Robert Ehrlich: “Mr. Chairman, again, with great deference and respect to the gentleman from Maryland, countries probably watching…”

“Mr. Chairman, again, with great deference and respect to the gentleman from Maryland, countries probably watching, tuning in today are saying ``S-turn, what S-turn?'' This S-turn is important in Tolchester Channel because it is part of the approach to the Canal, the C&D Canal. Ships change course five times within 3 miles, often beginning a new turn sometimes in the opposite direction before completing the previous turn. With ships approaching 1,000 feet in length, it is becoming increasingly difficult to navigate the channel, especially in winter, especially in poor weather with the wind and tide conditions. The gentleman from Maryland talked about pilots and the pilots association. Well, the pilots association is on record. It has urged for a number of years that this channel S-turn be modified as soon as possible to avoid potential ship groundings. As my friend from southern Maryland has stated on numerous occasions in this year's Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, Congress appropriated $6 million for the S-turn. The project was also authorized in 1999 as part of the operations and maintenance program. In order to complete the job, we need $6.8 million dollars. The project is totally 100 percent Federally funded. Now, we have talked about safety, and that is the primary reason to get this job done. We can reduce the likelihood of an accident.”