Press Release
GAO Report Calls for Updates to Army Corps’ Structure, Technical Guidance
Chairman Oberstar requests study: report calls for specific actions to improve efficiency
September 30, 2010
By Mary Kerr (202) 225-6260
The Army Corps of Engineers could become a more effective organization if internal and external obstacles can be overcome, according to a report from the Government Accountability Office released this afternoon.
The report was requested by Rep. James L. Oberstar (Minn.), Chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, in response to ongoing concerns that Corps of Engineers projects for flood risk management, navigation, and environmental restoration cost too much and take too long to complete.
“All organizations need to periodically review how they conduct business to ensure that they operate as efficiently and effectively as possible. However, this report demonstrates that although the Corps’ mission, budget, staffing and workload have changed, its structure has not been updated to reflect those changes,” said Oberstar. “The recommendations in the report support the efforts of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to ensure that the Corps remains a world leader in water resources planning and construction.”
The GAO report calls on the Corps to take specific actions to improve its efficiency, such as redefining and clarifying roles and responsibilities so that staff and managers are clear about the extent of their responsibilities. The report also calls on the Corps to make better use of the Centers of Expertise, which were created to consolidate key skills and knowledge and improve the effectiveness of the overall civil works program.
“According to the report, the majority of Corps commanders believe that the Corps’ technical guidance is outdated and needs to be revised. This outdated guidance can result in inconsistencies in developing and carrying out projects,” concluded Oberstar. “The T&I Committee will continue its oversight of the Corps to ensure that needed changes are made and recommendations are implemented.”
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