This is a list of requests submitted to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works to be considered for authorization in the next Water Resources Development Act. The Act authorizes all U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' activity, including water resources studies and projects for navigation, flood and storm protection, ecosystem restoration, and other purposes. Any project authorized in the Act will be subject to available funding through the annual Appropriations bills and to cost-sharing with the local sponsor.

Contained Aquatic Disposal (CAD) Cell, Cities of Portland and South Portland, ME

The purpose of this request is to authorize the creation of a Contained Aquatic Disposal (CAD) cell to address dredging needs in Portland Harbor due to accumulation of sediments within the Fore River. Over 40 harbor entities, public and private, are in jeopardy of losing their working waterfront. The CAD Cell would provide a cost effective, environmentally-sound location to dispose of contaminated dredge materials. An authorization for $7,500,000 in federal funds is requested to create a CAD cell.

Deauthorization of Thomaston Harbor, Thomaston, ME

The purpose of this request is to deauthorize Thomaston Harbor from Federal National Project status in order for it to be regulated by state and town ordinances. Thomaston Harbor is presently classified as a Federal Anchorage. Deauthorization will allow existing structures that support Thomaston's commercial working waterfront to remain in place without incurring penalties for refusal to conduct maintenance dredging in the adjoining St. Georges River Federal Channel. Over 300 individuals are employed in harbor water-dependent activity in Thomaston. Granting this deauthorization will ensure that the commercial working waterfront will remain accessible in the future. Recreational users will be positively affected by the availability of increased mooring density. Deauthorization of the project does not require federal funds.

Fort Kent Study on Defense of St. John and Fish River Flood Waters, Fort Kent, ME

The purpose of this request is to authorize a detailed project report concerning potential solutions to the ongoing flooding situation in Fort Kent. Flooding is a serious concern in Fort Kent.  Over the past 30 years nearly $25 million has been expended to minimize the impact of flooding.  A proactive approach to minimize the impacts of flooding on the community and its residents has been the norm. The record flood of 2008 exposed a number of remaining vulnerabilities. A study is needed to help the community determine what the next step will be. An authorization for $250,000 in federal funds is requested to complete the study.  

Great Chebeague Island - Stone Wharf Dredging Feasibility Study, Chebeague Island, ME

The purpose of this request is to authorize a feasibility study for dredging the channel at the Stone Wharf on Great Chebeague Island. This study is needed to ensure the island maintains its critical public navigational access, which is integral to the economic, educational and public safety needs of the immediate and surrounding communities. This dredging project already has current permitting in place. If the project is started before the permit expires, the money saved by avoiding re-permitting and required environmental testing is estimated to equal or exceed the actual cost of dredging. Chebeague Island is an un-bridged island and relies on boat travel through a shallow channel at the Stone Wharf to transport all rescue operations, and 125,000 ferry passengers annually, including commuting schoolchildren, police, teachers, and supplies. An authorization for $200,000 in federal funds is requested to complete the study.