For Release: Thursday, June 16, 2005
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE PASSES WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT

$2 Billion Authorized for Five New Locks on the Upper Mississippi River

Washington -U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) today praised passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) by the House Subcommittee on Water Resources and the Environment.  The legislation authorizes water projects overseen by the Army Corps of Engineers, including $2 billion for construction of five new locks on the Upper Mississippi River as well as several local projects.

Costello, a senior member of the Subcommittee and its ranking Democrat last Congress, was pleased that provisions he helped author to reform the Army Corps' oversight process, known as independent review, were included in the bill.  The provisions were also included when the bill was considered and passed by the House two years ago, but the legislation was not taken up by the Senate.  

The bill makes independent review mandatory for Corps projects that exceed $50 million. The Chief of the Army Corps of Engineers may exempt projects that meet certain criteria. In addition, a Governor, head of Federal agency or the Secretary of the Army may request a review of a project if it is below the $50 million threshold.  Previously, there has been no external review of Corps projects.

"This is well-balanced legislation, providing for the maintenance of our waterways in an environmentally sound way while establishing new procedures for the evaluation of large Corps projects," said Costello.  "The economic impacts of this work are enormous.  The ability to move American crops and goods efficiently in this country and around the world is essential for our economic health." 

Five New Locks to be Built

The provision of just over $2 billion for the construction of the five new locks on the Upper Mississippi River - along with $1.58 billion for environmental restoration projects - is particularly good news for the nation's farmers.  The 1,200 foot locks will improve transportation times on the river, getting crops to market faster and more efficiently.

Local projects include:

Kinkaid Lake - authorizes sediment remediation.

Missouri and Ohio Rivers - authorizes rehabilitation and conservation of aquatic habitats.

East St. Louis and Vicinity - authorizes $191,158,000 for ecosystem restoration.

Kaskaskia River Basin - authorizes a comprehensive maintenance plan.

Levee Rehabilitation Pilot Program - authorizes $15 million for reconstruction of the following levees:

1. Wood River Drainage Levee

2. Clear Creek Drainage

3. Fort Chartres and Ivy Landing

4. Goose Pond Pump Station (Cairo)

5. Cottonwood Slough Pump Station (Cairo)

6. 10th and 28th Street Pump Station (Cairo)

7. Cairo Mainline Levee

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