Political Quotes

“we are at the end of a very long road in the process of enacting the 1996 Water Resources Development Act authorizing various water resources projects to enhance flood protection, navigation, environmental protection, and related Corps of Engineers projects. Special thanks and congratulations are in order for the Chairman of the full committee, Senator Chafee and his ranking member, Senator Baucus and the Subcommittee Chairman, Senator Warner. They and their excellent staff have carried the difficult burden of sorting through in a bipartisan manner these very complex and sensitive issues--issues that are of vital concern to many in this country but particulary for my State of Missouri. For States like Missouri, who rely greatly on water resources, this legislation is crucial to provide safety, economic development opportunities, and cost-effective navigation on our inland waterway system. Since 1928, for every dollar the corps has spent on flood control, 8 dollars' worth of damages have been avoided. This 8 to 1 benefit to cost ratio does not account for the economic development and job creation benefits that flood protection provides. Recent flooding has highlighted the need to maintain this commitment and keep the Corps of Engineers engaged in partnering with Missouri citizens in this regard. This is a safety, jobs, and international competitiveness issues pure and simple.”