[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 177 (Wednesday, December 2, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2872]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 LEGISLATION TO EXPAND THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS' ROLE IN CHESAPEAKE 
                            BAY RESTORATION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN P. SARBANES

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 2, 2009

  Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to re-introduce legislation 
that would strengthen and expand the Army Corps of Engineers' role in 
Chesapeake Bay restoration--a mission they first began in 1996. This 
legislation would provide the Corps with continuing authority to engage 
in this work; expand the Corps' work to all six States in the Bay 
watershed and the District of Columbia; and provide flexibility for the 
Corps to work with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, 
and not-for-profit groups engaged in Bay cleanup.
  As the Congress begins to consider the reauthorization of the Water 
Resources Development Act, we must take this opportunity to strengthen 
the role that the Army Corps of Engineers plays in Chesapeake Bay 
cleanup. We must turn the tide in the Bay cleanup effort so future 
generations can continue to enjoy the cultural, historic, and 
recreational benefits of the Bay and so it can continue to be an 
economic driver for the Mid-Atlantic region. The Corps can play an 
important role in that effort.
  The Chesapeake Bay Environmental Restoration and Protection Program, 
which was established in section 510 of WRDA 1996, authorizes the Army 
Corps of Engineers to provide design and construction assistance to 
State and local authorities in the environmental restoration of the 
Chesapeake Bay. These projects range from shoreline buffers to oyster 
reef construction. As it is currently structured however, the program 
has been limited in its scope for several reasons. First, the Corps' 
restoration efforts have been limited to Maryland, Virginia, and 
Pennsylvania, which has precluded a comprehensive, watershed-wide plan 
that adequately prioritizes projects. Second, unlike all other major 
Federal agencies engaged in Bay restoration, the Corps has no small 
watershed grants program that engages State and local governments or 
non-profits in small scale restoration projects. This limitation is 
compounded by the Corps' intricate procurement processes. Finally, the 
matching fund requirements of the section 510 program does not allow 
for the use of in-kind services or contributions, which limits 
collaboration.
  The Chesapeake Bay Commission, a multi-State legislative assembly 
dedicated to the restoration of the Bay, has previously identified 
these deficiencies and has recommended the several improvements to the 
program that are the basis for this legislation. For these reasons, I 
believe the bill would strengthen the section 510 program so that the 
Army Corps of Engineers can continue to be a strong partner in 
Chesapeake Bay cleanup.
  I hope my colleagues will continue to support this legislation 
through the upcoming WRDA process.

                          ____________________