[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 138 (Monday, September 30, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1860]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONFERENCE REPORT ON S. 640, WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1996

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 26, 1996

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 640, 
the Water Resources Development Act. This bill authorizes the 
construction of various water resources development projects by the 
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The projects involve flood control, 
navigation, erosion control, and environmental regulation.
  The bill also contains a provision that increases the required 
contribution by non-Federal sources for the costs of Federal flood 
control projects from 25 to 35 percent for all future flood control 
projects. This provision does not apply to projects that are authorized 
in this bill.
  Additionally, for the first time, local sources must contribute 35 
percent of the costs of all environmental protection and restoration 
projects. The bill also provides Federal funding--between 40 and 80 
percent of the total cost--for constructing dredged material disposal 
areas. Previously, these areas had to be constructed solely with local 
funds.
  As we will continue to debate and approve funding for water resources 
development projects in the next Congress, I hope that we will support 
adequate funding for the Sims Bayou project in Houston, TX. While I 
favor active local involvement and some local contribution in funding 
these projects, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must not abandon its 
oversight responsibility to make sure that projects such as Sims Bayou 
are completed to specifications in a timely manner. I also hope that 
Congress will continue to closely monitor the work of the U.S. Army 
Corps of Engineers on these important issues.

                          ____________________