STATEMENT BY MAJOR GENERAL ROBERT B. FLOWERS

Thank You Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee. I am deeply honored to appear before you today as the nominee to be Chief of Engineers of the Army Corps of Engineers. I want to thank the President and the Secretary of the Army for giving me this extraordinary opportunity to continue to serve the men and women of this great Nation. If confirmed, I will lead the Army Corps of Engineers into the twenty-first century with great pride.

The United States Army Corps of Engineers has a long and proud tradition of providing invaluable engineering and construction service to the Nation in peacetime and in war. Its military mission includes providing for the defense of American soldiers and furnishing needed housing and facilities for service members and their families. Its civil works mission fighting floods and developing, preserving and protecting critical water resources is equally vital to the nation's welfare. The Corps is a dynamic organization that has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of the nation. From building forts, mapping the uncharted regions of developing America, and constructing flood control and navigation projects to pursuing environmental restoration projects, the Corps of Engineers has responded to the changing needs of America.

If I am confirmed as the Chief of Engineers, I intend to establish a clear direction of leadership for the Corps as it performs its important civil works and military missions. That direction must target the nation's critical needs and be fully supported by the American people. It also must ensure that Corps employees have opportunities to achieve their career goals and make contributions that are acknowledged and appreciated.

Historically, the Nation's rich and abundant water, and related land resources provided the foundation for the successful development of America. Since the beginning of our nation, the Corps of Engineers has played a pivotal role in the stewardship of these important resources, initially by developing our nation's water resources, and later by restoring and protecting the environment. The Corps has improved the quality of life by making America more prosperous, safe, and secure. The Corps must remain flexible in order to continue to make important contributions to the nation and respond to America's contemporary needs.

Communities nationwide rely on the Corps to reduce flood damages, facilitate navigation, provide needed supplies of water and power, and protect and restore our aquatic resources. The projects approved by Congress represent a sound investment in the nation's security, economic future, and environmental stability. The Corps' greatest challenge is to find sustainable ways to strengthen the nation's economy while protecting and restoring our unique water and related land resources for the benefit of future generations.

The Corps faces the demanding tasks of maintaining its vast inventory of existing public improvements and pursuing new projects that develop, conserve, preserve and protect our aquatic resources. It must provide for a system of ports and inland waterways that will efficiently transport goods. It also must find creative ways to prevent or reduce flood damages. Finally, more and more communities are looking to the Corps to provide adequate sources of potable water and to find new ways to manage wastewater disposal in order to provide for economic growth and the quality of life that people deserve.

I believe that the Corps must carry out these varied missions in an environmentally responsible manner. The Corps has a long record of coordinating its missions and planning its projects in compliance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and other environmental laws, which has led to better and more environmentally sensitive projects. If I am confirmed as the Chief of Engineers, I will ensure that all projects are planned and constructed in a manner that avoids or minimizes undesirable environmental impacts.

The challenges the Corps faces are complex and require difficult decisions to be made. These decisions must take into account the requirements of existing law and fiscal constraints. They also involve a balancing of diverse interests. The proper reconciliation of these interests demands open communication. Therefore, I will engage in a cooperative dialogue with Congress, other Federal agencies, States, Tribes, local governments, and other interested parties in order to find constructive solutions to our nation's problems.

During the course of this dialogue, I am committed to maintaining the integrity of the Corps of Engineers and to making decisions that deserve the full confidence of the American public. If I am confirmed as the Chief of Engineers, I will work cooperatively with all interests and thoroughly consider all points of view. The openness of these discussions will ensure that Corps decisions are objective, and broadly understood and supported.

If I am confirmed as the Chief of Engineers, I expect to work closely with the Administration and Congress as I discharge my leadership duties. I am confident that working in concert, we can marshal the great capabilities of the Corps in a way that maximizes the benefits to the public because we share the common goal of providing for the nation's well-being.

Should I be confirmed, I look forward to working with this Committee in addressing any issues that may arise during my tenure. Again, I appreciate the opportunity to appear before you today, and would be pleased to answer any questions you may have.

RECORD VERSION

STATEMENT BY MAJOR GENERAL ROBERT B. FLOWERS

NOMINEE FOR CHIEF OF ENGINEERS

BEFORE THE

COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS

UNITED STATES SENATE

SECOND SESSION 106TH CONGRESS

14 SEPTEMBER 2000

NOT FOR PUBLICATION UNTIL RELEASED BY THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS