[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 98 (Tuesday, July 19, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1527]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              THE WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2005

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. STEVEN R. ROTHMAN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 14, 2005

  Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 
2864, the Water Resources Development Act. I want to thank and commend 
Subcommittee Chairman John Duncan and Ranking Member Eddie Bernice 
Johnson and Committee Chairman Don Young and Ranking Member James 
Oberstar for reporting this bill.
  This is a very important bill for the American public. The bill 
reauthorizes the funding for the Army Corps of Engineers for studies 
and for the development of projects vital to our nation's water 
resources. This bill will result in better flood control, improved 
water navigation, the prevention of beach erosion, and environmental 
restoration.
  I have personally seen the positive effects of some of the 
environment restoration projects funded by the bill. The Hackensack 
Meadowlands in my district, which is one of the most densely populated 
areas in the State, is a beautiful, natural wetlands area. But 
unfortunately, for decades it had been used as a place to dump garbage 
and toxic waste. Since the remediation authorized by the Water 
Resources Development Act began in the Meadowlands 10 years ago, water 
quality has improved and wildlife has been thriving. In this 8,400-acre 
environmental park just minutes outside of Manhattan, there are more 
than 50 species of fish and shellfish in the Meadowlands, and there 
have been notable increases in populations of white perch, Atlantic 
silverside, and gizzard shad. Two hundred fifty species of birds can be 
seen in the Meadowlands, and more than 65 species of birds nest there. 
Migratory birds are in the Meadowlands during their migration cycle in 
growing numbers, which has made the area an important part of the 
American ecosystem.
  The improvements that the reauthorization of the Water Resources 
Development Act have made possible are truly amazing. The remediation 
that has taken place so far in the Meadowlands is a wonderful example 
of what can be accomplished when concerned citizens, environmental 
advocates, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Army Corps of 
Engineers work together. But there is still much work to be done. This 
important bill will reauthorize the funds to continue the vital efforts 
to clean up the Meadowlands, as well as to fund numerous other projects 
that will improve our nation's water resources.
  I urge my colleagues to support this important bill.

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