[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 77 (Friday, June 4, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1044-E1045]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              INTRODUCTION OF THE COASTAL RESTORATION ACT

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                         HON. FRANK A. LoBIONDO

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 3, 2004

  Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce the Coastal 
Restoration Act of 2004 for myself and Representative Lampson. Since 
1995, we have seen several attempts to change Federal policies in an 
effort to cripple the Federal beach nourishment program.
  The Coastal Restoration Act (CRA) restates the congressional intent 
regarding the importance of the Federal beach nourishment program. The 
CRA makes it clear that changes in administration policy will not 
prevent feasibility and other types of studies from being processed 
through the Corps of Engineers and sent to Congress. The legislation 
emphasizes the role of Congress in determining which beach nourishment 
projects should be authorized for construction. It also restates and 
strengthens existing law that periodic renourishment is an integral 
part of the ongoing construction of a beach nourishment project.
  This legislation states that in deciding which projects should 
receive Federal assistance, Congress intends that preference shall also 
be given to areas: (1) where regional sediment management plans have 
been adopted to integrate coastal beach nourishment, navigation, and 
environmental projects; or (2) where the project promotes human health 
and safety, as well as the quality of life for individuals and 
families. These additions will encourage states to adopt regional 
sediment management plans to identify areas for the disposal of dredged 
spoils and the projects to that promote their beneficial reuse, as well 
as ensure that public safety and other quality of life issues are taken 
into account when recommending a project for implementation.
  The Coastal Restoration Act also raises the low priority now accorded 
by the U.S. Army Corps to the recreational benefits of beach 
nourishment, giving equal consideration to all national projects. It 
provides a mechanism to begin the project reauthorization process and 
it allows the Corps to better manage their funding and schedules to 
work around the times when endangered species are present at the 
project site.
  In the United States, nearly 17 million people are employed in the 
tourism industry. Beaches are the leading tourist destination in the 
Nation. Beach tourists contribute about $260 billion to the U.S. 
economy overall. Each year about 180 million Americans make 2 billion 
visits to the ocean, the gulf, and our inland beaches. That is almost 
twice as many

[[Page E1045]]

visits as those made to State and National Parks and wilderness areas 
combined.
  In my home State of New Jersey, tourism is a $31 billion industry, 
supporting over 836,000 jobs and generating $17.7 billion in wages. The 
vast majority of that revenue is generated by the millions of people 
who visit our 127 miles of shoreline on an annual basis. These projects 
provide the businesses and residents located along our shore and 
driving our economy an important layer of protection from ocean storms. 
It also lowers Federal flood insurance premiums and reduces the number 
of claims. Finally, these projects provide vital habitat for numerous 
species of plants and animals and often protect vital coastal habitats 
such as wetlands or fresh-water resources.
  The Coastal Restoration Act is needed to maintain the Federal program 
so we can continue to protect and restore our beaches as the national 
treasures they are.

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