Steven Holt: “I thank my friend from Florida. Despite some merits in the WRRDA bills that the Republicans have proposed, they fail to…”

“I thank my friend from Florida. Despite some merits in the WRRDA bills that the Republicans have proposed, they fail to address the number one reason why Corps of Engineers projects are delayed, a serious lack of Federal funding. The bill before us perpetuates a myth that the problem is environmental review of engineering projects and not inadequate funding. In my congressional District, the Green Brook project has been funded at $11 million per year. If this funding level continues, it will take more than 30 years to complete the project, which will eventually protect several flood-prone communities frequently at risk from extreme weather, and save lives. Until then, the Green Brook residents remain under threat. Now, every water resource project has effects on the environment and should have good environmental review. Streamlining environmental review will not save money or expedite construction. Limiting the national environmental review limits public participation, prevents identification of potentially costly problems, project-stopping problems. Environmental review is not something to be tolerated. It is something to be welcomed.”