A New Direction in Water Resources Development

May 1987
Citation:
17
ELR 10144
Issue
5
Author
Robert A. Roe

The Water Resources Development Act of 19861 is the most comprehensive water resources development legislation enacted by the Congress in half a century and is the most environmentally sensitive water resources bill ever developed. The law combines all types of water resources projects and establishes a new equitable federal/nonfederal partnership in the development of projects, including local financial contributions where appropriate.

The last water resources development act was signed into law in 1976.2 The last traditional omnibus legislation authorizing the construction of Corps of Engineers projects was signed into law in 1970.3 The 19744 and 1976 Water Resources Development Acts consisted primarily of authorizations for advanced engineering and design of projects rather than for their construction. As a result, over this 16-year period a large backlog of proposed water resourcesprojects accumulated. The Water Resources Development Act of 1986 (hereinafter Act) enables the Corps of Engineers program to proceed once again in a responsive and expeditious manner to meet the critical water needs of our nation.

Congressman Robert A. Roe (D-N.J.) is Chairman of the House of Representatives' Science, Space and Technology Committee. Congressman Roe was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1969. He served as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Water Resources of the Committee on Public Works and Transportation for the 97th through 99th Congresses, which considered the Water Resources Development Act of 1986. Congressman Roe continues to serve as second ranking member of the House Public Works and Transportation Committee and is ranking member of the Water Resources Subcommittee and a member of the Surface Transportation Subcommittee. Congressman Roe serves a Co-Chairman of the National Water Alliance.

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