Mr. Chairman, today's hearing on S. 507, the Water Resources Development Act of 1999 (WRDA), gives us the opportunity to hear the Administration's proposal for policies and projects for the Corps of Engineers. This year's WRDA bill is essentially the same bill the Senate passed during the 105th Congress. It was not enacted because there was no companion bill in the House. I hope that our swift action on the bill early in this session will spur the House discussions on the flood control project for Sacramento. If an agreement can be reached, we can get WRDA '99 signed into law and look forward to WRDA 2000.
WRDA '99 proposes a number of new initiatives, including:
--establishment of the Challenge 21 program, which would authorize non-structural flood control and river ecosystem restoration projects;
--an aquatic restoration program for the Missouri River;
--changing the cost share for shoreline protection making beach renourishment a 50/50 federal/non-federal responsibility; and
--allocating additional recreational fees collected at Corps facilities.
I applaud the Administration for recognizing recreation in the Corps' mission and the need to keep our recreational facilities in shape.
I also look forward to hearing the views of the Administration on the future of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund and the alternative they are considering. Now that the Supreme Court has ruled that the ad-valorem fee on exporters is unconstitutional, we need to find an equitable source of funding to ensure the continued viability of our nation's ports. This Committee wants to be involved in developing the alternative.
I look forward to hearing from you this morning.