[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 56 (Thursday, April 22, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S4137]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT--SAVANNAH HARBOR DEEPENING PROJECT

 Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, I rise today to discuss the Water 
Resources Development Act that was passed by the Senate on Monday, 
April 19, 1999. I apologize for the tardy nature of my remarks, but I 
have been inundated with requests from my constituents to clarify the 
language regarding this project. I hope the Chairman of the Senate 
Environment and Public Works Committee will help clarify the intent of 
the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project authorization that appears in 
Section 101 of the 1999 Water Resources Development Act.
  Mr. CHAFEE. I will try.
  Mr. HOLLINGS. It is my understanding that this legislation does not 
exempt affected Federal, State, regional, and local entities from their 
independent legal duties to propose and evaluate navigation improvement 
projects in compliance with the requirements of applicable law; 
including the National Environmental Protection Act, the Water 
Resources Development Act of 1986, the Endangered Species Act, the 
Clean Water Act, the Coastal Zone Management Act, and the Fish and 
Wildlife Coordination Act, as well as the laws of South Carolina and 
Georgia.
  Mr. CHAFEE. That is correct.
  Mr. HOLLINGS. I also understand that the concurrence of the federal 
agencies in the implementation plan and mitigation plan will not 
compromise or impair those legal requirements. Is that correct?
  Mr. CHAFEE. That is correct.
  Mr. HOLLINGS. And I further understand that authorization of the 
project is contingent upon all applicable legal requirements being met. 
Is that correct?
  Mr. CHAFEE. That is correct.
  Mr. HOLLINGS. I thank the Chairman for the opportunity to clarify 
these understandings.

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