This request would make permanent Section 214 of the WRDA in order to allow the Corps to accept and expend funds contributed by non-federal public entities and to expedite the processing of permits. Section 214 is currently authorized through December 31, 2009. Section 214 has allowed local governments to move forward with vital infrastructure and ecosystem restoration projects and is currently being used by over 41 public agencies in 20 Army Corps of Engineer districts.

Funding for additional staff has resulted in a reduction of permit wait times not only for the funding entity, but for any individual or organization that makes an application with that District of the Army Corps of Engineers. Rapidly growing cargo volumes require infrastructure investment from the nation’s ports, and permit backlogs impact the timeliness and cost of these investments.