewoman from New
Jersey, Ms. Sherrill, for 5 minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. MIKIE SHERRILL, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY
Ms. Sherrill. Thank you, Chairwoman Napolitano, for the
opportunity to testify today. I want to particularly recognize
my New Jersey colleagues on the committee, Representatives
Payne, Sires, and Malinowski for their work, and Representative
Malinowski, particularly, for his work on this subcommittee to
advance New Jersey's priorities.
I am here because flooding has plagued New Jersey for
generations. One of the first things I did after taking office
was to convene a roundtable with my local mayors to get up to
speed on their challenges. They need the Federal Government to
be a dependable partner to make sure all local, State, and
Federal officials and stakeholders are working together to
mitigate this flood risk.
Instead, the basic takeaway was their overwhelming
frustration with Federal inaction. These towns feel abandoned.
They have had discussions for decades, but they deserve Federal
authorities that do more than talk. They deserve action. I know
many of you feel the same way. It is our job in Congress to
make the Government work for the people that we represent.
The Water Resources Development Act, or WRDA, which you
will write, is a tremendous opportunity to make long overdue
progress. And I urge you to consider a few key opportunities.
First is the Peckman River Flood Risk Management project.
The Peckman River Basin has frequently flooded. And, for more
than a generation, the towns of Little Falls and Woodland Park
have faced these challenges largely on their own. The House
authorized a study in 2000, and there was a favorable
reconnaissance report in 2001. But then nothing.
These communities have waited 20 years while the study has
languished. Fortunately, thanks to the hard work of the Army
Corps New York District staff, the Peckman River Basin Flood
Risk Management Feasibility Study was released last October,
and we expect a Chief's Report this April. I urge the committee
to consider that Chief's Report, and to provide authorization
for the Peckman River project in the WRDA bill so that we can
move this project forward.
I also represent the historically flood-prone Passaic River
Basin. Flooding along the Passaic has caused 11 Federal
disaster declarations since 1968. The Corps of Engineers
estimates that, when viewed over time, the average annual flood
damage in the basin is over $160 million.
Congress authorized a study in 1975. And then, after more
than a decade, authorized a plan calling for a dual inlet
diversion tunnel extending to Newark Bay. This plan was
controversial, and there have been numerous concerns about its
cost and environmental impact. The Army Corps and the State of
New Jersey have gone back and forth since that time, and I
respect that there are and have always been strong differences
to resolve. But my communities are at risk. In fact, since
Congress authorized the project in 1990, flooding from the
Passaic River has caused over $3.5 billion in losses. We cannot
afford to continue to argue without moving forward on action.
This is so important to my district that I convened a
second meeting last October of mayors, New Jersey Department of
Environment officials, and the Army Corps staff from the New
York District. There was broad consensus. We have to move
forward, and the best place to start is to provide all
necessary authority to bring those studies and plans up to
date. I urge the committee to work with me to overcome any
legislative barriers that stand in the way, and to push the
Corps to deliver.
There are so many additional issues beyond these two
projects. We need to do everything possible to improve
resilience, because we know that greater weather variability
and rising sea levels are already a threat to critical
infrastructure.
We should also promote the use of natural, nonstructural
measures, and improve the utilization of expertise from State
and local officials. In fact, as the chairwoman of the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology's Subcommittee on
Environment, I am chairing a hearing later this afternoon
examining flood maps. It is painfully clear that there is more
we can do and must do to improve Federal coordination so that
we are listening and responding to local experts and community
leaders on the ground. These communication breakdowns are
costly. Better coordination will also ensure we utilize the
best available science to more accurately assess flood risk,
and then communicate that information more effectively to
communities and homeowners.
Lastly, I encourage this committee to prioritize issues of
equity. Pastor Sidney Williams, Jr. leads the Bethel AME Church
in Morristown. And in 2001, when Tropical Storm Irene caused
the Whippany River to surge beyond its banks, it filled the
basement of the Bethel AME Church with 4 feet of water. Too
often, the flood risks of low-lying and underserved communities
go unaddressed, and their mitigation needs are never met. Many
project ratings and determinations depend on economic
assessments that favor richer neighborhoods and perpetuate an
ongoing cycle of disinvestment.
We can and we should revise non-Federal cost shares and
remove other barriers that disproportionately impact low-
income, minority, and indigenous communities.
Thank you, and I yield back.
[Ms. Sherrill's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Mikie Sherrill, a Representative in Congress
from the State of New Jersey
Thank you, Chairwoman Napolitano, Ranking Member Westerman, and
Members of the Subcommittee for the opportunity to testify today. I
want to particularly recognize my New Jersey colleague, Rep.
Malinowski, for his work on this subcommittee to advance New Jersey's
priorities.
I'm here because flooding has plagued North Jersey for generations.
One of the first things I did after taking office was to convene a
roundtable with my local mayors to get up to speed on their challenges.
They need the federal government to be a dependable partner to make
sure all local, state, and federal officials and stakeholders are
working together to mitigate flood risk.
Instead, the basic takeaway was their overwhelming frustration with
federal inaction. These towns feel abandoned. They've had discussions
for decades, but they deserve federal authorities that do more than
talk. They deserve action.
I know many of you feel the same way. It's our job in Congress to
make the government work for the people we represent. The Water
Resources Development Act, or ``WRDA,'' which you will write is a
tremendous opportunity to make long-overdue progress, and I urge you to
consider a few key opportunities that are in my district.
The first is the Peckman River Flood Risk Management Project.
The Peckman River Basin has frequently flooded, and for more than a
generation the towns of Little Falls and Woodland Park have faced these
challenges largely on their own.
The House authorized a study in 2000. There was a favorable
reconnaissance report in 2001. But then nothing happened. These
communities waited twenty years while the study languished.
Fortunately, thanks to the hard work of the Army Corps New York
District staff, the Peckman River Basin Flood Risk Management
Feasibility Study was released last October, and we expect a Chiefs
Report this April. I urge the Committee to consider that Chiefs Report
and to provide authorization for the Peckman River project in the WRDA
bill so that we can move this project forward.
I also represent the historically flood-prone Passaic River Basin.
Flooding along the Passaic has caused eleven federal disaster
declarations since 1968. The Corps of Engineers estimates that when
viewed over time, the average annual flood damage in the basin is over
$160,000,000. Congress authorized a study in 1975, and then--after more
than a decade--authorized a plan calling for a dual inlet diversion
tunnel extending to Newark Bay. This plan was controversial, and there
have been numerous concerns about its cost and environmental impact.
The Army Corps and the state of New Jersey have gone back and forth
since that time. I respect that there are, and have always been, strong
differences to resolve. But my communities are at risk. In fact, since
Congress authorized the project in 1990, flooding from the Passaic
River has caused over $3.5 billion in losses. We cannot afford to
continue to argue without moving to action.
This is so important to my district that I convened a second
meeting last October of mayors, NJDEP officials, and Army Corps staff
from the New York District. There was broad consensus: we must move
forward, and the best place to start is to provide all necessary
authority to bring those studies and plans up to date. I urge the
Committee to work with me to overcome any legislative barriers that
stand in the way, and to push the Corps to deliver.
There are so many additional issues beyond these two projects. We
need to do everything possible to improve resilience, because we know
that greater weather variability and rising sea levels are already a
threat to critical infrastructure. We should also promote greater use
of natural, nonstructural measures and improve the utilization of
expertise from state and local officials.
In fact, as the Chairwoman of the Science, Space, and Technology
Environment Subcommittee, I am chairing a hearing later this afternoon
examining flood maps. It painfully clear that there is more we can and
must do to improve federal coordination so that we are listening and
responding to local experts and community leaders on the ground. These
communication breakdowns are costly. Better coordination will also
ensure we utilize the best available science to more accurately assess
flood risk, and then communicate that information more effectively to
communities and homeowners.
Lastly, I encourage this Committee to prioritize issues of equity.
Pastor Sidney Williams Jr. leads the Bethel A.M.E. Church in
Morristown, and in 2001 when Tropical Storm Irene caused the Whippany
River to surge beyond its banks, it filled the basement of the Bethel
A.M.E. Church with four feet of water. Too often, the flood risks of
low-lying and underserved communities go unaddressed and their
mitigation needs are never met. Many project ratings and determinations
depend on economic assessments that favor richer neighborhoods and
perpetuate an ongoing cycle of disinvestment. We can--and should--
revise non-federal cost shares and remove other barriers that
disproportionately impact low-income, minority, and indigenous
communities.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify about these vital
concerns. I look forward to working with all of you, as well Chairman
DeFazio, Ranking Member Graves, and all the members of the full
Committee to finally, on a bipartisan basis, deliver long-sought
progress for communities along the Peckman River, the Passaic River,
and many other flooding, navigation, and environmental restoration
projects across the country. We owe action to the North Jersey, and the
American people. Thank you.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you, Ms. Sherrill, for your
testimony.
And I would like to recognize our next witness, the
gentleman from Missouri, Mr. Cleaver, for 5 minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER II, A REPRESENTATIVE IN
CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF MISSOURI
Mr. Cleaver. Thank you, Madam Chair. And to committee
members, I will try to keep this short and to the point, as I
have a feeling that the ranking member on the committee, Sam
Graves, understands this issue quite well.
The Missouri River needs your help. The Missouri River is
the longest river system in North America. And, as we have seen
over the last decade, the lower end of that system is
continually holding the short end of the stick. When the upper
river experiences excess snow or rain, and the reservoirs are
full to capacity, the water is released upon Missouri, Kansas,
Iowa, and Nebraska. When torrential rains occur in Iowa or
northern Missouri, we have no reservoirs to keep the water from
overflowing and flooding farms, roads, and towns.
Most of the levees along the river in my State of Missouri
are non-Federal, either built locally, or now maintained by
local levee districts. The system is set up so that the portion
of the river least able to deal with flood events bears the
heaviest burden. This cannot continue.
Last spring Missouri had two major flood events, breaching
34 levees and overtopping 65 others. Missouri has requested $93
million in aid after the flooding, and the levee repairs are
estimated to be over $1 billion. Over 1.4 million acres of
Missouri land were reported as prevented plant. My constituents
are telling me that they are even more concerned about this
year.
With only 12 of the 70 levee rehab contracts underway as of
February, and another wet year predicted, I fear that we are
not prepared for a potential 2020 flood season. The four State
stakeholders and the Corps of Engineers are working together on
ideas for further flooding mitigation efforts.
The Corps has proposed a new study to evaluate what can be
done for the Lower Missouri River, and I urge the committee to
be open to some flexibility for this proposed study. With four
States involved, and hundreds of miles of river, this is not a
typical 3x3 study. I hope the committee will be flexible with
some of the typical parameters in this case.
Though not always included in the House's WRDA bill, I also
urge the committee to address the high cost of our stormwater
infrastructure. In my district of Kansas City, the largest city
in our State, which I served as mayor, is currently under a
consent decree to spend $2.5 billion to separate stormwater and
wastewater systems over 25 years. Because of this, the city
utility has been forced to raise water rates to over $100 per
household, which is unaffordable for most city residents. This
is a critical issue for my constituents and for many
communities around the country, and something that Congress can
help to address.
Thank you for the opportunity for me to speak here to you
today.
[Mr. Cleaver's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Emanuel Cleaver II, a Representative in
Congress from the State of Missouri
Good Morning and thank you, Chairman DeFazio and Ranking Member
Graves, for holding this important hearing.
I will try to keep this short and to the point, as I have a feeling
the ranking member understands the concerns I'm about to address all-
too-well. The Missouri River needs your help. The Missouri River is a
river system and, as we have seen over the last decade, the lower end
of that system is continually holding the short end of the stick.
When the upper river experiences excess snow or rain and the
reservoirs are filled to capacity, the water is released upon Missouri,
Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska.
When torrential rains occur in Iowa or Northern Missouri, we have
no reservoirs to keep the water from overflowing banks and flooding
farms, roads and towns. Most of the levees along the river in my state
of Missouri are non-federal--either built locally or now maintained by
local levee districts.
The system is set up so that the portion of the river least able to
deal with flood events bears the heaviest burden. This cannot continue.
Last spring and summer, Missouri had two major flood events,
breaching 34 levees and overtopping 65. Missourians requested $93
million in aid after the flooding, and the levee repairs are estimated
at over $1 billion. Over 1.4 million acres of Missouri land were
reported as prevented plant.
My constituents are telling me that they are even more concerned
about this year. With only 12 of the 70 levee rehab contracts underway
as of February and another wet year predicted, I fear we are not
prepared for a potential 2020 flood season.
The four-state stakeholders and the Army Corps of Engineers are
working together on ideas for further flood mitigation efforts. The
Corps has proposed a new study to evaluate what can be done for the
Lower Missouri River, and I urge the Committee be open to some
flexibility for this proposed study. With four states involved and
hundreds of miles of river, this is not a typical 3x3 study. I hope
that the Committee will be flexible with some of the typical parameters
in this case.
Stormwater
Though not always included in the House's WRDA bill, I also want to
urge the committee to address the high cost of our stormwater
infrastructure. In my district, Kansas City, the largest city in
Missouri, is currently under a consent decree to spend $2.5 billion to
separate stormwater and wastewater systems over 25 years. Because of
this, the city utility has been forced to raise water rates to over
$100 per household, which is unaffordable for most city residents. This
is a critical issue for my constituents and for many communities around
the country, and something that Congress can help address.
Thank you for the opportunity to speak here today about the
infrastructure needs of Missouri's Fifth Congressional District.
Ms. Mucarsel-Powell [presiding]. Thank you, Mr. Cleaver.
Now I would like to recognize the next witness, the
gentlewoman from California, Ms. Speier, for 5 minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. JACKIE SPEIER, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Ms. Speier. Madam Chair, thank you for this opportunity to
set the priorities for the WRDA Act of 2020.
I am here today to request the authorizations for studies
be included for multiple areas along the bay coastline and
ocean coastline of San Mateo County.
It is my understanding that local authorities and FEMA have
identified 14 sites within San Mateo County that are vulnerable
to severe flooding in the coming decades. The San Mateo County
sea-level Rise Vulnerability Assessment completed in March of
2018 found that, in the event of a mid-level 2100 sea-level
rise scenario, property with an assessed value of $34 billion
would be flooded on the bay shore and on the coastside north of
Half Moon Bay.
In addition, the vulnerability assessment found that $932
million in assessed property value could be at risk for erosion
on the coastside north of Half Moon Bay.
Nationally, the nonprofit Climate Central's 2014 study
identified San Mateo County as the number-one county in
California at risk for flooding due to climate change. Major
employers in almost all wastewater treatment facilities sit
along either the bay shore or the ocean's coastline.
Recently, many homes and two large apartment buildings had
to be condemned and destroyed because of the erosion that took
place along the shoreline. This is why a comprehensive study of
the county's two coasts, bay and ocean, in conjunction with
studies of the coastlines of San Francisco and Marin Counties,
are recommended by the district's Corps office.
I respectfully ask that the study of San Mateo County, as
well as any requested for San Francisco and Marin, be included
in this year's WRDA legislation.
There are certain sites that merit additional attention
from the Army Corps.
First, the damaged seawall in Pacifica is estimated to cost
$26 million to repair after a basic analysis, but a more
detailed estimate awaits a thorough study.
The levee at Redwood Shores is threatened with
deaccreditation by FEMA, and is likely to cost millions to
upgrade.
Finally, I want to call the committee's attention to the
overall lack of Federal funding for restoration efforts for the
San Francisco Bay. Rising tides threaten to drown the bay's
wetlands, and will cause irreversible damage by 2030 unless we
act. Restoration efforts also include protecting the bay from
shoreline landfill pollution. Much of the shoreline in San
Mateo County is built on landfill, including San Francisco
International Airport.
An example is the Oyster Point landfill in South San
Francisco, which operated between 1959 and 1970, primarily for
disposal of municipal solid waste. After it closed in 1970,
many layers of soil and bay mud were used as cover with riprap
along the bay side. As the soil naturally settles, coupled with
the increasing threat of sea-level rise and king tides, there
is a high probability that these mitigation measures will
eventually fail, allowing landfill and associated toxins to
seep into the bay, contaminating our water, and hurting our
marine life.
I would urge the committee to consider authorizing $100
million to the Environmental Protection Agency's San Francisco
Geographic Program, which would provide crucial funding for
habitat restoration, endangered species recovery, and
adaptation to climate change. This approach is provided for in
my bill, H.R. 1132, which passed the House by a voice vote on
February 5th. I am requesting the committee include H.R. 1132
in the final WRDA, but with a higher annual authorization level
at $100 million per year, equal to that of other estuaries like
Puget Sound. We receive much less, and yet we have much greater
population.
It has been proven time and time again that we cannot
address our environmental issues without Federal funding.
I thank you again for convening this hearing, and I urge
you to please take action to help save San Francisco Bay.
[Ms. Speier's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Jackie Speier, a Representative in Congress
from the State of California
Thank you, Chairman Napolitano and Ranking Member Westerman, for
providing us this opportunity to share our district's needs and
priorities for the upcoming Water Resources Development Act of 2020. I
am here today to request that authorizations for studies be included
for multiple areas along the bay coastline and ocean coastline of San
Mateo County. It is my understanding that local authorities or FEMA
have identified fourteen sites within San Mateo County that are
vulnerable to severe flooding in the coming decades.
The San Mateo County Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment
completed in March 2018 found that in the event of a mid-level 2100 sea
level rise scenario, property with an assessed value of $34 billion
would be flooded on the Bayshore and on the Coastside north of Half
Moon Bay. In addition, the Vulnerability Assessment found that $932
million in assessed property value could be at risk from erosion on the
Coastside north of Half Moon Bay. Nationally, the nonprofit Climate
Central's 2014 study identified San Mateo County as the number 1 county
in California at risk for flooding due to climate change. Major
employers and almost all wastewater treatment facilities sit along
either the bay shore or the ocean's coastline.
This is why a comprehensive study of the county's two coasts--bay
and ocean--in conjunction with studies of the coastlines of San
Francisco and Marin Counties, are recommended by the district Corps
office. I respectfully ask that the study of San Mateo County, as well
as any requested for San Francisco and Marin, be included in this
year's WRDA legislation.
There are certain sites that merit additional attention from the
Army Corps. First, the damaged seawall in Pacifica is estimated to cost
$26 million to repair after a basic analysis, but a more detailed
estimate awaits a thorough study. The levee at Redwood Shores is
threatened with de-accreditation by FEMA and is likely to cost millions
to upgrade.
Finally, I wanted to call the Committee's attention to the overall
lack of federal funding for restoration efforts for the San Francisco
Bay. Rising tides threaten to drown the Bay's wetlands and will cause
irreversible damage by 2030 unless we act.
Restoration efforts also include protecting the Bay from shoreline
landfill pollution. Much of the shoreline in San Mateo County is built
on landfill, including San Francisco International Airport. An example
is the Oyster Point Landfill in South San Francisco which operated
between 1959-1970, primarily for disposal of municipal solid waste.
After it closed in 1970, many layers of soil and bay mud were used as
cover with rip rap along the Bay side. As the soil naturally settles
coupled with the increasing threat of sea level rise and king tides,
there is a high probability that these mitigation measures will
eventually fail, allowing landfill and associated toxins to seep into
the Bay, contaminating our water and hurting our marine life.
I would urge the Committee to consider authorizing $100 million to
the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) San Francisco geographic
program, which would provide crucial funding for habitat restoration,
endangered species recovery, and adaptation to climate change. This
approach is provided for in my bill, H.R. 1132, which passed the House
by voice vote on February 5, 2020. I am requesting the Committee
include H.R. 1132 into the final WRDA, but with a higher annual
authorization level of $100 million per year to address the immediate
threat of climate change as we see occurring right now around the Bay.
It has been proven time and time again that we cannot address our
environmental issues without federal funding. Chairwoman Napolitano and
Ranking Member Westerman, I thank you again for convening this hearing
and I urge you to please take action to help save the San Francisco
Bay.
Ms. Mucarsel-Powell. Thank you, Ms. Speier. I am familiar
with that area in California.
So San Mateo has been designated as the top area for the
effects of climate change.
Ms. Speier. Ground zero for climate change in all of
California.
Ms. Mucarsel-Powell. Wow. OK. Thank you so much.
Now I would like to recognize our next witness, Mr.
Gottheimer, from the great State of New Jersey.
Welcome. You have 5 minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. JOSH GOTTHEIMER, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY
Mr. Gottheimer. Thank you, Madam Chairwoman. Thank you,
Madam Chairwoman, and Chairman DeFazio, and Ranking Member
Graves, and subcommittee Chairwoman Napolitano, and
subcommittee Ranking Member Westerman, and to the members of
the committee. I greatly appreciate you hosting this important
hearing, and for having us here today.
I appreciate you seeking input as you prepare a new Water
Resources Development Act, and I am here to sound the alarm
about a threat to the health and safety of our families and
kids: dangerously elevated lead levels in our drinking water.
We know that exposure to lead can have a severe impact on
our children, stunting development and causing learning
disabilities, irreversible harm to brain development, the
nervous system, and vital organs. Each child deserves to drink
water that is free of lead, and every parent deserves to know
if their child's school has lead in their pipes, sinks, or
water fountains.
However, lead water continues to be a pervasive problem in
the schools across the country and in my district in North
Jersey. Since 2012, nearly 2,000 water systems across the U.S.
have found elevated lead levels in tapwater samples, a
significant public health concern. In schools there is an
additional danger of leaching lead from school water fountains,
which children and teachers use daily. The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, or EPA, estimates testing across the
country's roughly 90,000 public schools remains inconsistent,
and the results are often unknown.
In my district I issued a comprehensive report which found
that 12 percent of 85 school districts did not report the
result of lead testing on their district website for parents to
see. And of the 88 percent of school districts that did post
lead testing results, 52 districts indicated at least 1 outlet
within their system that had a problem with lead in their
water.
Simply put, that is unacceptable, and this problem will not
fix itself. We must take immediate action to help schools and
communities nationwide address this urgent issue.
I was proud that, last Congress, a key piece of my
bipartisan legislation, the Lead Free Schools Act, was enacted
into law, creating a targeted pilot program using existing
resources to improve drinking water infrastructure in schools,
nationwide.
Additionally, I called on officials in my home State of New
Jersey to create a central, easy-to-access database that
schools report into every year, with lead water results for
parents to find easily. This online portal, which has already
launched, will ensure that parents have access to critical
information about the safety of drinking water in their
children's schools.
As we move forward with a new Water Resources Development
Act, I call on you to include much-needed resources for
communities in New Jersey and across America to identify and
remove lead pipes in their water infrastructure.
Just as we focus on safe drinking water for our families
and kids, we must also focus on ensuring bodies of water
utilized for recreation and tourism are safe, as well. It is
essential that we take immediate steps to help communities
address harmful algae blooms, or HABs. Last year HABs broke out
in bodies of water all across the country, including at
Greenwood Lake in my district that is the second largest lake
in the State. HABs caused millions of dollars in lost revenue
for small businesses that rely on lake eco-tourism, and posed a
severe health hazard to visitors and wildlife and our water
supply.
In New Jersey, this toxic algae disaster was caused by a
perfect storm of warmer-than-usual temperatures, combined with
rain and phosphorus runoff from mountains, roadways, and
fertilizers. Given the impact of change in our climate, these
higher temperatures are likely not a one-off occurrence, but
now just part of every day.
Just like with our environmental emergencies, we need to
act. It will take a comprehensive strategy working together, a
true local, State, and Federal partnership.
This is not a partisan issue. I was proud to work with
Democrats and Republicans to claw back needed resources to
affected lakes in my district. Today I am calling on this
committee to help our pristine, world-class lakes combat HABs
by authorizing funding to more deeply study the causes and
invest in effective solutions.
Many lake communities, including Greenwood Lake, are
strapped for cash, and would greatly benefit from additional
Federal investment to prevent further environmental disasters
caused by HABs, and we deserve more dollars back in Jersey,
because we already pay far too much in Federal taxes. We should
cut our taxes and claw more dollars back to the State,
especially away from moocher States which take far more than
they put in.
So I just wanted to thank you for holding this important
hearing, and allowing me to discuss these critically important
issues facing our families, small businesses, and communities.
I am confident that, if we work together, we can bring clean
drinking water to every community and school, and stop harmful
algae blooms for good.
I look forward to continuing to work with you on these
important issues. Thank you, Madam Chairwoman, for your time.
[Mr. Gottheimer's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Josh Gottheimer, a Representative in
Congress from the State of New Jersey
Thank you, Chairman DeFazio, Ranking Member Graves, Subcommittee
Chairwoman Napolitano, Subcommittee Ranking Member Westerman, and to
the members of the Committee, I greatly appreciate you hosting this
important hearing and for having us here today. I appreciate you
seeking input as you prepare a new Water Resources Development Act, and
I am here to sound the alarm about a threat to the health and safety of
our families and kids: dangerously elevated lead levels in our drinking
water.
We know that exposure to lead can have a severe impact on our
children, stunting development and causing learning disabilities,
irreversible harm to brain development, the nervous system, and vital
organs. Every child deserves to drink water that's free of lead, and
every parent deserves to know if their child's school has lead in their
pipes, sinks, or water fountains. However, lead water continues to be a
pervasive problem in schools across the country and in my District in
North Jersey.
Since 2012, nearly 2,000 water systems across the U.S. have found
elevated lead levels in tap water samples, a significant public health
concern. In schools, there is the additional danger of leaching lead
from school water fountains, which children and teachers use daily. The
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates testing across the
country's roughly 90,000 public schools remains inconsistent and the
results are often unknown. In my District, I issued a comprehensive
report which found that 12 percent of 85 school districts did not
report the results of lead testing on their district website for
parents to see. And of the 88 percent of school districts that did post
lead testing results, 52 districts indicated at least one outlet within
their system that had a problem with lead in their water.
Simply put, this problem will not fix itself, and we must take
immediate action to help schools and communities nationwide address
this urgent issue.
I was proud that last Congress, a key piece of my bipartisan
legislation, the Lead-Free Schools Act, was enacted into law, creating
a targeted pilot program using existing resources to improve drinking
water infrastructure in schools nationwide.
Additionally, I called on officials in my home state of New Jersey
to create a central, easy-to-access database that schools report into
every year with lead water results for parents to find easily. This
online portal will ensure that parents have access to critical
information about the safety of drinking water in their children's
schools. As we move forward with a new Water Resources Development Act,
I call on you to include much needed resources for communities in New
Jersey and across America to identify and remove lead pipes in their
water infrastructure.
Just as we focus on safe drinking water for our families and kids,
we must also focus on ensuring bodies of water utilized for recreation
and tourism are safe as well. it is essential that we take immediate
steps to help communities address Harmful Algal Blooms, or HABs. Last
year, HABs broke out in bodies of water all across the country,
including at Greenwood Lake in my District. HABs cause millions of
dollars in lost revenue for small businesses that rely on lake eco-
tourism, and pose a severe health hazard to visitors and wildlife.
In New Jersey, this toxic algae disaster was caused by a perfect
storm of warmer than usual temperatures combined with rain and
phosphorus run-off from mountains, roadways, and fertilizers.
Given the impact of climate change, these higher temperatures are
likely not a one-off occurrence, but now just part of our every day.
Just like with other environmental emergencies, we need to act. It will
take a comprehensive strategy, working together--a true local, state,
and federal partnership.
This is not a partisan issue. I was proud to work with Democrats
and Republicans to claw back needed resources to affected lakes in my
District. Today, I am calling on this Committee to help our pristine,
world-class lakes combat HABs by authorizing funding to more deeply
study the causes, and invest in effective solutions. Many lake
commissions, including Greenwood Lake, are strapped for cash, and would
greatly benefit from additional federal investment to prevent further
environmental disasters caused by HABs.
Thank you for holding this important hearing, and allowing me to
discuss these critically important issues facing our families, small
businesses, and communities. I am confident that if we work together,
we can bring clean drinking water to every community and school, and
stomp out Harmful Algal Blooms for good. I look forward to continuing
to work with you on these important issues.
Ms. Mucarsel-Powell. Thank you, Mr. Gottheimer----
Mr. Gottheimer. Thank you.
Ms. Mucarsel-Powell [continuing]. For that passionate
ending there.
[Laughter.]
Ms. Mucarsel-Powell. Let me just say that I think I
understand what toxic algae blooms are more than anybody else.
I didn't realize that you were dealing with that in New Jersey,
as well. So that--we will take that into account.
Mr. Gottheimer. Thank you so much. It is a significant
issue. Thank you, Madam Chairwoman.
Ms. Mucarsel-Powell. Now I would like to recognize our next
witness, Mr. Gomez from the great State of California.
You have 5 minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. JIMMY GOMEZ, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Mr. Gomez. Madam Chair, thank you so much. I want to thank
Chairman DeFazio and Chairwoman Napolitano for allowing me to
participate in this discussion.
Since before I was elected, I was a champion for the
restoration and revitalization of the Los Angeles River. It has
been one of my top priorities. And yes, there is a river in Los
Angeles. It is 51 miles long, with millions of people that live
within 1 mile of that river. Like most Angelinos, I believe
that it is more than just a vestige of our city's past. It is a
symbol of our future and boundless potential that still awaits.
The revitalization of the river is a big undertaking, with
the power to bring our entire city and region together. But a
project of this magnitude demands an all-hands-on-deck
approach. So I want to thank the city of Los Angeles and the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for moving forward with an
ambitious restoration plan for the Los Angeles River, and
ensuring that the Los Angeles River gets the Federal funds it
needs for its revitalization and restoration efforts.
But as someone who represents one of the most park-poor
districts in the country, it is important to ensure that any
river restoration project takes into account the needs of low-
income individuals and communities of color. Environmental
equity is about ensuring that all communities have a voice in
the restoration of the river, and that everyone can benefit and
enjoy the river once it is completed. The restoration of the
L.A. River is a large undertaking, and we need to ensure that
the river gets the resources it needs so the L.A. River can be
enjoyed by all my constituents and generations to come.
I also want to be clear that this is not just a handout.
The project that I am talking about is the ARBOR Plan, which
takes place between the 134 and downtown L.A. That is a $1
billion project. The city of L.A. is going to match what the
Federal Government is putting in.
Additionally, when I was in the State legislature, we
passed a water bond that would devote more resources for
stormwater capture, revitalization of the L.A. River. So this
is not a handout. It is a hand up when it comes to the
restoration of this river. But it is going to take time. And
the impacts have been felt for generations, but we are going to
turn the clock on it.
So I support language that ensures that the P3 pilot
program provides the flexibility needed to ensure that we give
our community a place to reconnect with nature, celebrate our
diverse communities, and learn about our city's history.
So once again, I thank you for your time, and I thank you,
this committee, for hopefully including this important issue in
the proposal.
[Mr. Gomez's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Jimmy Gomez, a Representative in Congress
from the State of California
I want to thank Chairman DeFazio and Chairwoman Napolitano for
allowing me to participate in this important discussion.
Since elected, the revitalization of the Los Angeles River has been
one of my top priorities.
Like most Angelenos, I believe that the Los Angeles River is more
than a vestige of our city's past--it's a symbol of our future and
boundless potential that still awaits the regions.
The revitalization of the Los Angeles River is a huge undertaking
with the power to bring our entire city together.
But a project of this magnitude demand's an ``all-hands-on deck''
approach.
I want to thank the City of Los Angeles and the US Army Corps of
Engineer's for moving forward with an ambitious restoration plan for
the Los Angeles River and ensuring the Los Angeles River gets the
federal funds it needs for its revitalization and restoration efforts.
But as someone who represents one of the most park-poor districts
in the country, it's important to ensure that any LA River
revitalization project takes into account the needs of, low-income and
communities of color.
Environmental equity is about ensuring that ALL communities have a
voice in the restoration of the LA River ecosystem so that EVERYONE can
benefit from and enjoy the LA River.
The restoration of the LA River is a large undertaking and we need
to ensure that the LA River has the resources it needs so that the LA
River can be enjoyed by all my constituents and the generations to
come.
I support language that ensures the P3 pilot program provides the
flexibility needed to ensure that we give our community a place to
reconnect with nature, celebrate our diverse communities and learn
about our city's history.
Thank you again for consideration on this important matter.
I yield back my time.
Ms. Mucarsel-Powell. Thank you, Mr. Gomez. Do you have an
approximate timeline of how long it would take to restore the
river?
Mr. Gomez. The Army Corps has started on the engineering
phase of the river, but they are doing it in components. This
is just an 11-mile stretch of the entire 51 miles. And it is in
a location of the river where it is a soft bottom portion. So
they channelized the river, because it used to flood in this
region back in the 1930s and 1940s, and people would lose their
lives. So they channelized the river. This part would always
break up the concrete.
And I always said that this river, you know, when you try
to take on nature, nature often fights back. And this is what
happened in this area.
But it is--now we don't see it as a ditch. We don't see it
as a drag-racing stretch like you saw in ``Grease.'' This is a
potential to actually have a real river in Los Angeles. And
even the steps that we have taken so far, people can go
kayaking in the river in my district between Memorial Day and
Labor Day. You can go kayaking if you ever want to come and
visit.
Ms. Mucarsel-Powell. I need to go see that.
Mr. Gomez. And you can also--people fish and get----
Ms. Mucarsel-Powell. There is fish in the L.A. River?
Mr. Gomez. Steelhead trout.
Ms. Mucarsel-Powell. All right.
Mr. Gomez. So most people don't know that. But the project
itself, the design phase, will take about 2 to 3 years. And
then the project after that, about 5 to 10 years.
Ms. Mucarsel-Powell. OK. OK, thank you, Mr. Gomez.
Mr. Gomez. Thank you.
Ms. Mucarsel-Powell. Now I would like to recognize our next
witness, the gentleman from Virginia, Mr. Wittman.
You have 5 minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN, A REPRESENTATIVE IN
CONGRESS FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
Mr. Wittman. Madam Chairwoman, thank you so much for
allowing me to testify before you today. I want to thank the
other committee members also, and I am honored to highlight
some of the needs facing Virginia as you consider the upcoming
Water Resources Development package.
Water infrastructure is vital to moving goods throughout
the country from products we all use in our everyday lives, to
crops and goods we produce domestically and send abroad. And I
hope that this committee and the House upholds its duty to
authorize locally driven water infrastructure improvement
projects, many of which you have heard about today.
I would also like to thank the Army Corps of Engineers, as
they work hard to manage more than 1,500 water resources
projects, with many of them in Virginia. The Army Corps of
Engineers is critical to our State, from the Norfolk Harbor
Channel Deepening project to the Elizabeth River Southern
Branch Navigation Improvements project, and waterways
restorations the Army Corps of Engineers are involved in many
public works projects in Virginia.
As a proud Representative of the Commonwealth of Virginia,
home to the Port of Virginia, one of the largest and busiest
ports on the eastern seaboard, advancing the Port of Virginia's
work to improve and expand its operations is critical. The port
manages cargo that is shipped to all 48 contiguous States. The
Port of Virginia is a national gateway for commerce, supporting
businesses across the country.
Moreover, in Virginia's First Congressional District, 334
businesses utilize the services of the Port of Virginia. As a
catalyst for commerce, the port is attracting growth, fostering
development, and creating jobs. On the State level, cargo
moving through the port supports more than 530,000 jobs
statewide, and generates in excess of $90 billion in annual
economic impact for Virginia.
Increased shipping traffic and larger vessels are straining
the port's current capacity. As larger vessels continue to call
on the Port of Virginia, increasing the depth of the channels
at the port is becoming progressively important. By deepening
to 55 feet, the port is positioned to allow larger ships
visiting the port to arrive and depart fully loaded, and will
make for safer and more timely passage through these channels.
Additionally, one-way traffic has led to interruptions in
the operations of vessels at Naval Station Norfolk, presenting
possible national security concerns. Widening to 1,400 feet
will make way for safe and efficient two-way passage between
larger commercial vessels and other operators in the harbor and
channels, including the United States Navy.
I would like to take this time to highlight some WRDA
priorities the subcommittee should look at while deliberating
about provisions in the bill.
Full HMT funding solution. I want to seek a permanent
solution to the full use of annual HMT revenues. The port
industry has reached an agreement on an approach to mandatory
full use of annual HMT revenues, tax collections, and interest
on the trust fund surplus. Four legislative proposals are: full
use of the HMT Fund; expanded use for donor and energy transfer
ports; regional funding floors; and emerging harbors funding.
The dedicated use of HMT revenues for harbor maintenance,
as well as energy transfer provisions, will have direct
benefits to the Port of Virginia. Unlocking the Harbor
Maintenance Trust Fund is key to ensuring we are not just
adding to the $100 billion backlog of projects at the Corps of
Engineers, but are actually using existing funds to make real
improvements in our Nation's ports.
Benefit-to-cost ratio for locally preferred plan, better
known as BCR and LPP. To calculate a navigation project's
benefit-to-cost ratio based on the National Economic
Development Plan benefits, regardless of whether it is a
locally preferred plan, as the sponsor pays 100 percent of the
additional cost between the NED and the locally preferred plan.
This prevents a locally preferred plan from reducing the
project's benefit-to-cost ratio, which is used in the project
authorization report and new construction start decisions. The
benefit-to-cost ratio calculation for local preferred plans may
be applicable for Norfolk Harbor, depending on how the widening
is constructed.
Prioritizing funding for shallow draft navigation projects.
Federal funding for historically shallow draft projects
provided by the Army Corps of Engineers have been a challenge
for small and rural localities. However, current budget metrics
are not providing sufficient funding at levels to sustain
maintenance dredging of low-use navigation channels throughout
the United States. It would benefit rural localities who rely
on routine maintenance dredging of such low-use channels to
supply their economies, to prioritize funding for shallow
draft, low-use navigation projects.
These things are incredibly important to waterside
communities and the economies that go with these locally based,
water-based communities.
I want to thank the chairwoman, the ranking member, and
members of this committee for the opportunity to testify today.
I look forward to working with the committee, the Corps of
Engineers, and Virginians as we move forward to implementing
WRDA 2020.
[Mr. Wittman's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Robert J. Wittman, a Representative in
Congress from the Commonwealth of Virginia
Intro
Chairwoman Napolitano and Ranking Member Westerman,
Thank you for allowing me to testify before you today. I am honored
to highlight some of the needs facing Virginia as you consider the
upcoming Water Resources Development package.
The Water Resources Development Act is necessary legislation that
provides for improvements to the Nation's ports, inland waterways,
flood protection, ecosystem restoration, and other water resources
infrastructure. Water infrastructure is vital to moving goods
throughout the country, from products we all use in our everyday lives,
to crops and goods we produce domestically and send abroad. I hope that
this committee and the House upholds its duty to authorize nationally
important water infrastructure improvements that are more locally
driven.
I would like to thank the Army Corps of Engineers as they work hard
to manage more than 1,500 water resources projects with many of them in
Virginia. The Army Corps of Engineers is critical to our state, from
the Norfolk Harbor Channel Deepening project, the Elizabeth River
Southern Branch Navigation Improvements Project, and waterways
restorations the Army Corps of Engineers are involved in many public
works projects in Virginia.
Port of VA
As a proud representative of the Commonwealth of Virginia, home to
the Port of Virginia--one of the largest and busiest ports on the
eastern seaboard--advancing the work being done by the Port of Virginia
to improve and expand its operations is critical. The Port manages
cargo that is shipped to all 48 contiguous states.
The Port of Virginia is a national gateway for commerce, supporting
businesses across the country. Moreover, in Virginia's 1st District 334
businesses utilize the services of the Port of Virginia.
As a catalyst for commerce, the Port is attracting growth,
fostering development, and creating jobs. On the state level, cargo
moving through the Port supports more than 530,000 jobs statewide and
generates in excess of $90 billion in annual economic impact for
Virginia.
Increased shipping traffic and larger vessels are straining the
Port's current capacity. As larger vessels continue to call on the Port
of Virginia, increasing the depth of the channels at the Port is
becoming progressively important. By deepening to 55 feet, the Port is
positioned to allow larger ships visiting the Port to arrive and depart
fully loaded and will make for safer and more timely passage through
the channels. Additionally, one-way traffic has led to interruptions
with operations of vessels at Naval Station Norfolk presenting possible
national security concerns. Widening to 1,400 ft. will make way for
safe and efficient two-way passage between larger commercial vessels
and other operators in the Harbor and Channels including the Navy.
WRDA Proposals
I would like to take this time to highlight some WRDA priorities
the subcommittee should look at while deliberating about provisions in
the bill.
1. Full HMT funding solution: I seek a permanent solution to the
full use of annual HMT revenues. The Port Industry has reached an
agreement on an approach for mandatory full use of annual HMT revenues,
tax collections, and interest on the trust fund surplus. Four
legislative proposals are: Full use of HMT Fund, expanded use for Donor
& Energy Transfer (D&ET) ports; regional funding floors, and emerging
harbors funding. The dedicated use of HMT revenues for harbor
maintenance as well as the Energy Transfer provisions will have direct
benefits to The Port of Virginia. Unlocking the Harbor Maintenance
Trust Fund is key to ensuring we're not just adding to the $100 billion
dollar backlog of projects at the Corps of Engineers, but are actually
using existing funds to make real investments in our Nation's ports,
harbors and waterways.
2. Benefit-to-Cost Ratio (BCR) for Locally Preferred Plan
3. Prioritizing funding for shallow draft navigation projects:
Federal funding has historically been provided in the Army Corps of
Engineers' budget for shallow draft low use navigation projects.
However, current budget metrics are not providing sufficient funding at
levels to sustain maintenance dredging of low use navigation channels
throughout the United States. It would benefit rural localities who
rely on routine maintenance dredging of such low use channels to supply
their economies, to prioritize funding for shallow draft low use
navigation projects.
I want to thank the Chairwoman, Ranking Member, and Members of the
committee for this opportunity to testify today. I look forward to
working with the committee, the Corps of Engineers, and Virginians as
we move towards implementing WRDA 2020.
Ms. Mucarsel-Powell. Thank you, Mr. Wittman.
And now I would like to recognize our next witness, Mr.
Johnson from the great State of Louisiana, for 5 minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. MIKE JOHNSON, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
FROM THE STATE OF LOUISIANA
Mr. Johnson of Louisiana. Thank you, Madam Chair. I want to
thank all the members of the subcommittee for the opportunity
to testify about important matters to the people of Louisiana's
Fourth Congressional District and this year's WRDA bill.
As the committee begins its work, I respectfully ask that
you keep in mind two priorities in particular. The first is a
parochial issue relating to a levee segment of the Red River in
my district, and the second is a programmatic request that will
increase efficiency within the Corps of Engineers.
First, I respectfully ask that the committee incorporate
approximately 1.5 miles of levee in Shreveport, Louisiana, into
the Red River Below Denison Dam project. This stretch of levee
was constructed in the early 1960s, and it has always been
operated and maintained by the Caddo Parish Levee District. It
provides flood protection for nearly 30,000 residents, and
200,000 acres of agricultural land.
The levee has proven to be resilient, and it performed well
during the historic Red River flood that occurred in June 2015.
It has also been accredited by FEMA, and the levee was included
in last year's Corps of Engineers Report to Congress on Future
Water Resources Development. I believe it warrants inclusion
into the Red River Below Denison Dam project, and I
respectfully ask that you incorporate this levee segment into
this year's WRDA bill.
Next I would like to draw your attention to legislation
that I have introduced reauthorizing section 1043 of the 2014
WRRDA bill. As you may know, section 1043 created two pilot
programs to give greater local control over Corps of Engineers
projects. Specifically, these pilot programs allow the Corps to
transfer appropriations to non-Federal sponsors to conduct
feasibility studies and project construction. Unfortunately,
section 1043 expired due to a technicality, but my legislation
would provide a clean reauthorization for the pilot programs
for fiscal year 2021 and through fiscal year 2025.
In his testimony before this subcommittee last month,
Assistant Secretary R.D. James pointed out that local control
over project delivery will ``help accelerate projects and
create efficiencies.'' Allowing greater non-Federal involvement
gets projects out of the day-to-day bureaucracy of the Corps,
and this decentralized process allows stakeholders to identify
and implement lower cost alternatives in the planning and
construction phase.
Furthermore, if decisions need to be made in the middle of
a construction project, non-Federal stakeholders are better
equipped than the Corps of Engineers to come to a timely
resolution.
Section 1043 can be a useful tool as this committee seeks
out ways to address the regretful $98 billion backlog for Corps
of Engineer projects.
I would like to respectfully urge the committee to include
these priorities in this year's WRDA bill, and I want to thank
you again for allowing me the opportunity to testify today.
I yield back.
[Mr. Johnson of Louisiana's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Mike Johnson, a Representative in Congress
from the State of Louisiana
Chairman Napolitano, Ranking Member Westerman, and members of the
subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to testify about important
matters to my district and constituents for this year's WRDA bill. As
the Committee begins its work, I respectfully ask that you keep in mind
two priorities--the first is a parochial issue relating to a levee
segment of the Red River in my district, and the second is a
programmatic request that will increase efficiency within the Corps of
Engineers.
First, I respectfully ask that the committee incorporate
approximately 1.5 miles of levee in Shreveport, Louisiana into the Red
River Below Denison Dam Project. This stretch of levee was constructed
in the early 1960's, and it has always been operated and maintained by
the Caddo Parish Levee District. It provides flood protection for
nearly 30,000 residents and 200,000 acres of agricultural land. The
levee has proven to be resilient, and it performed well during the
historic Red River flood that occurred in June 2015. It has also been
accredited by FEMA, and the levee was included in last year's Corps of
Engineers Report to Congress on Future Water Resources Development. I
believe it warrants inclusion into the Red River Below Denison Dam
Project, and I respectfully ask that you incorporate this levee segment
it in this year's WRDA bill.
Next, I'd like to draw your attention to legislation that I have
introduced reauthorizing Section 1043 from the 2014 WRRDA bill. As you
may know, Section 1043 created two pilot programs to give greater local
control over Corps of Engineers projects. Specifically, these pilot
programs allow the Corps to transfer appropriations to non-federal
sponsors to conduct feasibility studies and project construction.
Unfortunately, Section 1043 expired due to a technicality, but my
legislation would provide a clean reauthorization for the pilot
programs from FY21 through FY25.
In his testimony before this subcommittee last month, Assistant
Secretary R.D. James pointed out that local control over project
delivery will ``help accelerate projects and create efficiencies.''
Allowing greater non-federal involvement gets projects out of the day-
to-day bureaucracy of the Corps. This decentralized process allows
stakeholders to identify and implement lower-cost alternatives in the
planning and construction phase. Furthermore, if decisions need to be
made in the middle of construction of a project, non-federal
stakeholders are better equipped than the Corps of Engineers to come to
a timely resolution.
Section 1043 can be a useful tool as this committee seeks out ways
to address the $98 billion backlog for Corps of Engineers projects.
I'd like to respectfully urge the Committee to include these
priorities in this year's WRDA bill, and thank you again for allowing
me the opportunity to testify today.
Mrs. Napolitano [presiding]. Thank you very much for your
testimony, Mr. Johnson.
Mr. Johnson of Louisiana. Yes, ma'am.
Mrs. Napolitano. And now we will recognize the next
witness, the gentlewoman from Texas, Ms. Escobar, for 5
minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. VERONICA ESCOBAR, A REPRESENTATIVE IN
CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF TEXAS
Ms. Escobar. Thank you, Chairwoman Napolitano. I look
forward to highlighting water infrastructure priorities for my
constituents in El Paso, Texas, as the committee considers a
reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act.
El Paso is a vibrant community in the Chihuahuan Desert,
situated in the westernmost part of Texas. We are fortunate to
have the Franklin Mountains in the heart of our city. However,
when we receive large amounts of rain, stormwater runoff from
the mountains routinely floods parts of our community. Flash
floods are not uncommon during the storm season, and water
speeds can reach up to 20 feet per second.
In 2006, our community received a record amount of rain
that caused over $315 million in damages to homes and
businesses. Since then, El Paso Water, our local water utility,
has taken on several projects to improve our stormwater system
and update flood controls. The utility developed a stormwater
master plan containing these projects, many of which received
funds through WRDA. Within the first 3 years of this plan, more
than 50 percent of our city's flood risk was addressed or
reduced.
It is my hope that we can continue to build on that
progress with the upcoming WRDA reauthorization by including
project modifications El Paso Water has proposed to the Army
Corps of Engineers under section 7001 of WRDA.
In addition to addressing our stormwater systems, El Paso
Water has taken great strides to think ahead when it comes to
wastewater. El Paso Water treats an average of 55 million
gallons of wastewater per day for over 220,000 El Pasoans. El
Paso Water has over 2,300 miles of wastewater lines carrying
wastewater to treatment plants across the country. These
treatment plants then send close to 6 million gallons of
reclaimed water per day to irrigate crops and landscapes.
Additionally, El Paso Water maintains a diverse water
portfolio because we live in a desert environment. This
portfolio has become even more important as we face the
existential threat of the climate crisis.
The Rio Grande, which can typically supply as much as half
of our city's water needs, has seen its water level drop as
temperatures have risen. One solution El Paso Water has
pioneered has been treating our wastewater to drinking water
standards. This water is then used to recharge the Hueco Bolson
Aquifer to replenish our water supply.
WRDA funds have been critical to my community's ability to
bolster our wastewater infrastructure, and continued funding
will allow us to expand services to different parts of the
community.
As El Paso County is an eligible community under section
219 of the WRDA reauthorization of 2007, El Paso Water has
enjoyed a strong partnership with the Corps of Engineers as the
non-Federal project sponsor for these projects carried out
under WRDA. They have collaborated on major projects to address
our stormwater and wastewater needs.
One of the projects that has completed the design phase and
will begin construction soon as a result of this partnership is
the Boone Siphon Wastewater Line. This project will replace
siphon infrastructure dating back to the 1950s. It has been
crumbling due to age, but is slated to successfully direct
wastewater from Fort Bliss, the Defense Department's second
largest military installation, and the surrounding areas to a
nearby treatment plant.
One of the projects slated to begin construction in 2022
would improve the stormwater infrastructure of the Palisades,
which is located in West Central El Paso. The area's steep
terrain causes significant flash flooding for the properties
downstream. The improvements proposed in this project would
minimize flooding in this area, which includes the University
of Texas at El Paso.
Another major project is repairing the Keystone Dam. This
dam was constructed in the 1980s by the Corps of Engineers, and
is primarily used for stormwater runoff. However, there is
evidence of seepage near the downstream embankment, and an
analysis has recommended stabilizing the slope.
As time has passed, it is now apparent that our community
requires more investment in our stormwater and wastewater
infrastructure. To address this, El Paso Water is seeking
modifications to the underlying section 219 authorization for
El Paso County. The modifications involving stormwater
infrastructure include the conduit lining of the Keystone Dam
and the construction of a new pump station that will outfall
into the Rio Grande.
These projects are vital to protecting El Pasoans,
businesses, transportation corridors, and Fort Bliss.
El Paso Water has also requested funding to upgrade a major
component of our wastewater treatment infrastructure, the
Haskell Street Wastewater Plant. This treatment plant is
critical to our agricultural sector, as it provides irrigation
water to farmers in the Lower Valley. It is also the sole
treatment plant for the wastewater produced by Fort Bliss.
However, it is also the oldest wastewater facility in El Paso,
having been built in 1923, and is in need of major
rehabilitation to ensure it can continue to provide essential
services across the region, as well as Fort Bliss.
Thank you all for the opportunity to testify before you
today, and I look forward to collaborating with the committee
to ensure a successful WRDA reauthorization.
[Ms. Escobar's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Veronica Escobar, a Representative in
Congress from the State of Texas
Thank you Chairwoman Napolitano and Ranking Member Westerman. I
look forward to highlighting water infrastructure priorities for my
constituents in El Paso, Texas as the Committee considers a
reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA).
El Paso is a vibrant community in the Chihuahuan desert, situated
in the westernmost part of Texas. We are fortunate to have the Franklin
Mountains in the heart of our city. However, whenever we receive large
amounts of rain, stormwater runoff from the mountains routinely floods
parts of our community. Flash floods are not uncommon during the storm
season and water speeds can reach up to 20 feet per second. In 2006,
our community received a record amount of rain that caused over $315
million in damages to homes and businesses. Since then, El Paso Water,
our local water utility, has taken on several projects to improve our
stormwater system and update flood controls. The utility developed a
Stormwater Master Plan containing these projects, many of which
received funds through WRDA. Within the first three years of this plan,
more than 50 percent of our city's flood risk was addressed or reduced.
It is my hope that we can continue to build on that progress with the
upcoming WRDA reauthorization by including project modifications El
Paso Water has proposed to the Army Corps of Engineers under section
7001 of WRDA.
In addition to addressing our stormwater systems, El Paso Water has
taken great strides to think ahead when it comes to wastewater. El Paso
Water treats an average of 55 million gallons of wastewater per day for
over 220,000 El Pasoans. El Paso Water has over 2,300 miles of
wastewater lines carrying wastewater to treatment plants. These
treatment plants then send close to 6 million gallons of reclaimed
water per day to irrigate crops and landscapes. Additionally, El Paso
Water maintains a diverse water portfolio because we live in a desert
environment. This portfolio has become even more important as we face
the existential threat of the climate crisis. The Rio Grande, which can
typically supply as much as half of our city's water needs, has seen
its water level drop as temperatures have risen. One solution El Paso
Water has pioneered has been treating our wastewater to drinking water
standards. This water is then used to recharge the Hueco Bolson aquifer
to replenish our water supply. WRDA funds have been critical to my
community's ability to bolster our wastewater infrastructure and
continued funding will allow us to continue to expand services to
different parts of the community.
As El Paso County is an eligible community under section 219 of the
WRDA reauthorization of 2007, El Paso Water has enjoyed a strong
partnership with the Corps of Engineers as the non-federal project
sponsor for the projects carried out under WRDA. They have collaborated
on major projects to address our stormwater and wastewater needs. One
of the projects that has been completed as a result of this partnership
is the Boone Siphon Wastewater Line. This project replaced siphon
infrastructure dating back to the 1950s. It had been crumbling due to
age but is now successfully directing wastewater from Fort Bliss, the
Defense Department's second largest installation, and the surrounding
areas to a treatment plant.
One of the proposed projects for Fiscal Year 2020 to 2021 is
improving the stormwater infrastructure of the Palisades, which is
located in West Central El Paso. The area's steep terrain causes
significant flash flooding for the properties downstream. The
improvements proposed in this project would minimize flooding in this
area, which includes University of Texas at El Paso. Another major
project is repairing the Keystone Dam. This dam was constructed in the
1980s by the Corps of Engineers and is primarily used for stormwater
runoff. However, there is evidence of seepage near the downstream
embankment and an analysis has recommended stabilizing the slope.
As time has passed, it is now apparent that our community requires
more investment in our stormwater and wastewater infrastructure. To
address this, El Paso Water is seeking modifications to the underlying
section 219 authorization for El Paso County. The modifications
involving stormwater infrastructure include the conduit lining of the
Keystone Dam and the construction of a new pump station that will
outfall into the Rio Grande. These projects are vital to protecting El
Pasoans, businesses, transportation corridors, and Fort Bliss.
El Paso Water has also requested funding to upgrade a major
component of our wastewater treatment infrastructure, the Haskell
Street Wastewater Plant. This treatment plant is critical to our
agricultural sector as it provides irrigation water to farmers in the
Lower Valley. It is also the sole treatment plant for the wastewater
produced by Fort Bliss. However, it is also the oldest wastewater
facility in El Paso having been built in 1923. It is in need of major
rehabilitation to ensure it can continue to provide essential services
across the region, as well as reliable performance to support the
national security mission at Fort Bliss.
El Paso has been able to successfully use WRDA and our strong
relationship with the Corps of Engineers to bolster our stormwater
system and expand our wastewater treatment options. It is critical that
Congress reauthorize WRDA to ensure communities across the country
continue to improve and bring our water infrastructure into the 21st
century.
Thank you all for the opportunity to testify before you today and I
look forward to collaborating with the committee to ensure a successful
WRDA reauthorization.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you for your testimony, Ms. Escobar,
and I would like to recognize the next witness, the gentlewoman
from Iowa, Mrs. Axne, for 5 minutes.
If you can keep it under 5 minutes, bless you.
TESTIMONY OF HON. CYNTHIA AXNE, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
FROM THE STATE OF IOWA
Mrs. Axne. Very good. Thank you, Chairwoman Napolitano,
Ranking Member Westerman, and members of the subcommittee.
Thanks for the opportunity to let me testify here today.
As many of you may know, in the spring of 2019, my district
in the southwest corner of Iowa suffered historic flooding on
the Missouri River, resulting in towns like Hamburg and Pacific
Junction to be completely inundated by as much as 15 feet of
water. Communities were absolutely devastated, homes were
destroyed, farms were flooded, and businesses had to close.
Unfortunately, severe flooding is nothing new to Iowans.
Nine years ago, in 2011, record snowfall caused water levels to
rise, overflowing dams and breaching levees all along the
Missouri River. Hamburg, a town I just mentioned, a small town
of 1,100 folks near the Missouri River, was facing ruin as the
waters continued to rise, nearing the peak of their levee.
However, the spirit and work ethic of Iowans was in full force
as communities came together and worked with the Army Corps
through pouring rain to construct a temporary extension of the
levee, and they raised the height enough to hold back the
water.
Well, this temporary heightened levee saved the town, and
would be needed for continued protection of Hamburg. However,
the Army Corps said it didn't meet the proper specifications
required in a permanent levee, and gave residents two choices:
either tear down the extension, which would cost the city about
$1.3 million, or pay $5.6 million to make it permanent.
Well, a $5.6 million bill for a town the size of 1,100
people works out to be just over 5 grand per person. But the
residents of Hamburg, in their spirit, didn't give up. And just
like when the river was rising, they came together and they
tried, literally, every possible option to raise enough money
to make the levee permanent, including a fundraising campaign
on YouTube, a viral music video called ``Save Our Levee.''
However, that massive price tag was just too much for the town
to come up with, and--on their own. And they were forced to,
literally, tear down their 2011 levee height that was tall
enough to protect the town.
Now, fast forward to just last year. Hamburg was hit with
some of the worst flooding it has ever seen. Their levee wasn't
at the 2011 height, because they weren't able to do that. It
wasn't tall enough to protect them this time. And I am going to
tell you, tearing down a levee that saved people and replacing
it with one that didn't has got to be one of the biggest wastes
of taxpayer dollars I have ever heard of.
This challenge, the challenges that Hamburg have faced, are
unacceptable. And so I am testifying today to get things
changed for my constituents in southwest Iowa and, of course,
for communities across the country that may experience
something similar. I ask the subcommittee to consider including
my bipartisan and bicameral legislation, the LEVEE Act, in the
Water Resources Development Act of 2020.
The LEVEE Act would give the Army Corps new authority to
evaluate whether temporary flood control structures should be
converted into a permanent structure. A community would
petition the Corps to make a determination, and if the Corps
finds the levee is necessary, the legislation would allow the
Corps to act quickly by granting preauthorization for planning
and design projects less than $25 million. The legislation
would provide 100 percent cost share for communities with less
than 10,000 residents, or ones at risk of repeated flooding.
You know, no community should have to go through the
difficulties that Hamburg faced, simply to protect themselves
from severe flooding. And I have heard from constituents who
literally fled their homes with no shoes on their feet. Many of
them had finally just gotten over and recovered and rebuilt
from the 2011 flood, only to lose it all again last year. And
now we are waiting to see how that river is going to rise again
in the spring.
So I hope the subcommittee will include the legislation in
the reauthorization to prevent this situation from happening to
any other community.
I also quickly want to highlight an issue that the city of
Des Moines is having with a levee that provides critical
protection for the city. So I am talking about one of the
smallest towns in Iowa, Hamburg, and then our biggest city, Des
Moines.
They have the Birdland levee, which protects the city from
flooding on the Des Moines River, but it breached in the floods
of 2008, flooding nearby neighborhoods in the community. The
levee had just been repaired, but in 2018 city officials
identified a problem of underseepage. While the Corps has
recognized this issue, and reported that two-thirds of the
levee was deficiently designed and in need of repair, and we
can't continue to throw good money after bad.
So what is happening here is that they want to repair the
levee to almost the cheapest alternative. But I have got to
say, smart investments in flood prevention like what Hamburg
needed will save our taxpayers more money in the long run.
So the integrity of this levee is crucial to protect Des
Moines, and I will be submitting language to provide funding
for these repairs, and ask that the subcommittee request that
in the reauthorization, as well. Thank you so much.
[Mrs. Axne's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Cynthia Axne, a Representative in Congress
from the State of Iowa
Chairwoman Napolitano, Ranking Member Westerman, and Members of the
Subcommittee--thank you for the opportunity to testify here today.
As many of you know, in the Spring of 2019, my district in
Southwest Iowa suffered historic flooding of the Missouri River which
resulted in entire towns such as Hamburg and Pacific Junction to be
completely inundated by as much as 15 feet of water. Communities were
devastated--homes were destroyed, farms were flooded, and businesses
had to close.
Unfortunately, severe flooding is nothing new to Iowans. Nine years
ago, in 2011, record snowfall caused water levels to rise, overflowing
dams and breaching levees all along the Missouri River. Hamburg, Iowa--
a small town of 1,100 folks near the Missouri River--was facing ruin as
the waters continued to rise, nearing the peak of their levee.
However, the spirit and work ethic of Iowans was in full force as
members of the community worked with the Army Corps--through the
pouring rain--to construct a temporary extension of the levee and
raised the height enough to hold back the water.
This temporary heightened levee saved the town and would be needed
for continued protection of Hamburg. However, the Army Corps said it
did not meet the proper specifications required in a permanent levee
and gave residents a choice: either tear down the extension, which
would cost the city $1.3 million, or pay $5.6 million to make it
permanent.
A $5.6 million bill for a town of 1,100 people works out to be just
over $5 grand per resident.
But the residents of Hamburg didn't give up. Just like when the
river was rising, they came together and tried every possible option to
raise enough money to make the levee permanent, including a fundraising
campaign with a viral YouTube music video titled ``Save Our Levee!''
However, the massive price tag was too much for the town to come up
with on their own and they were forced to tear down their 2011 levee
height.
And last year, Hamburg was hit with some of their worst flooding.
Their levee wasn't at the 2011 height, and it wasn't tall enough to
protect them this time.
Tearing down a levee that saved you and replacing it with one that
didn't is the biggest waste of taxpayer dollars I can think of.
The challenges Hamburg faced are unacceptable and I'm testifying
today to get things changed for my constituents in Southwest Iowa and
communities across the country that may face similar challenges.
I ask that the subcommittee considers including my bipartisan and
bicameral legislation, the LEVEE Act, in the Water Resources
Development Act of 2020.
The LEVEE Act would give the Army Corps new authority to evaluate
whether temporary flood control structures should be converted into a
permanent structure. A community would petition the Corps to make a
determination and if the Corps finds the levee is necessary, the
legislation would allow the Corps to act quickly by granting pre-
authorization for planning and design on projects less than $25
million.
The legislation would provide 100% cost share for communities with
less than 10,000 residents or ones at risk of repeated flooding.
No community should have to go through the difficulties that
Hamburg faced simply to protect themselves from severe flooding. I
heard from constituents who had to flee their homes, with no shoes on
their feet. Many of them had finally just recovered and rebuilt what
was lost in 2011, only to lose it all again last year. And now, we're
waiting to see how that river will rise this year.
I hope the subcommittee will include the legislation in the
reauthorization to prevent this situation from happening to any other
community.
I also want to quickly highlight an issue that the City of Des
Moines is having with a levee that provides critical protection for the
city. The Birdland Levee protects the city from flooding of the Des
Moines River but breached during the floods of 2008, flooding
neighborhoods and nearby communities.
The levee had been repaired but in 2018, City officials identified
a problem with under seepage of the levee, causing concern with the
overall integrity of the levee.
The Corps has recognized this issue and reported that two thirds of
the levee is deficiently designed and in need of repair. We can't
continue to throw good money after bad, and need to repair this levee
to the fullest possible extent and not simply the cheapest. Smart
investments in flood prevention--like what Hamburg needed--will save
taxpayer dollars in the long run.
The integrity of this levee is crucial for the protection of Des
Moines and I will be submitting language request to provide funding for
these repairs and ask that the subcommittee includes the request in the
reauthorization as well.
Finally, I want to thank the Members of the Subcommittee for your
time and ask that you work with my office as you consider these
requests. Thank you.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you very much for your testimony.
Now we would like to recognize our next witness, the
gentleman from Texas, Mr. Olson, for 5 minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. PETE OLSON, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM
THE STATE OF TEXAS
Mr. Olson. Thank you, Chairwoman Napolitano and all the
subcommittee members. And thank you for the time to talk about
WRDA today.
I represent the 22nd Congressional District of Texas, the
southwestern suburbs of Houston, Texas. We have many monikers,
many names. We are called the Energy Capital of the Entire
World; Space City, U.S.A.; and the biggest city to be straight
in the heart of Hurricane Alley. It is not a matter of if, but
when the next hurricane will hit my home. And that is a fact of
life on the gulf coast.
Because of these examples of what has happened in the past,
we have suffered the worst natural disaster in our country's
history, the Galveston hurricane of 1900: 12,000 Texans killed
with no chance to survive. We had Carla hit us in 1961, the
strongest hurricane ever to develop in the Gulf of Mexico.
Alicia, 1983, flooded out the Texas Medical Center. Hurricane
Ike in 2008, with a rebound effect for storm surge through the
Galveston Bay. And in 2017 we all know Hurricane Harvey hit us
not once, but twice.
Because of these facts, local leaders throughout Texas-22
wake up each morning looking for new, innovative ways to
provide needed safety to our region. And elected officials like
us work to ensure the Federal Government is using resources
wisely so communities are prepared when disaster strikes.
As you all know, our Corps of Engineers is tasked with
building most of our levees and our protection systems, our
dams, and they have a tremendous backlog right now, approaching
$100 billion. There is a way we can help that out, and get
these projects going quicker by utilizing section 1043. That
gives non-Federal entities, local cities, the authorization to
construct Army Corps projects.
The Corps granted section 1043 authorization for the Clear
Creek Flood Risk Management project in my district. That
project was 50 years in the making. That was the first time
ever that such an authorization was provided for a complete
project. This allows Harris County, the flood control district,
the non-Federal sponsor, to move quickly to construct the Clear
Creek project first authorized five decades ago--to provide
flood protection for thousands of people living in harm's way
right now.
However, this process required a very rushed timeframe
because Congress failed to authorize 1043 during the 2018 WRDA
bill. The program expired on June 11th of 2019. This required
the Harris County Flood Control District to move quickly,
because they had sole responsibility to make this project
happen as quickly as possible. They cut a lot of corners before
the shot clock hit zero. And that is why I asked that section
1043(a) and 1043(b) of the 2014 WRRDA be reinstated.
Every community that wishes to pursue such authorization
should have the chance to do so. Authorizing current projects
funded through disaster supplementals is helpful, and Congress
should keep making those moves.
Finally, I want to talk about lessons learned from
Hurricane Harvey, which hit my home State the first time on
August 25th of 2017, a second time 2 days later. It became the
costliest storm in our history, with damages coming around $190
billion. According to our local paper, the Houston Chronicle,
Texas has led the Nation in flood-related deaths for the last
50 years.
And we did great work in Congress for Hurricane Harvey,
came together quickly, and got them record levels of money in a
very short time to help these communities recover as quickly as
possible. But we were disappointed once again by restrictions
in Federal law that allows this money to be used to rebuild
flooded structures, but not to prevent future flooding.
I will yield my other comments for the committee, and thank
you so much for the time.
[Mr. Olson's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Pete Olson, a Representative in Congress
from the State of Texas
Chairwoman Napolitano and Ranking Member Westerman, thank you for
the opportunity to speak on WRDA today.
I represent the 22nd Congressional District in Texas, in the
greater Houston region. Sadly, Houston is no stranger to hurricanes,
devastating storms and the flooding that they bring.
Parts of Texas are still recovering from the devastation of
Hurricane Harvey, more than two years later.
It's not a matter of ``if,'' but ``when'' the next storm will hit.
Because of this, local leaders throughout TX-22 wake up each
morning looking for new, innovative ways to provide needed safety to
our community. And elected officials like US work to ensure the federal
government is using resources wisely so our vulnerable communities are
prepared when disaster strikes.
Section 1043 reauthorization is an important way we can help,
giving non-federal entities authorization to construct Army Corps
projects.
The Army Corps granted Section 1043 authorization for the Clear
Creek Flood Risk Management project in my district. It was the first
time that such authorization WAS provided for a complete project. This
allows Harris County Flood Control District, the non-federal sponsor to
move quickly to construct the Clear Creek project--first authorized
decades ago--to provide flood protection to thousands of individuals
within my district.
However, this process required a rushed timeframe. Because Congress
failed to specifically reauthorize Section 1043 during the 2018 WRDA
debate, the program expired on June 11th of 2019. This required Harris
County Flood Control District, who took on the responsibility for this
important project, to work on an express timeline to reach an agreement
before the shot clock hit zero.
That's why I ask that Section 1043(a) and 1043(b) of the 2014 WRDA
be reinstated. Every community that wishes to pursue such authorization
should have the chance to do so.
Authorizing current projects funded through Disaster Supplementals
is another good move Congress can make.
So-called ``500 Year Floods'' have become more frequent. In
Houston, the Memorial Day Flood in May 2015 and the Tax Day Flood in
April 2016 caused over $3 billion dollars in damage and took the lives
of 16 people.
Then came Hurricane Harvey, which hit Texas on August 25th, 2017.
It became the most costly storm in U.S. history--with damage estimates
coming in at $190 billion dollars.
According to the Houston Chronicle, TX has led the nation in flood
related deaths for the last 50 years.
I'm proud of the work we did in Congress to quickly come together
and work to provide needed federal assistance to make these devastated
communities whole.
Yet it would be pointless to invest so much in repair without
pairing such funding with prevention. Investing in projects and studies
to ensure that Houston and other communities devastated by Hurricanes
Harvey, Maria and Irma become more resilient when faced with future
storms was a vital component of the work Congress did as part of our
Hurricane Harvey response.
Many of these studies are ongoing as I speak, and are set to finish
in fiscal year 2021.
Sadly, once these studies are completed, and chiefs' reports are
finalized, they will sit and wait for authorization from Congress.
Every moment those studies sit collecting dust without congressional
action is time that our vulnerable communities can't afford to waste.
I plan to file an amendment to this year's WRDA to authorize
projects that have been identified in a section 216 study and included
in a chief's report.
This amendment will help cut red tape and allow disaster-stricken
communities such as mine in desperate need of mitigation and stronger
infrastructure to move forward.
Thank you to the Transportation and Infrastructure's Subcommittee
on Water Resources and Environment for hosting this important hearing
today. Reauthorization of a strong WRDA will bolster our
infrastructure, better prepare our communities and help save lives.
Thank you.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you so much. The votes have been
called, so if the next witnesses would limit to 2 minutes, we
will get through it.
But thank you, Mr. Olson.
And my next witness will be Mr. Cloud, the gentleman from
Texas, 5 minutes--for 2 minutes, if you can.
TESTIMONY OF HON. MICHAEL CLOUD, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
FROM THE STATE OF TEXAS
Mr. Cloud. I will do my best to keep this short. Thank you,
Chairwoman Napolitano, Ranking Member Massie. Thank you for
being here today.
I represent the 27th Congressional District of Texas, which
is home to 6 of Texas' 19 ports. When it comes to maritime
commerce, Texas, of course, handles 20 percent of all tonnage
in the Nation. So the upcoming Water Resources Development Act
is critical not only for our coastal district, but all the
economies that are tied to the Texas coast.
And there are a few issues I wanted to bring up that
concern Texans back home.
The first issue I wanted to discuss is with our Matagorda
Ship Channel, which exports petrochemicals, oil, gas, and
agricultural products in and out of the Matagorda Bay. The Army
Corps of Engineers first dredged the channel to its current
depth of 38 feet in 1966. However, the way the channel was
constructed, it causes dangerous currents and erosion to the
jetties underneath.
The Corps' Galveston office has identified that this is a
result of the Corps' preengineering construction and design.
According to the Corps, the Matagorda Ship Channel is probably
one of the small, few infrastructure projects that has serious
defects made by the Corps.
Should the Calhoun Port Authority begin construction to
correct the Corps design, current law treats the construction
project, however, as a new project, and requires that the port
authority share the cost with the Federal Government, even
though the problem was due to an error in the Corps' design.
When it comes to poor construction made by the Corps in
preconstruction engineering and design, the private sponsor
should not have to pay to correct the Federal Government's
mistake. With that in mind I ask you to consider including a
provision that specifies that design deficiencies created by
the Corps must be fully financed by the Federal Government.
Second, I have two major projects in my district that need
authorization in this WRDA bill. I only have 15 seconds left,
so I will have to submit a lot of this to you in writing. But I
appreciate you being here, and thank you for your time.
[Mr. Cloud's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Michael Cloud, a Representative in Congress
from the State of Texas
Thank you, Chairman DeFazio and Ranking Member Graves, for allowing
Members to testify today. I represent Texas' 27th District, which is
home to 6 of Texas' 19 ports. When it comes to maritime commerce, Texas
ranks second in the nation and handles over 20 percent of all tonnage
in the nation. The upcoming Water Resources and Development Act is
critical for my coastal district, and I want to discuss a few issues
and projects that are of concern for Texans back home.
The Army Corps of Engineers first dredged the Matagorda Ship
Channel to its current depth of 38 feet in 1966. This channel exports
petrochemicals, oil, gas, and agricultural products in and out of Port
Lavaca and Point Comfort, Texas. However, the way that the channel is
constructed causes dangerous currents and erosion to the jetties
underneath. The Corps' Galveston Office has identified that this is the
result of Corps' pre-engineering construction and design. According to
the Corps, the Matagorda Ship Channel is probably one of a small few
infrastructure projects that has serious defects made by the Corps.
Should the Calhoun Port Authority begin construction to correct the
Corps' design, current law treats the construction as a new project and
requires the Port Authority to share the cost with the federal
government even though problem is due to an error in the Corps' design.
The repairs are expected to cost $78.7 million, with the Port Authority
shouldering nearly $20 million. When it comes to poor construction made
by the Corps in pre-construction engineering and design, the private
sponsor shouldn't have to pay to correct the federal government's
mistakes. With that in mind, I ask that you all consider including a
provision that specifies that design deficiencies created by the Corps
must be fully financed by the federal government.
Two major projects in my district will need authorization in this
WRDA bill. A feasibility study for the Matagorda Shipping Channel was
just completed, which recommends dredging the main channel from 38 to
47 feet deep and widening it to 300 feet. The completion of this
project will allow larger vessels to travel in and out of the channel
in the future. Additionally, TxDOT just finalized a study with the
Corps on upgrading the Brazos River Floodgates and Colorado River
Locks. Both the floodgates and locks help control water flow along
Marine Highway 69, which is the third busiest inland waterway in the
United States. Since 2000, the government has recognized the need to
replace current structures due to safety and congestion issues. The
completion of this project will replace outdated floodgates with new
ones and will help reduce the amount of congestion and traffic
accidents.
Finally, it's been more than 2 years since Hurricane Harvey
devastated Coastal Texas, but Texans back home are still waiting on
assistance from FEMA's Public Assistance program. In Corpus Christi,
the Packery Channel, a system of storm-wash over channels, suffered
damage. The Packery Channel exchanges water between the Gulf of Mexico
and the Laguna Madre and supports marine wildlife migration between the
two entities. When seeking assistance through FEMA's Public Assistance
program, FEMA told the city that it couldn't repair the channel because
the channel technically fell under the Corps' jurisdiction. Any repairs
would theoretically constitute a duplication of benefits. The Corps,
however, transferred authority to the city after its first completed
construction on the Packery Channel. I hope to amend language in the
Water Resources Development of 1999, which authorized the Corpus
Christi Packery Channel, to better clarify the project's purpose and
which agency has jurisdiction.
Ultimately, investments in our nation's ports also lead to
investments in American-based businesses, jobs for American workers,
and markets for American producers. I look forward to working with the
committee in the coming weeks on this legislation, and, again, I
appreciate you allowing me to testify today.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you. We will take it into account
for the record. Thank you for that.
Are there any questions relevant to the witness? No? Thank
you.
I would like to recognize the next witness, the gentleman
from Ohio, Mr. Gonzalez, for 2 minutes.
Now, votes have been called. We have got 12 minutes to make
it to the floor. So if you can keep it to 2 minutes, we might
make it. Thank you.
TESTIMONY OF HON. ANTHONY GONZALEZ, A REPRESENTATIVE IN
CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF OHIO
Mr. Gonzalez of Ohio. Thank you, Chairwoman Napolitano.
Thank you for the opportunity to speak today about a project
that is important to northeast Ohio.
The city of New Franklin has been working to fix issues
arising from water runoff and drinking water infrastructure in
the Nimisila Reservoir and Portage Lakes. These bodies of water
are considered traditionally navigable waters of the United
States, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and fall
within the Army Corps improvement plan for the Upper Tuscarawas
River watershed.
The Portage Lakes were constructed in the mid-1850s to
serve as a source of water for the Ohio and Erie Canal system.
The Nimisila was constructed in the late 1930s to help maintain
water levels throughout the Portage Lakes system, and provide
manufacturing industries access to water. Since the entire
region sits adjacent to the Continental Divide between the Lake
Erie Basin and the Ohio River system, waterflows are dependent
on man-made infrastructure, rather than natural patterns. Some
of the water infrastructure in the area dates back to mid-19th-
century designs, and is now facing significant deterioration.
The city of New Franklin, which encompasses much of the
Portage Lakes region, has been working since 2011 to find a
solution for issues related to stormwater runoff and flooding
along the city's Main Street corridor. This has been
challenging, because the storm drainage system installed in the
1930s, when Nimisila was constructed, appears to have reached
the end of its useful life.
As a result of these issues, the cities of New Franklin and
Green have seen flooding along the Main Street corridor on an
almost annual basis, sometimes resulting in the closure of the
roadway for several days. During particularly heavy flooding in
2011 and 2019, the cities were forced to pump water off the
roadway at a significant cost to their budgets.
The city of New Franklin has consulted engineers to work on
the issue, and now believes it is necessary to replace 1.25
miles of storm sewer from East Canton Road to West Nimisila
Road, and upgrade the storm sewer from 36 inches to 42 inches
to handle the flow. I am requesting the committee's
consideration of authorizing funding for this project in the
upcoming WRDA bill.
Thank you for the opportunity to speak today, and for your
consideration. Perfect timing.
[Mr. Gonzalez of Ohio's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Anthony Gonzalez, a Representative in
Congress from the State of Ohio
Chairman DeFazio, Ranking Member Graves, and Members of the
Committee,
Thank you for the opportunity to speak today about projects
important to Northeast Ohio. The first project that my office is
planning to submit is a project in the city of New Franklin to fix
issues arising from water runoff and drinking water infrastructure in
the Nimisila Reservoir and Portage Lakes. These bodies of water are
considered Traditionally Navigable Waters (TNW) of the United States,
according to the US Army Corps of Engineers, and fall within the Army
Corps improvement plan for the Upper Tuscarawas River watershed.
The Portage Lakes were constructed in the mid 1850's to serve as a
source of water for the Ohio and Erie canal system. Nimisila Reservoir
was constructed in the late 1930's to help maintain water levels
throughout the Portage Lakes system, and the heavy industries in the
region that relied on access to the water for manufacturing purposes.
The entire region sits adjacent to the continental divide between the
Lake Erie basin and the Ohio River system. Consequently, the
modifications to the natural hydrology in the region over 150 years has
meant that water flows throughout the area in ways that are dependent
on manmade infrastructure, rather than natural patterns.
Much of the hydraulic infrastructure in the area, some of it now
dating back to designs drawn up the mid-19th century, is now aging and
faces significant deterioration. With the modifications to the area
over time, this can lead to serious issues when infrastructure breaks
down. The city of New Franklin, which encompasses much of the Portage
Lakes region, has been working since 2011 to find a solution for issues
related to stormwater runoff and flooding along the city's Main Street
corridor. Attempts at a solution are complicated by the fact that the
storm drainage system installed in the 1930's, when Nimisila Reservoir
was constructed, appears to have reached the end of its useful life.
The system appears to be substantially silted in, and in places, may be
cracked or broken, leading to possible intrusion from water coming off
the Nimisila Reservoir levees.
As a result of these issues, the cities of New Franklin and Green
have seen flooding along the Main Street corridor on an almost annual
basis, sometimes resulting in the closure of the roadway for several
days. During particularly heavy flooding in 2011 and 2019, these two
cities were forced to pump water off the roadway, at a significant cost
to their budgets. The city of New Franklin has been working with their
consulting engineers, GPD Group, and believe that replacement of 1.25
miles of storm sewer from East Canton Road to West Nimisila Road and
upgrading the storm sewer from 36" to 42" to handle increased flow.
Thank you for your consideration.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you very much, Mr. Gonzalez, much
appreciated.
Any questions of the witness? No, none.
The next witness, we would recognize Mr. O'Halleran from
Arizona for 2 minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. TOM O'HALLERAN, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
FROM THE STATE OF ARIZONA
Mr. O'Halleran. Thank you, Chairwoman. I just want to say
that I would like to begin by thanking General Semonite and
Colonel Barta for prioritizing the Rio De Flag project in this
year's workplan.
I would like to highlight the need for the Corps to keep
working with rural communities to reduce the threats they face
from catastrophic flooding. It is Arizona, but we do have a lot
of flooding, and a lot of that flooding takes a lot of lives.
Because of the speed of these floods, they come down from the
mountains. It might not even be raining in the town, but that
town gets devastated by the quickness of those floods.
Navajo County has been working with the Army Corps on the
Little Colorado River, a levee project above the city of
Winslow, and the 10,000 people who live there, many of whom are
from Tribal Nations who were forcibly relocated by the Federal
Government.
Similarly, the southern transcontinental line of the BNSF
Railway runs just below the levee. A major flood could disrupt
rail activity between the ports of southern California and the
eastern coast. Such a disruption would slow or stop billions of
dollars of economic activity across the country, and take a
long time to get it back because of the location.
I encourage the Corps to work with the committee to ensure
that these projects are considered in ways that measure their
contribution to the entire Nation.
And just quickly on water, the Southwest is going to
continue to need more water projects, and they are going to
be--in the process we have cities that are growing, like
Phoenix, at 300 people per day. And it is going on across the
entire State.
Thank you. I yield.
[Mr. O'Halleran's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Tom O'Halleran, a Representative in Congress
from the State of Arizona
Chairman DeFazio, Ranking Member Graves, thank you for holding this
important opportunity for Members to speak about the importance of the
Water Resources Development Act and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
I would like to begin my thanking General Semonite and Colonel
Barta for prioritizing the ``Rio de Flag'' project in this year's work
plan. Completion of this project will ensure downtown Flagstaff and
Northern Arizona University are no longer under the treat of major
flooding.
I would like to highlight the need for the Corps to keep working
with rural communities to reduce the threats they face from
catastrophic flooding.
For example, Navajo County has been working with the Army Corps on
the Little Colorado River levee project, above the city of Winslow and
the ten thousand people who live there, many of whom were forcibly
relocated by the Federal Government.
Similarly, the southern transcontinental line of the BNSF Railway
runs just below the levee. A major flood could disrupt rail activity
between the ports of southern California and the eastern U.S.
Such a disruption would slow or stop the billions of dollars worth
of economic activity across the country. I encourage the Corps to work
with the committee to ensure that projects like this are considered in
ways that measure their contribution to the entire nation.
I encourage the Corps to work with smaller rural communities to
address issues such as permitting for tamarisk removal or permitting
for small bridge maintenance.
Lastly, I encourage the committee to remember the future need of
rural communities as they grow. For example, Pinal County is one of the
fastest growing counties in the country and a flood in the Lower Santa
Cruz watershed would devastate the communities.
I urge the committee and the Corps to ensure that future projects
like this one receive timely attention and equal treatment to current
and urban projects.
Again, I thank the committee for hearing from all Members and I
look forward to working with you to ensure that the Army Corps supports
rural communities.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I yield back.
Mrs. Napolitano. Thank you for your testimony.
Now there are no questions from either side?
I would like to recognize the next witness, the final
witness, Ms. Shalala from Florida, for 2 minutes.
TESTIMONY OF HON. DONNA E. SHALALA, A REPRESENTATIVE IN
CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF FLORIDA
Ms. Shalala. Madam Chair, my district is defined by the
waters that shape our south Florida economy and way of life:
the Everglades, the shores of Miami Beach, Biscayne Bay, Port
Miami, Government Cut, and the Miami River, to name a few.
WRDA legislation has remained indispensable in efforts to
protect, maintain, and strengthen my district's tourism and
trade economies, and in developing resiliency to climate change
and sea-level rise.
As you develop the next Water Resources Development Act, I
urge your consideration of projects that will advance south
Florida's environmental and economic needs, as well as our
national priorities, like restoring America's Everglades.
For decades, unfettered development in south and central
Florida severely damaged the fragile ecosystem. In 2000, I
worked with Secretary Babbitt to pass the Comprehensive
Everglades Restoration Plan. It is a plan for restoring the
natural southward flow of water, restoring habitat for native
wildlife and protecting the drinking water for millions of
south Florida residents. We have made incredible progress, and
I am proud that this Congress has appropriated robust funding
to continue these efforts.
I encourage this committee to continue to prioritize
Everglades restoration in this WRDA bill and, in particular,
emphasize the importance of rehydration of the coastal wetlands
in southeast Miami-Dade County. The Everglades is the largest
remaining subtropical wilderness in the United States. It is a
national treasure that deserves national attention.
As climate change and sea-level rise continue to threaten
our coastal communities, these needs are only more urgent.
Since 1950, the sea level in south Florida has risen 8 inches,
and it is only speeding up.
By--I am sorry, should I continue?
Mrs. Napolitano. Yes, wrap it up, please.
Ms. Shalala. OK. Well, why don't I submit this for the
record, Madam Chair?
Mrs. Napolitano. So ordered.
Ms. Shalala. But it is a full report on our needs in south
Florida----
Mrs. Napolitano. Wonderful.
Ms. Shalala [continuing]. That include our environmental
needs. But I thank the committee for your consideration of this
very special part of the world.
[Ms. Shalala's prepared statement follows:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Donna E. Shalala, a Representative in
Congress from the State of Florida
Chairman DeFazio, Ranking Member Graves, and Chairwoman Napolitano
and Chairman Westerman, thank you for holding this hearing and inviting
me to testify on my district's priorities for a Water Resources
Development Act of 2020.
My district is defined by the waters that shape our South Florida
economy and way of life: the Everglades, the shores of Miami Beach,
Biscayne Bay, PortMiami, Government Cut, and the Miami River, to name a
few.
WRDA legislation has remained indispensable in efforts to protect,
maintain, and strengthen my district's tourism and trade economies, and
in developing resiliency to climate change and sea level rise.
As you develop the next Water Resources Development Act, I urge
your consideration of projects that will advance South Florida's
environmental and economic needs, as well as our national priorities,
like restoring America's Everglades.
For decades, unfettered development in South and Central Florida
severely damaged the fragile ecosystem. In 2000, Congress passed the
Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, or CERP. It's a plan for
restoring the natural, southward flow of water, restoring habitat for
native wildlife, and protecting the drinking water for millions of
South Florida residents.
We have made incredible progress, and I am proud that this Congress
has appropriated robust funding to continue these efforts.
I encourage this committee to continue prioritizing Everglades
restoration in this WRDA bill, and in particular, emphasize the
importance on rehydration of the coastal wetlands in southeast Miami-
Dade County.
The Everglades is the largest remaining subtropical wilderness in
the United States. It is a national treasure that deserves national
attention.
As climate change and sea level rise continue to threaten our
coastal communities, these needs are only more urgent.
Since 1950, the sea level in South Florida has risen 8 inches, and
it is only speeding up. By 2060, the sea level in South Florida is
projected to rise up to 31 inches.
According to UN projections, the average temperature on the planet
will rise by 5 to 9 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the century. This
will cause a sea level rise that could virtually submerge all of South
Florida.
In this WRDA legislation, we have an opportunity to address and
combat climate change and sea level rise. In Florida, the Central and
Southern Flood Control Project is meant to provide drainage sufficient
to protect developed areas of Miami-Dade County as sea levels continues
to rise.
However, as is already evident from the King Tide flooding on Miami
Beach and in other coastal communities in my district, our efforts have
been inadequate. I urge more investment to determine the technical
feasibility and costs that will be involved over the next several
decades as we address the ever-more pressing needs relating to flood
mitigation.
Coastal erosion from devastating storms like Hurricanes Michael,
Harvey, Irma, and Maria--and even mild storms--can flood our
communities and destroy habitats. Army Corps shore protection projects,
like beach renourishments and sea wall construction protect the economy
and our environment, and I fully support these efforts.
Relatedly, I remain deeply concerned about saltwater intrusion.
Because of Florida's porous limestone bedrock and the diversion of
fresh waterways, as sea levels rise, saltwater reaches further inland
and our drinking water is seriously threatened.
I understand that there have been efforts to explore options to
address saltwater intrusion using excess wet season water capture or
wastewater reclamation. I support any and all efforts that protect our
fragile shorelines and protect my constituents' health.
Lastly, I'd like to bring your attention to PortMiami, a vital
economic engine for Florida and the nation, which supports
approximately 324,000 jobs and generates $41.4 billion in economic
value.
PortMiami is the nation's only 50-52 foot dredge channel south of
Norfolk. Completed in 2015, this recent dredging project was designed
for 8500 TEU vessels but now requires improvements to accommodate
larger-capacity vessels.
The proposed Miami Harbor improvements, which include deepening and
widening channels, and should be done in an environmentally responsible
way, will facilitate the safe movement of vessels and help assure that
cargo activity stays in the United States. The ongoing Miami Harbor
feasibility study is proceeding on time, with a signed Chief of
Engineers' Report scheduled for September 2021.
It is essential that the feasibility study remain on schedule.
These improvements will enable the full potential of the recently
completed dredging project and increase Miami and the nation's global
competitiveness.
I thank the committee and the Army Corps of Engineers, and I look
forward to continuing to support this fundamental legislation.
Mrs. Napolitano. Well, thank you very much for your
testimony, and we will include it in the record.
Thanks to all the Members for their testimony. Comments
have been very helpful and insightful, and very eye-opening.
I ask unanimous consent that the record of today's hearing
remain open until such time as our witnesses have provided
answers to any questions that may be submitted to them in
writing, and unanimous consent that the record remain open for
15 days for any additional comments and information submitted
by the Members of Congress to be included in the record of
today's hearing.
And without objection, so ordered.
I would like to thank all our witnesses again for their
testimony. If no other Members have anything to add--and I am
the only one here--the committee stands adjourned.
[Whereupon, at 2:13 p.m., the subcommittee was adjourned.]
Submissions for the Record
----------
Prepared Statement of Hon. Sam Graves, a Representative in Congress
from the State of Missouri, and Ranking Member, Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure
Thank you, Chair Napolitano and Ranking Member Westerman.
Keeping the Water Resources Development Act on a 2-year cycle is
critical to address and advance our Nation's water resources
infrastructure needs.
Like the critical flood control projects in my home State and
District, other Members have critical priorities too.
As we move forward, an important step is to gather as much input as
possible.
Today we will hear from our Congressional colleagues about a number
of projects and policies that will help inform a WRDA bill.
I look forward to hearing the proposals that will help us address
our water resources infrastructure needs across the United States.
Past WRDA bills have had strong bipartisan support, so I hope this
hearing today will help us reach that same goal this year.
Thank you again to the Subcommittee Chair and Ranking Member, and
thank you to all the Members testifying today. I yield back.
Prepared Statement of Hon. Danny K. Davis, a Representative in Congress
from the State of Illinois
Good Afternoon Chairman DeFazio and Ranking Member Graves.
Thank you for the opportunity to offer brief testimony before the
committee today. The Water Resources and Development Act funding is
extremely critical; not only to my district in Chicago, the State of
Illinois, but also the Great Lakes region.
As Congress contemplates the role of climate change, I am hopeful
that we ensure the Great Lakes are at the center of the conversation.
Researchers say climate change is indeed impacting the Great Lakes
region.
The Lakes' shorelines are eroding as near record water levels have
almost completely submerged two of the sandy beaches that line the
Chicago's lakefront, altering ecosystems, and causing flooding and
economic damage.
Lake Michigan water levels are up 6 feet since 2013. Because of
this alone, I am also hopeful the Corps include the General
Reevaluation Report (GRR) of the Chicago Shoreline Storm Reduction
Project in any USACE and further implementation of the Great Lakes
Restoration Initiative.
In addition, the Chicagoland area has had challenges with historic
rain, snow and severe flooding. The nonprofit American Geophysical
Union's report estimated that Illinois experienced more than 1,500
flood events from 2000 to 2018--an average of 1.5 floods per week--
resulting in $3 billion in property damages. Additional resources are
needed to combat these flood issues as flooding continues to have a
negative economic impact on the area.
Finally, many government officials back home believe that the Corps
Project Partnership Agreements are not favorable to non-federal
sponsors and are hoping for better perpetual responsibilities and
indemnification. They are also asking for a lower non-federal cost
share model.
Again, thank you for allowing my testimony today and am free to
answer and questions or concerns you may have.
Prepared Statement of Hon. Diana DeGette, a Representative in Congress
from the State of Colorado
Chairman Napolitano and Ranking Member Westerman,
Thank you for providing the opportunity to submit written testimony
to advocate for priorities in the upcoming Water Resources Development
bill. Continuing the recent successes of passing WRDA bills in 2014,
2016 and 2018, this bill will help many states and localities move
critical projects forward.
WRDA 2020 bill will not only provide the opportunity to authorize
new, eligible projects. It will also continue the work of modernizing
and streamlining the Corps' approval processes.
Chatfield Reservoir Storage Reallocation Project: I want to thank
the committee for its support over the years of a critical water supply
project in Colorado. A portion of the Chatfield Reservoir Storage
Reallocation Project is in my district. Work on environmental
mitigation and recreation modifications at the reservoir and state park
are almost completed. The additional water storage that will soon
become available at Chatfield is much needed in our semi-arid climate,
helping the state of Colorado to mitigate the impacts of drought and
climate change in the west.
Priority Project: Denver Project Ready to be Authorized
Adams and Denver Counties, Colorado: The Adams-Denver Counties,
Colorado project is a generational opportunity for the Denver community
to achieve ecosystem restoration and flood damage reduction benefits in
the South Platte River and two gulches The project was listed by R. D.
James, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, in his
testimony to the subcommittee on January 9, 2020. The Adams-Denver
project also has a signed Chief of Engineer's Report, and the Record of
Decision (ROD) was signed in October 2019. The project was also
submitted for listing in the 2020 Annual Report to Congress, which is
due out this month. I request the committee include this project for
authorization in WRDA 2020.
Adams and Denver Counties, Colorado Pre-Construction Engineering
and Design: The next steps in the Adams-Denver project is the Pre-
Construction Engineering and Design (PED) which must be undertaken and
completed on the South Platte River portion of the project before a New
Start designation can be sought. I ask the committee to consider
language in the bill that will authorize specific funding for PED for
projects that have received their Chief of Engineer's Report and ROD
approval.
Other Issues in CO-01
The following are additional requests for my congressional district
(CO-1) for consideration in the 2020 Water Resources Development Act
legislation:
Sec. 1135 Southern Platte Valley Ecosystem Restoration Project:
There is another Corps project in my district, the Southern Platte
Valley Ecosystem Restoration Project under the Continuing Authorities
Program (CAP). Competition for funds in CAP is fierce and growing. As
it has become harder to move larger projects forward from study to
construction, local governments are looking more and more to CAP to
help them zero in on urgent problems and get them addressed more
quickly. WRDA 2018 boosted the program limits for CAP in nearly all
categories. However, that has not resulted in comparable amounts in
appropriated funds. I ask the committee to add language that separates
CAP funding in the Corps budget as a separate line instead of having
the CAP program categories compete for dollars for both studies and
construction within the Corps overall construction budget.
Chatfield Downstream Improvement Channel: Also, in my district is
the Chatfield Downstream Improvement Channel. The Denver Urban Drainage
and Flood Control District (UDFCD) hopes to work with the Corps of
Engineers to obtain a categorical Sec. 408 permit for work on the
remaining 5.5 miles of the river in the Chatfield Downstream
Improvement Channel along the South Platte River south of Denver. As
you know, Section 408 allows USACE to grant permission to alter a Civil
Works project upon determination that the alteration proposed will not
be injurious to the public interest and will not impair the usefulness
of the Civil Works project. One major improvement from previous WRDA
bills is the creation of language that can, in some cases, allow
categorical Sec. 408 permits to be issued. I hope to be able to work
with the committee staff, the Corps, and local sponsors to determine
what additional language could be included in WRDA 2020 to make
consideration of such categorical permits possible.
Colorado Wide Priorities
Correct Typo in Section 1170--America's Water Infrastructure Act of
2018
The following issue is in Section 1170 of S. 3021 and is related to
watercraft inspection stations.
In Paragraph (1), clause (iii) the language reads, ``(iii) to protect
the Upper Colorado River Basin and the South Platte and Arizona,Arkansas
River Basins.''
There is no Arizona River Basin in Colorado and this should be
corrected to Arkansas River Basins, as was the original intent of the
2018 legislation.I ask that the committee correct this typo in the
2020 WRDA, which will allow for critical federal funding and watercraft
inspection stations in the Arkansas River Basin to protect Colorado
against invasive species.
Thank you for taking the time to consider these requests in the
upcoming 2020 Water Resources Development Act. If you have any
questions please do not hesitate to reach out to my staffer, Matthew
Allen.
Prepared Statement of Hon. Marcia L. Fudge, a Representative in
Congress from the State of Ohio
Chairwoman Napolitano, Ranking Member Westerman, and
members of the House Subcommittee on Water Resources and
Environment:
Thank you for holding this Members' Day hearing on the
Water Resources Development Act and allowing me to discuss an
issue of critical importance to people across the country,
including the residents of the 11th Congressional District in
Northeast Ohio.
Access to clean water is a basic human right. Yet, as the
cost of water utilities continues to rise, far too many
Americans are at risk of losing access to this basic necessity.
Nationwide, water and sewer bills have increased by more than
30 percent since 2012, nearly triple the rate of inflation.
This rapid rise in rates for drinking water and wastewater is
particularly harmful to low-income families. Today, water is
reportedly unaffordable for 14 million households, or around
one in every 10 households in America.
The problem will only get worse. A 2017 report issued by
researchers at Michigan State University predicted nearly one-
in-three households could be priced out of access to clean
water within five years. Those who fall behind on their water
utility payments could have their services shut off,
threatening their access to the water they need to cook, drink,
and bathe.
Meanwhile, as Americans struggle to pay their water bills,
utility companies in Ohio and across the country are
increasingly unable to make much-needed repairs and upgrades to
their aging water infrastructure systems. The continued decline
in the network of pipes that deliver our water supply will only
lead to higher costs, further surpassing the ability of
vulnerable populations to pay their water bills.
For this reason, I introduced the Low-Income Water Customer
Assistance Programs Act last year with Representative John
Katko of New York.
The bill directs the EPA to establish pilot programs
nationwide to award grants to utilities to assist low-income
people with paying their drinking water and wastewater bills.
The legislation also requires EPA to conduct a needs assessment
for a permanent, nationwide water assistance program. Companion
legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senator Cardin of
Maryland and Senator Wicker of Mississippi.
Such a program will not only ensure low-income Americans
have access to water services, it will help communities
maintain critical infrastructure networks and meet public
health standards. It is past time we do something to ensure
every American has access to clean water, regardless of
location or income.
This bipartisan, bicameral bill is an important step
towards improving the affordability of water services for low-
income Americans and ensuring our water infrastructure is safe,
reliable, and up to date. I hope you will consider inclusion of
this bill as you develop priorities for a new Water Resources
Development Act of 2020.
Thank you.
Prepared Statement of Hon. Raul M. Grijalva, a Representative in
Congress from the State of Arizona
Thank you for your long-standing commitment to improving
transportation and infrastructure of our nation, and your work on the
reauthorization of WRDA.
International Outfall Interceptor
There is perhaps no more pressing time to address the needs of
communities when it comes to accessing clean and safe water and
sanitation. As these needs continue to grow, I ask you to include
language to settle a longstanding issue of the International Outfall
Inceptor (IOI) pipeline which transports wastewater from Nogales,
Sonora to the Nogales International Wastewater Treatment Plant.
I encourage you to work directly with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
(USACE) to include authorization and full funding to repair the IOI,
and to include the Nogales Wastewater Fairness Act within the WRDA
reauthorization. This bill is needed to clarify that the International
Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) is responsible for the much-needed
infrastructure repairs and future maintenance of the IOI to prevent raw
sewage from spilling into waterways. After years of neglecting much-
needed repairs, the periodic leaks and overflows of the IOI continue to
threaten the public health of my constituents in Nogales and the
surrounding areas.
A core component of USACE work is to be on flood risk mitigation
and there is clear precedent for including IOI language in WRDA. The
project was originally authorized for $11,100,000 by WRDA 1990, Section
101(a)(4), Public Law 101-640. The project was again authorized for
$25,410,000 by WRDA 2007, Section 3008. Recently, S. 2848, WRDA,
included Section 8008 International Outfall Interceptor Repair,
Operations and Maintenance. Additionally, last year the House
recognized this as a public health priority by overwhelming supporting
my amendment to dedicate funding to the project in the FY2020
appropriations bill.
Unfortunately, needed repairs have not been made over the years and
the city of Nogales, Arizona has been subjected to numerous occasions
of raw sewage spilling into waterways, including in July 2017, after
which Arizona was forced to declare a State of Emergency.
I am sure you will agree--it's absurd to leave a city in the United
States susceptible to the risk of raw sewage spills, especially when
preventative rehabilitation improvements have already been studied and
designed. I greatly appreciate you and your staff's past support of
inclusion of the IOI and encourage you to once again work to provide a
final remedy for this situation.
Reclamation Water Settlements Fund
Another pressing issue relating to clean water access is the need
to extend the existing Reclamation Water Settlements Fund. Today, many
tribal communities across the country live without running water and
basic water infrastructure, even though the federal government has a
trust responsibility to help ensure tribal water access. Congress
created the Reclamation Water Settlements Fund to help pay for tribal
water rights settlements, which fund clean water infrastructure across
Indian Country.
Several tribal water rights settlements have been included in
previous WRDA bills and a permanent extension of the Reclamation Water
Settlements Fund will be needed to ensure that future tribal water
rights settlements can be successfully carried out. There are over 280
federally recognized tribes in the West alone, and water settlements
have only been completed for a fraction of these tribes over the past
40 years since settlements became the preferred policy of the federal
government.
Extending the Reclamation Water Settlements Fund has widespread,
bipartisan support. A ten-year extension recently passed the
Republican-controlled Senate Committee of jurisdiction without
opposition and an extension of the fund is supported by every major
western water stakeholder group, including agricultural water users,
urban and municipal water users, Republican and Democratic governors,
environmental and conservation organizations, and tribal stakeholders.
Your assistance in moving this broadly supported water infrastructure
priority would be greatly appreciated.
Border Wall
Finally, I appreciate your efforts to stop the administration's
attempt to redirect USACE funds toward a wasteful and ineffective
border wall. I respectfully request that you include language in WRDA
to ensure that USACE funds go toward funding the backlog of USACE
projects that actually meet the real needs of the American people and
not toward the administration's destructive border wall.
Thank you for your leadership, and consideration of my proposals.
My staff and I stand ready to work with you to ensure these items are
included.
Prepared Statement of Hon. Alcee L. Hastings, a Representative in
Congress from the State of Florida
Chairwoman Napolitano, Ranking Member Westerman, and members of the
Transportation and Infrastructure's Subcommittee on Water Resources and
Environment:
I appreciate the opportunity to submit this testimony to the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure's Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment as you develop a new Water Resources
Development Act (WRDA). The projects executed by the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers are of vital importance to my district and to all of Central
and South Florida. While the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan
has proven effective and beneficial since its initial implementation,
continued investment in restoration and resiliency projects is needed
to ensure South Florida's ecosystem will be healthy and prosperous for
future generations.
The Everglades, America's largest sub-tropical wilderness, provides
drinking water for millions of Floridians, while simultaneously serving
as a flood barrier and home for a great variety of wildlife, including
numerous endangered species. Infrastructure developments, such as
roads, canals, and levees, dating from the 19th and 20th centuries
disrupted and degraded waterflows that are vital to the health and
survival of the Everglades. Floridians need the Army Corps of
Engineers, in consultation with State, Local, and Tribal governments,
to expedite projects related to the Comprehensive Everglades
Restoration Plan, in order to deliver on the promise of greater water
supply and environmental benefits. For millions of people in Florida,
quality of life depends on the Everglades. It is a source of jobs in
numerous industries, economic security, and leisure. Coordination with
tribal entities is crucial, as the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the
Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida live in the Everglades, and
their culture and way of life depend on this ecosystem.
In addition, I would like to speak for communities that have
experienced and continue to suffer from natural disasters. Between 1980
and 2019, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
compiled a list of 258 separate billion-dollar weather and climate
disaster events. This list includes wildfires, winter storms, flooding,
and other devastating events, all of which have led to the loss of
thirteen thousand lives and cost in excess of $1.7 trillion dollars.
This is why I am respectfully encouraging this Committee to include
efforts that improve the resiliency of our nation's infrastructure
against the growing number of weather and climate events. Investing in
infrastructure that can withstand such disastrous events will better
prepare communities and shorten recovery times, especially in
disadvantaged communities. Many underserved communities are in
desperate need of flood risk management assistance, as flood events
disproportionately affect minority, low-income, and indigenous
populations. The Federal Government is able to be proactive in this
area, and we must step in to develop and implement a national
resiliency plan that empowers all communities to build a smarter and
stronger future. No one in the United States is safe from natural
disasters, and making the necessary investments in infrastructure and
renewable energy to spur job creation in construction, manufacturing,
and adaption and mitigation technology is essential to building a more
sustainable nation, economy, and future.
Relatedly, I am respectfully requesting the Committee consider
including nature-based infrastructure as part of any future
infrastructure and resiliency efforts, especially as part of
determining a cost-effective method of increasing resiliency and
reducing environmental impacts. Utilizing the natural barriers already
in existence, solely or in conjunction with grey or hard structures,
provides growing and adaptable protection for our communities. Coral
reefs, an example of a natural barrier that is important to my home
state of Florida, have been highlighted by NOAA and the U.S. Geological
Survey as critical to coastal communities, both economically and as a
defense against storm surge, flooding, and other natural events. The
restoration and conservation of the natural biodiversity of various
ecosystems will also prove to be beneficial to communities in ways
beyond weather and climate events, such as in the leisure and tourism
industries.
In summary, I respectfully encourage the Committee to provide
robust funding for projects and programs such as the Comprehensive
Everglades Restoration Project, infrastructure resiliency, and nature-
based infrastructure, which will ensure current and future generations
of people and wildlife will have an environment that they can thrive
in. I thank you for your time and consideration of my requests.
Prepared Statement of Hon. Denny Heck, a Representative in Congress
from the State of Washington
Dear Chair Napolitano and Ranking Member Westerman,
Thank you for the opportunity to share with you my priorities in
this year's Water Resources Development Act, otherwise known as WRDA.
Let me start by saying that I represent a portion of the Puget
Sound region in Washington state, where we have two major U.S. ports:
The Port of Tacoma and the Port of Seattle (who operate as the
Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) as it relates to international
maritime cargo). As the trade gateway to Asia, these two ports
represent the fourth largest load center in the United States--
supporting 58,000 jobs and contributing nearly $12.5 billion dollars in
business output in 2017. NWSA is an integral part of the ongoing
economic success of both Washington state and our entire country.
I am writing you today about an extremely important issue facing
our two major ports in Washington state: the need for structural
reforms to the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund.
I'll first say that the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund remains a
vital tool in ensuring that America's ports remain competitive in the
global economy. As you all already know, the Trust Fund is funded by a
tax of $1.25 for every $1,000 worth of cargo from importers and
domestic shippers using inland or coastal ports. With that tax, the
Trust Fund is able to collect literally billions of dollars to fund
important harbor projects and keep our federal channels open and
available for commerce.
But the Trust Fund is not without its problems. For years, Congress
has under-utilized the Fund by appropriating less for harbor
maintenance projects than has been collected. As a result, U.S.
navigation channels have degraded well past acceptable levels. So let
me say that I'm pleased the committee has come together in a bipartisan
fashion to address this issue through the Full Utilization of the
Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund Act, which I understand may be included
in some form in this year's WRDA. Let me lend my support to this
effort--but only as a part of an HMT reform package.
That is because without comprehensive reform, there will continue
to be issues with ``donor ports.'' In 2017, six ports were responsible
for generating 53% of total collections that year. Since the Port of
Tacoma and Port of Seattle have naturally deep harbors and require
minimal maintenance, they receive pennies on the dollar compared to
what they provide to the fund. With two major Canadian Ports to the
north, the Trust Fund tax also competitively disadvantages Tacoma and
Seattle--it simply is cheaper for importers to drop cargo off at
Canadian ports and haul it across the border than to pay the tax.
Let me reiterate that I support of full utilization of the Harbor
Maintenance Trust Fund. But I also believe it is long past time to make
the Trust Fund work for all ports. I'd like to see I 0% of the Harbor
Maintenance Trust Fund be allocated to donor ports like the Port of
Tacoma and Port of Seattle so they can have the opportunity to issue
meaningful rebates to shippers. This would allow our ports to offset
the tax when necessary and ensure that any competitive disadvantage
created by the Trust Fund be reduced.
It is my firm belief that a fix like this will go a long way to
addressing the outstanding issues of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund.
Thank you again for the opportunity to submit my thoughts on this
year's WRDA.
Prepared Statement of Hon. Chrissy Houlahan, a Representative in
Congress from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Dear Chairwoman Napolitano and Ranking Member Westerman:
Thank you for your work ensuring that our nation's waterways are
maintained and improved. As the Subcommittee on Water Resources and
Environment prepares the Water Resources and Development Act of 2020,
we request that you include language authorizing full funding for the
Delaware River Basin Commission, the Susquehanna River Basin
Commission, and the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin.
As you know, the congressionally-approved compacts of the River
Basin Commissions (P.L. 87-328, P.L. 91-575, P.L. 91-407) outline
funding obligations for the federal government, through the Army Corps
of Engineers. However, for several years, the agreed upon federal
contributions to the Commissions have not been made. These shortfalls
have resulted in financial strain for the Commissions and a decreased
capacity to carry out the important responsibilities with which the
Commissions have been charged.
We therefore ask you to include language authorizing robust funding
for the federal contribution to the Commissions in the Water Resources
and Development Act of 2020. The Commissions, in close cooperation with
the Army Corps of Engineers, support water quality protection, water
supply allocation, flood loss reduction, drought management, water
conservation, permitting, watershed planning, and recreation. Full
federal funding would allow the Commissions to monitor contaminants of
emerging concern, conduct microplastics surveys, and assist
municipalities with flooding projections due to changes in climate. It
would also strengthen the vital role that both the Corps and the
Commissions play in protecting our water and environment, sustaining
international commerce, and promoting national security.
We appreciate your attention to our concerns, and we look forward
to continuing to work with you to safeguard our nation's water
resources. Thank you for your consideration of this request.
Prepared Statement of Hon. Andy Kim, a Representative in Congress from
the State of New Jersey
Chairman DeFazio and Ranking Member Graves:
I want to thank the Committee for the opportunity to participate in
today's Member Day hearing and to testify on behalf of New Jersey's
Third District. I'm happy to take today to highlight some of the
important impacts that WRDA authorized projects have on the health of
my district's water infrastructure.
Being susceptible to frequent flooding and other water management
issues, the Army Corps of Engineers' projects in my district are
critical to reducing the risk that flooding poses to Burlington and
Ocean Counties. The Delaware River Dredged Material Utilization project
explores innovative methods for managing sediment from the Delaware
River in order to improve Burlington County's flood risk. In Ocean
County, the Manasquan Inlet to Barnegat Inlet Shore Protection project
helped replenish storm damaged beaches and dunes to protect against
coastal flooding. In addition to these projects, the Army Corps has
continued to study Coastal Storm Risk Management strategies along the
New Jersey Back Bay to provide support to our coastal communities in
improving our resilience to storms and flooding.
Nearly eight years after Super Storm Sandy, my district in New
Jersey is still recovering. After that storm hit, Toms River alone saw
$2.25 billion in property damages, the highest out of any township in
New Jersey. Just last year, severe flooding on the Rancocas Creek led
to evacuations and a state of emergency declaration. It is a top
priority of mine to ensure that the coastal communities in my district
are prepared not just for the next superstorm, but also for the daily
flooding that plagues houses along Barnegat Bay. The sediment
management and storm risk projects run by the Army Corps are, and will
continue to be, critical to the resilience of New Jersey's coastal
areas.
My district has also faced issues with our drinking water
infrastructure, including threats from lead contamination and from PFAS
chemicals. In Burlington County, the Bordentown Water Department has
exceeded federal standards for lead in tap water four consecutive
testing periods in a row. And just down the road, contamination from
firefighting foam containing PFAS chemicals used on Joint Base McGuire-
Dix-Lakehurst have forced a number of families to rely on bottled water
until improved filtration systems can be installed. We should continue
to focus on investing in and improving our nation's water
infrastructure to help communities like mine, which are not alone in
the struggle with clean drinking water.
As the Committee prepares a WRDA for 2020, I ask that they continue
to support the key flood management programs that my district relies on
for future storm preparedness. The Army Corps should continue to
support projects that use natural infrastructure and nonstructural
measures to mitigate flood damage while also protecting the health of
marine and coastal ecosystems. I also ask that they work to improve
threats to our drinking water infrastructure that have impacted my
district in New Jersey. By maintaining this focus, we can ensure that
sensitive environmental areas remain protected from development and
degradation, and that we can continue to provide safe and clean
drinking water to our communities.
Thank you again for the opportunity to testify and I look forward
to working with my colleagues to develop a strong WRDA that will help
to advance our nation's water infrastructure.
Prepared Statement of Hon. Andy Levin, a Representative in Congress
from the State of Michigan
Chairman DeFazio, Ranking Member Graves, Chairwoman Napolitano,
Ranking Member Westerman, members of the subcommittee: thank you for
allowing me to testify before you today regarding Michigan's priorities
in the upcoming Water Resources Development Act (WRDA).
As a nation, we have so much to do in the space of water
infrastructure, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) are vital
in helping update water infrastructure across the nation.
In Michigan's Ninth District, the Chapaton Retention Basin is
emblematic of the long-overdue need to update our wastewater
infrastructure to protect our water sources and roads. Chapaton is a
28-million-gallon Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Facility that currently
services Interstate 94 (I-94), businesses, and approximately 92,000
residents in Eastpointe, St. Clair Shores, and Roseville, Michigan.
The Basin protects residents by moving stormwater out of the
community and into nearby Lake St. Clair, thereby preventing flooding.
It also protects the environment. In the absence of much-needed
expansion to this CSO, however, preventable sewage overflows have led
to water quality problems that include E. coli pollution and have
hastened the deterioration of essential roadways like I-94.
Chapaton is an example of a stormwater sewer project eligible for
USACE assistance available through Section 219, ``Environmental
Infrastructure'' WRDA authority granted to the State of Michigan.
Section 219 authority is important because it authorizes USACE to
assist with updates to local, non-federally owned and operated
facilities, including drinking water systems, stormwater and wastewater
facilities, and surface water development.\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF11184
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
This authority allows USACE to provide helpful assistance to many
projects across Michigan, and I urge the committee to continue to
support Section 219 authority for our State.
The upcoming WRDA legislation will also be an important opportunity
to authorize USACE's long-awaited plan to block Asian carp from
reaching the Great Lakes at a chokepoint in the Chicago Brandon Road
Lock and dam waterway system. The plan proposes fortifications that
include an electric barrier, a bubble barrier, acoustic deterrents, and
a flushing lock meant to reduce the chances of Asian carp reaching Lake
Michigan while still allowing barge traffic through.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\ https://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/Missions/Environmental-
Protection-and-Restoration/GLMRIS-BrandonRoad/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
While I am eager to see Congress authorize this plan, I want to be
clear that the current proposal will reduce the chances of Asian carp
entering the Great Lakes--it does not eliminate this risk. I understand
that part of the rationale for opposing a physical barrier to Asian
carp--even though it remains the most effective solution, according to
USACE--is that it could impact water levels in Chicago and cause
flooding.\3\ But Chicago is already facing severe flooding because of
climate change; this year, the city even declared a climate crisis as a
result of record high water levels and disappearing shoreline.\4\ It
seems clear that the current proposal is a prudent first step to
address Asian carp that will need an additional long-term viable
solution.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\3\ https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/01/study-physical-
barrier-most-effective-way-to-stop-invasive-species-from-ravaging-
great-lakes-mississippi-river/
\4\ https://abcnews.go.com/US/city-chicago-declares-climate-crisis-
storms-millions-dollars/story?id=68907649
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
We must be clear-eyed about the damage climate change is already
doing and invest in the necessary flood mitigation infrastructure to
protect the people of Chicago now. At the same time, we must consider
the best way to tackle the issue of Asian carp long-term. It will only
take a couple Asian carp making it through the fortifications to
destroy vital boating, fishing, and coastal communities on the Great
Lakes. Thus, I urge the committee and USACE to consider the
authorization of a long-term, permanent plan at the Brandon Road Lock
and Dam that fully and effectively stops Asian carp and addresses the
urgent need for climate crisis flood mitigation infrastructure for the
city of Chicago.
Again, I thank all the members of the committee for giving me the
opportunity to testify and look forwarding to working with the
committee on the upcoming Water Resources Development Act.
Prepared Statement of Hon. David Loebsack, a Representative in Congress
from the State of Iowa
I want to thank Chairman DeFazio, Ranking Member Graves, Chairwoman
Napolitano and Ranking Member Westerman for giving Members of Congress
the opportunity to present testimony on the 2020 Water Resources
Development Act (WRDA).
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) work on water projects is
vital to rural communities such as those in my district. I would like
to take the time to highlight three important requests for my district
today.
First, I would like to bring attention to a rural water supply in
my district. Rathbun Regional Water Association (RRWA) is the largest
rural water association in Iowa and one of the largest in the United
States. RRWA supplies drinking water to more than 70,000 people in 15
counties in southeast Iowa and northeast Missouri from the
Association's two water treatment plants at Rathbun Lake. There has
been a steady growth in the demand for drinking water from RRWA.
Rathbun has invested more than $50 million to increase its capacity to
treat and distribute drinking water, included in this was the
construction of a second water treatment plant.
Rathbun Lake has 15,000 acre-feet of storage allocated for water
supply. RRWA has purchased 6,680 acre-feet from the Corps. RRWA also
has the right of first refusal for the remaining 8,320 acre-feet of
water supply storage in Rathbun Lake. Acquisition of the remaining
8,320 acre-feet of water supply would help ensure RRWA is able to
satisfy the demand for drinking water in the area. I have had the
pleasure of visiting Rathbun Lake during my time in Congress and know
how the folks in the area depend on it for clean, safe drinking water.
Today, I ask that the Committee consider including a provision in
WRDA 2020 so that low income communities such as those served by RRWA
have first rights to remaining water supply storage in their regions at
a reduced rate. The Corps estimated that the remaining water storage in
Rathbun Lake would be $3.24 million to purchase at about a rate of $389
per acre-foot. I request that regional water systems deemed to serve
low income communities have the right to purchase remaining water
supplies at $100 per acre-foot, allowing these rural communities to
maintain essential water sources in their regions. We must do what we
can to keep these rural water sources supplying the communities around
them.
Second, I would like to highlight my legislation the National Flood
Research and Education Center Act of 2019 (H.R. 3091). Flooding costs
the U.S. billions of dollars each year. Last March 2019, Iowa,
Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas, South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota,
Wisconsin and Michigan experienced substantial flooding costing an
estimated $10.8 billion. As we enter March 2020, our states prepare for
another flood season. These costly and dangerous events are becoming
more common and we need to improve monitoring and forecasting of
hydrologic conditions.
My legislation would establish a National Flood Research and
Education Consortium (NFREC or National Flood Center) to conduct
research on flooding, flood prevention, and other flood-related issues.
The National Flood Center will be led by an institution of higher
education that has significant expertise and experience in examining
flooding and related issues. The lead institute will partner with other
institutions that share expertise in flood-related fields. The research
from participating institutions will be responsible for policy
recommendations as they relate to predicting, preparing, preventing and
recovering from floods.
The legislation would also create the Office of Flood Research and
Policy (OFRP) within NOAA. The NOAA Administrator will appoint a
Director to manage and oversee the work of the National Flood Center
and to review and make policy and best practice recommendations to
Congress, the public, and other federal agencies involved with
flooding-related issues. These recommendations and the research that a
National Flood Center would accomplish will better prepare communities
and states to respond to flooding and to mitigate flood damage in
advance.
A National Flood Center will bring together experts in physical and
environmental science, as well as those in engineering, sociology and
economics. Flooding, flood prevention, and flood related socio-
economic, environmental, health and policy issues are highly complex
with implications for loss of life and billions in damage as we saw in
the Midwest one year ago. The damage to all sectors of our economy is
why a national-level comprehensive and collaborative research and
policy effort is needed. That is why today I ask the Committee to
consider including my legislation as part of WRDA 2020 in order to
better prepare our communities for the impact of severe flooding.
Lastly, I think it is important to discuss construction projects on
our inland waterways transportation systems. These natural highways are
essential for moving farm products to export grain elevators along the
Gulf. These systems are not only necessary for transportation of goods
across our nation but also help aid in flood control. But over half of
our inland waterway system is more than 50 years old. These systems are
in desperate need of modernization and Congress needs to help speed up
these efforts.
The Inland Waterways Trust Fund (IWTF) is funded through a fuel tax
on commercial operators. While the increase in fuel tax in 2014 from
$0.20 to $0.29 per gallon has helped to stabilize the IWTF, there is a
backlog of projects that needs to be addressed. In WRRDA 2014, The
Olmsted Locks and Dam Project reduced its cost-sharing requirements
from 50% from the IWTF and 50% from the General Treasury Fund to 15%
from the IWTF and 85% from the General Fund. This adjustment helped the
project's efficiency and it was completed 4 years ahead of schedule
which allowed other necessary projects to be started.
I ask the Committee to consider making permanent a new cost-sharing
ratio for construction projects on our inland waterways. I believe
having a consistent cost-share of 25% from the IWTF and 75% from the
General Fund would allow the backlog of necessary construction and
modernization projects to be started and give the workers a more
sustainable funding stream to ensure projects continue to completion.
Prepared Statement of Hon. Blaine Luetkemeyer, a Representative in
Congress from the State of Missouri
Chairman DeFazio, Ranking Member Graves, Subcommittee Chairwoman
Napolitano, Subcommittee Ranking Member Westerman, and Members of the
Committee,
Thank you for giving me an opportunity to contribute to discussions
regarding the reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act
(WRDA). As the Representative of a Congressional District with
thousands of miles of shoreline thanks to the Mississippi River,
Missouri River, and Lake of the Ozarks, I understand the importance of
having a plan in place that continuously modernizes our levees, locks,
dams, channels and ports.
Across the country, our nation's waterways and infrastructure have
a tremendous impact. In Missouri, public ports represent about \1/3\ of
our economy. That supports roughly 290,000 jobs that create over $100
billion in annual economic activity. It's important that we continue
Congress' tradition of reauthorizing the key missions of the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers so we can support our economically vital waterway
infrastructure, while also making much-needed policy reforms.
This past year was one of the worst years of flooding in Missouri's
history. Entire towns were debilitated and normal life was brought to a
halt for many Missourians, especially farmers. Throughout the state,
over 1.4 million acres couldn't be planted. This doesn't just affect
farmers; it affects the food supply of the entire world.
Without updated flood plans, there is nothing preventing future
catastrophes similar to last year's. That is why this year I encourage
you to consider updating the Upper Mississippi River Comprehensive Plan
that was originally authorized in the 1999 WRDA. Outlined in the Upper
Mississippi River Flood Control Act, this plan update requires the
Secretary of the Army Corps of Engineers to submit a flood plan to
Congress at an expeditious rate to address both water and land resource
problems in the Upper Mississippi River Basin. It also forces the Corps
to work with local landowners, agriculture groups, government
officials, and other stakeholders while developing that plan. This will
ensure the plan is not developed to satisfy the Corps headquarters in
Washington, D.C., but rather meet the needs of those of us who live
near the river and endure the cost of failed flood policy.
An effective flood plan, especially in high-risk areas, will better
equip us to prevent future floods and expedite aid, recovery, and
rebuilding in the aftermath of the unpreventable. A successful example
of this plan model is demonstrated in the Mississippi River and
Tributaries Project that has been in place for over 90 years.
Strategic, long-term plans go a long way in helping us achieve that
goal and ensure our waterways remain navigable while the folks living
along our rivers and streams take priority.
Another area of my district that regularly feels the effects
flooding is the Lower Osage River Basin. Specifically, the lower 80
miles of the Osage River below the Bagnell Dam have seen increasing
erosion, flooding and degradation of habitat. This has led to a huge
loss of land resources and is becoming a bigger threat to
infrastructure as time goes on. I would like to ensure that the
authorization of a feasibility study for the Lower Osage River is
included in WRDA. This Lower Osage River authorization will enable the
Corps of Engineers to formulate an effective plan to address the
serious and progressive erosion and degradation problems we face.
Inclusion of this provision in the upcoming WRDA is essential to having
a timely path to the necessary corrective actions.
Thank you again for the opportunity to speak here today about the
needs of the Third Congressional District of Missouri.
Prepared Statement of Hon. Elaine G. Luria, a Representative in
Congress from the Commonwealth of Virginia
Thank you, Chairman DeFazio and Ranking Member Graves, for this
opportunity to bring to the Committee's attention several issues that
are critical not only for Coastal Virginia, but for America.
The Eastern Shore of Virginia is home to is home to unique
waterways, including many navigable channels. These waterways are vital
to the economic viability of the Eastern Shore. Unfortunately,
insufficient funding for the Army Corps of Engineers has undermined
upkeep and maintenance of these important waterways.
There are over 800 shallow draft navigable waterway projects
nationwide, 70 of which are located in the Commonwealth. However, only
eight shallow draft navigable waterway receive funding in my district.
It is extremely difficult to secure funding for smaller waterways,
including those in the Eastern Shore.
I ask the Natural Resources Committee to mark up H.R. 3596, the
Keeping American's Waterfronts Working Act, and consider accepting
amendments to benefit shallow draft navigable waterway maintenance.
I encourage the Committee to reevaluate how the benefit-cost
analysis (BCA) is calculated. As sea level rise and increased rainfall
drive federal projects, and as a broader range of federal agencies
become involved, the current BCA process is no longer the best
solution. Since 1983, The Principles, Requirements and Guidelines for
Water and Land Related Resources Implementation Studies has been the
standard. The application of conventional BCA determinations does not
include numerous social and economic justice factors, nor does it use
alternative approaches to infrastructure solutions. Further, federal
agencies have different ways of calculating BCA, thus creating a
confusing situation for local governments seeking to implement flood
control projects.
In 2007, Congress instructed the Secretary of the Army to develop a
new standard of guidelines for calculating the BCA. Finalized December
2014, the guidelines incorporated extensive input from the public as
well as key stakeholders. Renamed the Principles, Requirements, and
Guidelines (PR&G), the new guidelines would have included economic and
social factors, as well as requiring an analysis of alternative
approaches, such as nature-based solutions. However, the new PR&G
process, has yet to reach full implementation.
Lastly, I ask for full use of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund,
including expanded use for donor and energy transfer ports, regional
funding floors, and emerging harbors funding. In recent years,
appropriations have exceeded 90 percent, but six years ago,
appropriations were barely at 50 percent. Today, the Harbor Maintenance
Trust Fund has accumulated over $9 billion. I ask that the funds are
used for their intended purpose; to help eliminate the backlog of
maintenance and channels and related infrastructure while providing
equity for ports who generate significant revenue with minimal dredging
needs.
Prepared Statement of Hon. Gwen Moore, a Representative in Congress
from the State of Wisconsin
Chairman DeFazio, Chairwoman Napolitano, Ranking Member Graves, and
Ranking Member Westerman,
Thank you for the opportunity to talk today about my priorities for
the next WRDA authorization bill.
The work of the Army Corps is critically important to my community
and others on the Great Lakes. From its navigation work (dredging,
maintaining and repairing breakwaters, and locks and dams) to its
efforts to stop invasive species such as the Asian Carp in the Great
Lakes, the Corps is important to the economic and environmental
vitality of my district.
A top priority in my district is the protection of water quality
and support for needed water infrastructure investments. The last WRDA
included numerous provisions that have helped move the ball forward in
protecting this precious resource, but more can be done. This is the
opportunity to keep building on that foundation and help ensure that
Corps can continue to work with local and state stakeholders to address
the various needs.
There is an African proverb that ``water has no enemies.'' We all
need it. Yet, between droughts, climate change, and insufficient
infrastructure investments, access to clean water remains a critical
challenge for too many communities. Congress can and must help.
I would urge this committee to use this WRDA to increase support
for Corps activities around water infrastructure, including in the
Great Lakes region.
Protect the Great Lakes
The Great Lakes are vital to our region and the nation. Protecting
the Great Lakes is a pro-environment and pro-business position. The
benefits of doing so flow to individuals, businesses, and state and
federal tax coffers.
Over 33 million people live in the Great Lakes Basin, about one-
tenth of our country's population and one-quarter of Canada's. The
Great Lakes hold one-fifth of the world's fresh water supply and 90
percent of the United States' fresh water supply.
I am pleased to join my colleagues in talking about these five
lakes and the millions of people who live, work, and recreate around
them. Yet, we know that a long string of threats have threatened and
continue to face the Great Lakes, threats that have serious
consequences for the region and the nation. One of those threats should
not be inaction by this Congress. We have the opportunity--including
through WRDA--to help put in place key mechanisms to help protect this
treasure.
By protecting the Great Lakes, we protect jobs, help improve water
quality, and protect the health of people and wildlife. There are a
number of ways Congress can use this WRDA to build on ongoing progress
and to continue to assure our state and local partners that the Great
Lakes will remain a focus.
Water Infrastructure
I urge you to support changes to the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater
Reuse grant program authorized in the 2018 WRDA to set aside additional
funding for Great Lake states to prevent combined sewer overflows that
can lower water quality and impact public health.
Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO) affect over 800 communities
nationwide, including at least 184 in the Great Lakes region according
to the EPA \1\. As a result of these overflows, billions of gallons of
raw sewage and stormwater end up in our nation's waters, including the
Great Lakes, each year.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-05/documents/
gls_cso_report_to_
congress_-_4-12-2016.pdf
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
CSO events can be detrimental to human health and the environment
because they introduce pathogens, bacteria and other pollutants to
receiving waters, causing beach closures, contaminating drinking water
supplies, and impairing water quality.
Public investment in updating wastewater systems is vital as it
creates jobs, saves money and results in cleaner Great Lakes. Many
municipalities have plans for sewer system improvements that will
significantly cut CSOs but struggle to fund those plans. Congress
recognized this challenge when it reauthorized the Combined Sewer
Overflow and Stormwater Reuse grant program in the 2018 WRDA, including
by emphasizing the use of green infrastructure to help mitigate this
problem.
Green infrastructure helps address this issue by alleviating the
need for storage by soaking up stormwater and pollution before it
enters a combined sewer system and providing natural ``treatment,''
thus reducing the flow entering the treatment plant. Additionally,
green infrastructure investments can often be less costly than
traditional gray infrastructure solutions.
My proposal would increase funding overall for the existing CSO
grant program by $50 million and direct that funding for a new
initiative for municipalities within the Great Lakes region.
These projects benefit not only the directly affected communities
themselves, but surrounding communities that at one time were on the
receiving end of these discharges. Water is a shared resource.
Moreover, supporting efforts like this that help clean up and protect
the Great Lakes today will pay dividends tomorrow.
Again, the next WRDA bill must reauthorize and strengthen this
important program, including authorizing specific funding for Great
Lakes communities, to ensure that affected states and cities have all
the options they need to solve this vexing public health and
environmental problem.
Great Lakes Navigation System
Each year about 145 million tons of commodities move through Great
Lakes ports and related navigation infrastructure. Inadequate funding
and growing maintenance needs pose serious economic consequences in the
Great Lakes and elsewhere throughout our nation. We need to invest in
upgrading and maintaining vital locks, repairing breakwaters, and
ensuring that harbors and channels are properly dredged.
I want to see more traffic moving into and out of the Lakes. A 2010
economic impact study found that Great Lakes shipping supported over
128,000 U.S.jobs, generating $18.1 billion in business revenue, and
another $2.7 billion to federal, state and local tax coffers. Those
numbers have only grown since then.
That's not going to happen without adequately funding the Army
Corps of Engineers' operation and maintenance activities in the region,
such as regular dredging of harbors, maintenance of breakwaters, and
operation and upgrading of critical navigation infrastructure such as
the Soo Locks.
Despite progress, the region still suffers hundreds of millions of
backlogs in dredging, breakwater repairs that are critical to
protecting harbors and waterfronts, and upgrades to other necessary
infrastructure.
Businesses, farmers, port workers and all who depend on being able
to ship and receive materials will be impacted by the inability of the
Corps to dredge and keep navigation infrastructure in a state of good
repair.
One way to do that is to ensure that all of the taxes paid on cargo
going through our ports are used to support the needed investments.
Almost three decades ago, Congress created the Harbor Maintenance Trust
Fund to collect these taxes with the intention that the funds would pay
dredging and other navigation investments. However, the annual decision
on how to spend those funds was left to Congress which failed to direct
all the revenues for the purpose of supporting the maritime trade
infrastructure. As a result, the balance in the Trust Fund is growing
(nearly $9 billion currently) while many port and navigation needs go
unaddressed. I fully support the efforts by Chairman DeFazio to ensure
that this funding is unlocked in order to help address needs in the
Great Lakes and across the nation. Hopefully, this WRDA provides an
opportunity to enact those proposals into law.
Environmental Justice
Any new WRDA must continue to reiterate to the Army Corps the
importance of ensuring that all communities affected by its policies
and activities, especially minority, tribal, and low-resourced
communities, have a meaningful say in those decisions.
I urge the Committee to include a provision requiring and
reaffirming that the Army Corps of Engineers shall make every effort to
seek to actively identify and address any disproportionate and adverse
health or environmental effects of its programs, policies, practices,
and activities on communities of color, low-income communities, rural
communities, and Tribal and indigenous communities and to promote
meaningful involvement and consultation with these communities in the
development, implementation, and enforcement of Corps projects and
other activities such as permitting.
I also urge the committee to include a provision in the new WRDA to
ensure that the Corps completes and makes publicly available the report
on community engagement required in section 1214 of Public Law 115-270
and the status of the Corps implementation of any recommendations
springing from that report.
I hope that you share my concern that given the scope of the Corps
involvement in communities across the nation, it is critical that the
Corps have strong policies in place to meaningfully engage and work
with communities of all demographics and address community concerns,
rather than dismiss them.
Section 219
States and local communities are increasingly looking for ways to
partner with the Corps to address pressing water and environmental
needs. Under Section 219, the Secretary is authorized to provide
assistance to non-Federal interests for carrying out water-related
environmental infrastructure and resource protection and development
projects, including wastewater treatment and related facilities and
water supply, storage, treatment, and distribution facilities.
This authority has been used in the past to help advance water
related projects throughout the country. However, the use of this
provision has declined over the years given that Congress has not added
any new projects in some time. The Corps has no discretionary authority
to commence new projects without project specific authorizations which
has not been forthcoming. Many communities, including my own, realize
this is a valuable authority that could be used to undertake needed
environmental projects. Unfortunately, the current reality is that
there is no way for the corps to tap this authority for new projects.
Any final bill should address this reality in a way that recognizes and
complies with House Rules, including adopting or adapting the provision
from the last Senate committee approved WRDA bill that would facilitate
new feasibility studies under Section 219.
Prepared Statement of Hon. Jimmy Panetta, a Representative in Congress
from the State of California
Chair Napolitano, Ranking Member Westerman, and Members of the
Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, thank you for giving me
the opportunity to testify about my priorities for a Water Resources
Development Act of 2020.
This legislation governs a project that I have been dedicated to
supporting since my first day in Congress, the Pajaro River Flood Risk
Reduction Project on the central coast of California. I have worked
closely with the project's local sponsors in Monterey and Santa Cruz
Counties, and with the Army Corps of Engineers, to move this project
from inactive to active.
The Pajaro River project was first authorized by the Federal Flood
Control Act of 1966, but it was only in December of last year that we
were able to secure a final feasibility report to move this project
from its feasibility stage to its pre-construction, engineering, and
design (PED) phase. And while this was a critical step in the right
direction, we have a lot of work to do before this project reaches
completion.
The work ahead is certainly doable, but it will be difficult, in
large part because the Pajaro River project is in an economically-
disadvantaged community. And when the Corps makes funding decisions, it
relies on a ``Benefit-to-Cost Ratio,'' or BCR, that does not always
reflect the true benefits and true costs of every project.
Economically-disadvantaged areas, however, do not necessarily imply
a lack of economic returns. While per capita income in the Pajaro
Valley is less than half of both the state and national averages, local
communities provide the work force and infrastructure for some of the
most productive farmland in the world.
Here, agriculture is a $1 billion per year industry, supplying 80%
of the nation's strawberries. More importantly, the undersized and
fragile Corps levees on the Pajaro River have failed four times since
their construction in 1949, resulting in loss of life, causing hundreds
of millions of dollars in damage, and placing thousands of people at
risk. By historically prioritizing flood control projects in affluent
areas, the Corps is putting projects that protect property values ahead
of projects that save lives.
For my communities on the Central Coast, this is personal. The city
of Watsonville and Town of Pajaro have been subject to multiple major
flooding events since 1949, and they simply cannot afford future
damage.
Investing in communities like Pajaro is not only the right thing to
do--the investment is worth it. For every $1 invested in flood
mitigation, we save $6 dollars in long-term benefits.
As the Subcommittee takes steps to author the Water Resources
Development Act of 2020, I implore you to think critically about how to
better ensure projects like Pajaro receive the federal funding they
need to provide safety to our communities.
Prepared Statement of Hon. Bill Pascrell, Jr., a Representative in
Congress from the State of New Jersey
Chairman Peter DeFazio and Chairman Grace Napolitano and Ranking
Members Sam Graves and Bruce Westerman, thank you for the opportunity
to testify at in support of efforts to manage historically significant
flooding in northern New Jersey. Today, I wish to highlight the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers' (USACE) work in the Peckman River Basin to
address extensive damage that has led to flood and ecosystem
degradation during or immediately following intense precipitation
events.
Flooding issues along the Peckman River came to my attention in the
wake of damage inflicted by Hurricane Floyd in 1999, which caused
severe damage in some Passaic County communities and cost the life of
one local resident. While a member of this committee, I authored the
resolution authorizing the initial reconnaissance report on the Peckman
and worked to secure several million dollars for the feasibility study.
I have also been very vocal in fighting development on the banks of
this river that could exacerbate these flash flood events.
A favorable reconnaissance report was completed in July 2001, which
recommended a feasibility study to develop alternatives for flood risk
management in the Peckman River Basin. A Feasibility Cost Sharing
Agreement (FCSA) was executed on March 14, 2002 between the Corps and
the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). In 2016,
the NJDEP Land Use Regulatory Program indicated their permitting
support for the Tentatively Selected Plan (TSP). USACE worked
diligently to update the previously released DIFR/EA. The revised DIFR/
EA was released for public review on October 9, 2019.
To address the issues raised in the updated DIFR/EA, the USACE
proposed alternative 10b, which appears to be the best solution. The
combination of a diversion culvert, barriers, and nonstructural
measures should appropriately address the persistent flooding
challenges in the community. A Final Integrated Feasibility Report/
Environmental Assessment was transmitted to USACE headquarters on
December 10, 2019 and an approved Chief's Report is scheduled for April
2020.
I understand the USACE is closely coordinating with all relevant
stakeholders, including local, county, state and federal
representatives to ensure the final proposal will benefit those living
in the area. Close coordination is critical to making sure that the
final proposal will not negatively impact longstanding regional flood
reduction projects, such as Rebuild By Design, and flooding in the
Passaic River.
I look forward to reviewing an approved Chief's Report in April to
ensure it means the goals and needs of our community in North Jersey.
If so, I hope you will consider including this project in this year's
Water Resources and Development Act (WRDA). Thank you for your time and
attention to this matter. I look forward to working with the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure as it continues to develop this
year's WRDA.
Prepared Statement of Hon. Scott H. Peters, a Representative in
Congress from the State of California
Chair Napolitano and Ranking Member Westerman:
Thank you for hosting ``Member Day'' for your colleagues like me
who have important requests for the Water Resources and Development
Act.
I'm here to highlight a few priorities that impact my district and
the country as a whole, including
1. the deauthorization of a section of a levee in the San Diego
River;
2. ongoing sewage spills along the U.S.-Mexico coastal border; and
3. improving water reclamation in San Diego.
In my district, we have the San Diego River Levee System,
constructed in 1958. The levee system extends for a distance of 4.6
miles throughout the San Diego River. The most upstream segment of the
levee system has been modified by infrastructure, including a police
station; regional transit station; multiple bridge crossings, including
I-5; and a major thoroughfare, Friars Road. This portion of the levee
system no longer convey the flows for which it was originally designed,
but it does convey a storm event with a one percent chance of occurring
any given year. The impact of climate change practically guarantees
these storms will occur and grow stronger and more frequent.
An inspection by the US Army Corps of Engineers in 2016 determined
that the system poses an unacceptable risk to public safety. In order
to properly and comprehensively evaluate the needed modifications to
address system deficiencies, we are working with Army Corps to
deauthorize the most upstream segment that has been irreparably
modified by infrastructure. Army Corps are working with my office to
prepare legislative language to deauthorize this segment of the levee
system, and I ask the Committee include this urgent request in WRDA.
Additionally, the San Diego delegation is continuing to tackle
cross border pollution. Since at least 1944, the federal government has
tried, and failed, to stop flows of treated and untreated sewage in the
U.S. from the Tijuana river in Mexico. It has not been for lack of
trying. I want to thank the Committee for its past efforts in 2000,
2004, and a hearing in 2007 to address the problem.
We just learned that implementing legislation for the approval of
the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will provide a new
authorization of $300 million, in equal installments of $75 million
over four years, to fund Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grants
under the Border Water Infrastructure Program (BWIP) to address
wastewater infrastructure problems along the U.S.-Mexico border. In
addition, the Delegation secured an additional $25 million in funding
for BWIP in the FY 2020 Omnibus. The BWIP makes critical investment to
improve sewage infrastructure along the border and prevent dangerous
sewage spills that threaten public health and damage San Diegans'
quality of life in the future.
Inter-agency coordination will be critically important as local,
state and federal stakeholders start to allocate funding for new
project construction. On behalf of the San Diego delegation, I thank
the Army Corps of Engineers for authorizing the 2017 Tijuana River
Feasibility study and the Committee's continued support helping the
City of San Diego to solve this complex issue along the Tijuana River
watershed.
Finally, I would like to address briefly the matter of water
supply. Historic drought conditions combined with a shortage of melting
snow have created a water supply crisis in western states, including
California. To meet projected water demands, the City of San Diego is
making a long-term investment in the Pure Water Program, a multi-year,
multi-billion-dollar program that will use proven water purification
technology to provide one-third of San Diego's water supply by 2035.
Pure Water is a cost-effective investment to address San Diego's
water needs and will provide a reliable, sustainable water supply,
reducing the City's reliance on Northern California and Colorado River
resources. It will also significantly reduce ocean discharge by
diverting wastewater from the nearby Point Loma Wastewater Treatment
Plant. Currently, Point Loma meets alternate discharge standards in a
modified National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit
approved by EPA. Although the City has never failed to renew its
modified permit, the renewal process creates unnecessary regulatory
uncertainty for ratepayers and municipal water and sewer authorities.
I introduced the Ocean Pollution Reduction Act II of 2019 with the
San Diego delegation to provide the City with regulatory certainty as
it continues to make significant progress, as well as major
investments, in enhancing its water and wastewater systems. The bill
simply clarifies that the City of San Diego can apply for a permit
under the standard NPDES renewal process without a waiver. The
clarification will provide the City with regulatory certainty as it
continues to make significant progress, as well as major investments,
in enhancing its water and wastewater systems.
I would appreciate the Committee's consideration of this important
issue as part of any legislation authorizing investments in water and
sanitation infrastructure.
Thank you for your time and consideration of these matters. I look
forward to continuing to work with you on these and other issues.
Prepared Statement of Hon. Guy Reschenthaler, a Representative in
Congress from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Dear Chairman DeFazio, Ranking Member Graves, Chairman Napolitano,
and Ranking Member Westerman:
Thank you for the opportunity to share my priorities for the Water
Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020. Pennsylvania's 14th
Congressional District is home to four locks and dams along the
Monongahela River, as well as numerous flood protection projects. The
larger Pittsburgh District includes 10 significant river systems and
328 miles of navigable waterways which support industries ranging from
mining, steel, and manufacturing. It is critical we invest in this
aging system and our inland waterways as a whole in order to grow our
economy and maintain our competitive edge on the global stage.
Therefore, I would like to share the following proposals for WRDA 2020:
Adjust the cost share for construction of inland
waterways infrastructure projects to 25 percent from the Inland
Waterways Trust Fund and 75 percent from general funds, similar to the
WRDA 2016 change for deep draft ports. Currently, the inland waterways
system has a portfolio of more than 15 authorized high priority inland
projects awaiting construction. Adjusting the cost share will
accelerate project delivery on these critical projects.
Increase the authorization limit for Section 313, which
authorizes the Army Corps to provide support to communities for
projects like wastewater treatment and water supply distribution. The
current limit of $200 million will soon be met and will limit the Army
Corps' ability help communities in my district.
Authorize new construction activities for the Upper Ohio
River Navigation Project, which is critical for freight movement at the
Port of Pittsburgh and on the Monongahela and Allegheny River
Navigation Systems.
Assist communities in responding to and recovering from
flooding and other disasters that affect our inland waterways and
ports, including providing guidance on working with federal, state, and
local partners.
I appreciate the opportunity to share my WRDA 2020 priorities with
you. If you or your staff have any questions, please do not hesitate to
contact me or my legislative director, Emily Ackerman.
Prepared Statement of Hon. Tom Rice, a Representative in Congress from
the State of South Carolina
Chairman DeFazio and Ranking Member Graves, thank you for allowing
me to testify regarding water resource development projects and studies
conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In my district we
appreciate all of the work the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has
assisted us with in the past. I come before you today to discuss two
studies that are very important to my district.
Myrtle Beach and the surrounding areas are visited by millions of
tourists each year and tourism is a multibillion dollar industry in the
state. Unfortunately, our state has been hit by five major disasters in
the last five years. These intense storms and natural disasters have
led to increased concern for protecting tourists and residents during
this time.
Local leaders in Myrtle Beach and Horry County through the Coastal
Alliance have requested the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer conduct a
feasibility study to evaluate and reformulate the Myrtle Beach
Shoreline Protection Project on the risks to property and public
safety. Due to increased number of storms in my district they have
asked to evaluate the existing project design to become more resilient
to these natural events. They have requested the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, among other items, to evaluate potential measures from
dunes, berm height, permanent structures to beach renourishment as well
as review erosion hotspots.
Another project that the U.S. Army Corps has been involved with in
my district is the Port of Georgetown. The Georgetown Port continues to
experience a build up of silting and material and due to this,
maintaining the navigable depths throughout the length of the inner
harbor is difficult. It is crucial to our commercial fishing industry
and our tourism industry that we find a solution so that the harbor is
not constantly in need of dredging. Additionally, maintaining the
depths of the port affects the manufacturing industry that is dependent
on barging raw materials into and out of the port. The city and county
are invested in finding a solution and have commissioned on their own
an initial study to investigate the severity and the rate of silting in
the inner harbor. However, the city and county have requested the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers conduct a feasibility study to evaluate the
initial report and examine solutions.
Although the Myrtle Beach Shoreline Protection Project and
Georgetown Harbor Deep Draft Navigation Project currently need no
further act by Congress and are authorized projects, I respectfully
recommend that the Committee includes an expedited completion section
of feasibility reports in the upcoming legislation. This language would
be similar to Section 1203 of WRDA 2018, where it stated: ``Expedited
Completion--Feasibility Reports.--The Secretary shall expedite the
completion of a feasibility study for each of the following projects,
and if the Secretary determines that the project is justified in a
completed report, may proceed directly to preconstruction planning,
engineering, and design of the project: . . . ''
I respectfully request that the following two projects: 1)
``Project for coastal storm risk management, Myrtle Beach, South
Carolina'' and 2) ``Project for navigation, Georgetown Harbor, South
Carolina'' be included as expedited completion feasibility reports in
this legislation. The inclusion of these projects in this section would
ensure these projects move quickly through the process and begin
providing solutions that will provide public safety and economic
prosperity for the areas.
Mr. Chairman, thank you for your work to address these issues. And
thank you for the opportunity to testify before you today.
Prepared Statement of Hon. Harold Rogers, a Representative in Congress
from the Commonwealth of Kentucky
Chairman Napolitano, Ranking Member Westerman, and other
distinguished Members of the subcommittee, I would like to thank you
for your consideration of my priorities for the 2020 Water Resources
Development Act (WRDA). I know your Committee works diligently to
ensure that all Americans can benefit from our nation's incredible
water resources and infrastructure--whether through the transportation
of goods on our waterways, locks, and dams, flood control projects that
protect our communities from disaster, and also incredible recreational
opportunities. Previous WRDA bills have done a great deal to help the
people of my district in southern and eastern Kentucky across each of
the aforementioned areas. Whether it is the importance of locks and
dams on the Kentucky and Ohio Rivers to the Kentucky economy, Wolf
Creek Dam on Lake Cumberland, the incredible flood control projects in
many of my towns and communities, and our Corps lakes' many
recreational uses, we benefit greatly from these resources. As you
begin the 2020 WRDA process, I would like to raise three specific
priorities that will benefit those in my district in Kentucky.
Legislative Language for each of these proposals is attached.
Increase the Authorized Funding Level and Modify the Service Area for
the Section 531 Environmental Infrastructure Program
First, I am requesting two modifications to the Section 531
Environmental Infrastructure Program for Southern and Eastern
Kentucky--(1) increasing the authorization level from $40 million to
$80 million, and (2) adding additional Kentucky counties that could
benefit from improved environmental infrastructure.
Section 531 was originally authorized in the 104th Congress. It has
provided great benefit to my district by bringing reliable wastewater
treatment and collection systems to thousands of Kentucky households,
schools, and businesses. This program not only helps create much needed
jobs, but also enhances our region's potential for future economic
development. While the need for this program continues, Section 531
unfortunately reached its authorized funding level of $40 million in
FY19. Increasing this authorization level to $80 million would help
ensure that this program can continue to improve access to safe
drinking water and wastewater systems.
This language would also add four additional Kentucky counties to
the program--Boyd, Carter, Elliott, and Lincoln Counties. These
counties were not included in the original Section 531 program, but
they have serious environmental infrastructure issues, and their
inclusion in Section 531 would dramatically increase our ability to
address these issues.
Concessionaire Gross Revenue Fees
Second, I am seeking the inclusion of language that caps the amount
of fees that the Corps can charge concessionaires for revenues from the
sale of commoditized items like fuel and food items. Currently, the
Corps charges concessionaires escalating fees based on how much gross
revenue they earn in a given year, and this can reach as high as 4.6
percent of gross revenues. Fuel and food sales are very important
amenities that the general public expects at these facilities, but
these items are typically sold with a margin of only one or two
percent. More importantly, this rate structure provides a disincentive
for concessionaires to provide, expand, or enhance food sales
locations, which could directly impact the quality of the public's
enjoyment of these facilities. To rectify this situation, my proposed
language would provide a cap of 1 percent on the amount of revenue fees
charged for the sale of commoditized items, including food and fuel
sales, at a concessionaire's operation.
Concessionaire Authorized Lease Length & Approval Authority
Finally, I am seeking the inclusion of language that would
modernize the lease term length between the Corps and concessionaires.
Under current law, the lease terms the Corps provides to
concessionaires may be inconsistent and inadequate for the Corps to
meet their Congressional mandates of enhancing the public access and
enjoyment of federal resources. Private concessionaire investment,
which helps the Corps meet these mandates, is dependent upon adequate
and affordable financing. The current length of time that the Corps
provides to concessionaires is problematic in that the term varies from
district to district, and is generally insufficient to allow for
traditional financing.
As a result, I request that the term for a lease provided by the
Corps to concessionaires be modified to provide for a base 25-year
lease and then the option of additional 25-year extensions if agreed
upon by both the Corps and the concessionaire. This will allow for a
consistent national leasing structure and provide a period of time that
allows concessionaires to seek and receive the financing they need to
start-up, expand or improve their facilities.
Further, the Corps currently requires any lease of 50 or more years
to be approved by Headquarters, USACE. This level of decision authority
dramatically increases the bureaucratic hurdles faced by
concessionaires, when it is the local Corps districts and divisions
that have the best understanding of what would best serve that region's
interests. As such, my proposed language would also direct the
Secretary to delegate this authority, when appropriate, to lower levels
of Corps leadership.
Thank you again for your consideration of my 2020 WRDA requests. I
look forward to working with you as this process unfolds, so we can
continue to maximize both Kentucky and our nation's water resources. If
you or your staff have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact
me or my staff.
Prepared Statement of Hon. Peter J. Visclosky, a Representative in
Congress from the State of Indiana
I would like to first thank Full Committee Chair Peter DeFazio and
Ranking Member Sam Graves, Subcommittee Chair Grace Napolitano and
Ranking Member Bruce Westerman, and all of the members of the House
Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment for holding today's
hearing and providing this opportunity for myself and all Members to
advocate for our priorities for the Water Resources Development Act of
2020 (WRDA 2020).
While I intend to submit a number of proposals to the Subcommittee
for the upcoming WRDA, my reason for submitting this testimony is to
discuss the vital importance of preserving and promoting Section 219
Environmental Infrastructure authority and related projects. As you
know, Section 219 of WRDA 1992 authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers (Corps) to assist non-federal sponsors at a 75/25 percent
cost share in the planning, design, and construction of municipal
drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects. Since Fiscal
Year 2014, the Corps has funded Section 219 projects across 27 states,
including Calumet Region projects in Indiana's First Congressional
District. This Section 219 authority has been integral to the efforts
of numerous communities in my district as they have sought to improve
their quality of place, safeguard the public health of their citizens,
and sustainably utilize their water resources.
One such municipality is my home, the City of Gary, which has
experienced serious economic difficulties. Nevertheless, Gary has been
working successfully with the State of Indiana and federal partners to
ensure that the city's best days are indeed still ahead of it, not
behind. An essential partner in particular is the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, which due to a mandate from Congress in annual
appropriations measures, has continued to prioritize Section 219
projects that, among other things, seek to revitalize and invest in
communities with high poverty or current financial distress.
For example, in April 2018, the Corps and the City of Gary,
Indiana, completed a substantive forcemain replacement project. The
project included the construction of a brand new 24-inch steel sanitary
sewer forcemain, leading to improved sanitary sewer system flow and a
reduction in pipe breaks and system shutdowns across the city.
Additionally, in September 2019, the Corps worked with the City of
Gary to complete a significant sewer infrastructure project, which
included the rehabilitation of approximately 4,000 linear feet of
combined sewers and 21 existing manholes. Further, the project
supported the installation of 600 feet of new sanitary sewer, 813
linear feet of percolation type storm sewers, and over 2,300 feet of
new storm sewer. Due to these tremendous investments, the City of Gary
is more fully prepared for flooding events and the stresses placed on
municipal infrastructure.
Most recently, in December 2019, the Corps completed another major
sewer improvement project in Gary, resulting in the restoration of over
16,600 feet of sewer lines in the city's Ambridge neighborhood. This
successful effort will result in a reduction in sewer overflows and
basement backups, and ultimately will lead to long-term savings to the
city and residents on public infrastructure and private property repair
costs, respectively.
In the over 20 years since my district has been authorized to
receive environmental infrastructure assistance through the Corps,
Section 219 authorized projects have continued to make a substantial,
positive difference in Gary and a number of other local communities in
my district. Therefore, as both the Full Committee and the Subcommittee
on Water Resources and Environment work to develop proposals for WRDA
2020, I would implore you to maintain the long-term viability of
current Section 219 authority, including by considering allowing
Members to submit proposals to increase total project authorization
levels for Section 219 accounts. For reference, without such an
increase, the current funding pace for local Section 219 projects
suggests that total authorization for these efforts in Gary and the
rest of my district could run out within approximately eight years.
In conclusion, thank you Chair DeFazio, Ranking Member Graves,
Chair Napolitano, Ranking Member Westerman, and members of the
Subcommittee for allowing me to the opportunity to discuss this
important topic. I believe Section 219 authority remains an
indispensable tool to distressed, recovering, and growing
municipalities as they seek to invest in local infrastructure, and
maintaining and strengthening this authority deserves strong
consideration as Congress moves forward with WRDA 2020. I remain wholly
available to you all as a colleague and partner in this regard.