Subcommittee Hearing on “Water Resources Development Acts Implementation: Review and Oversight...”

Mr. Babin (TX) discusses critical coastal projects in his district, including Cedar Bayou channel improvement, Houston Ship Channel expansion, and the Ike Dike, all essential for economic growth in the Gulf of America. Assistant Secretary Tel confirms his team will provide status updates on these complex projects. Babin also asks about streamlining communication between Corps headquarters and districts. Tel acknowledges the need for more efficient communication. Babin inquires whether the Corps has analyzed resources needed for future disaster response under its FCCE authority. Tel praises the Corps' disaster response efforts and its inter-agency collaborations, stating current authorities are generally sufficient but will report back if needed.

Mr. Stanton (AZ) discusses the importance of environmental infrastructure (EI) assistance under WRDA, with Arizona receiving significant funds for projects like Pasco Yaqui tribe's non-potable water irrigation. He emphasizes the critical need for resilient water infrastructure in Arizona due to historic drought. Stanton asks General Graham how the Army Corps will prioritize EI dollars. Graham confirms the LA district's improved coordination and commitment to making sound technical recommendations for valuable projects. Stanton also asks about expanding the use of categorical exclusions (CE) for EI projects to accelerate construction. Graham confirms that under the current administration's focus on streamlining environmental rules, expanding CE use for EI projects and moving things faster are priorities.

Ms. King (Marianas Islands) highlights critical challenges in her district, including severe shoreline erosion exacerbated by recent storms, leading to unearthed unexploded ordnance. She emphasizes the urgent need for technical support and expedited permitting from the Army Corps, which she says has been denied. King also mentions sediment removal delays in a primary marina due to permitting issues. She discusses a past study for Tinian and Rota islands for remote and subsistence harbors funding through WRDA that resulted in ineligibility due to Corps' interpretation. King invites the Assistant Secretary and General to visit the Marianas to observe the challenges firsthand. Both express commitment to working with her, with General Graham offering to send their Pacific general to meet with her soon and expressing his own desire to visit.

Mr. LaMalfa (CA) asks Assistant Secretary Tel and General Graham what can be done to alleviate staffing shortages in the Sacramento district, which hinder progress on crucial water projects. Tel states they are working to optimize the workforce across districts, leveraging expertise from less busy areas. He emphasizes accelerating the update of water control manuals, particularly for Shasta Dam, as a cost-effective way to optimize water supply. LaMalfa highlights the potential for FIRO to conserve significant amounts of water by better forecasting weather. General Graham affirms their commitment to maximizing the value of facilities, deploying FIRO technology, and bringing in external expertise if needed.

Mr. Rouzer (NC) asks General Graham about the Surf City, North Carolina coastal storm risk management project, specifically regarding outstanding technicalities in the chief's report. Graham expects these to be resolved quickly. Rouzer also questions the two-year delay in reaching a cost-share agreement for the Wilmington Harbor channel improvement project. Assistant Secretary Tel acknowledges that such agreements can be complicated due to real estate acquisition and non-federal sponsor commitments, emphasizing the need to address these timelines. Rouzer also reiterates the importance of continuous beach renourishment for coastal protection and property, which both the administration and the Corps remain committed to.

The hearing begins with opening statements from Chairman Collins, Ranking Member Wilson, and other committee members. Chairman Collins emphasizes the need for the Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps) to complete projects on time, under budget, and correctly, highlighting issues like dredging backlogs, mismanagement of infrastructure repairs (e.g., Wilson and Chickamauga locks), and the need for improved efficiency. He also expresses concern over the Corps' involvement in recreational sites and advocates for greater local control. Ranking Member Wilson addresses concerns about budget cuts, staffing shortages within the Corps, and the Trump administration's alleged political interference in Corps' projects, particularly regarding the Everglades restoration and the construction of a detainment camp. Mr. Larson, Ranking Member of the full committee, acknowledges the bipartisan success of WRDAs but criticizes the administration's proposed budget cuts, which he fears will slow project delivery and increase long-term costs.

Assistant Secretary Adam Tel thanks the committee for the opportunity to discuss the Army Civil Works Program and WRDA implementation. He emphasizes the importance of the Corps' mission in navigation, flood control, disaster response, and natural resource stewardship. His priorities include establishing greater consistency and accountability across the Corps' four organizational layers, optimizing programs for quality, speed, and cost-efficiency, and reducing the federal regulatory burden. He specifically mentions efforts to clarify the definition of 'Waters of the United States' (WOTUS) following the Supreme Court's Sacket decision and reforming environmental review procedures. He also recognizes the opportunities presented by WRDA 2024 to address navigation, reservoir management, and beneficial use of dredge material. He also briefly acknowledges the passing of his father.

Lieutenant General Graham testifies about the Corps' Civil Works program, focusing on commercial navigation, flood and storm damage reduction, and aquatic ecosystem restoration. He highlights the significant economic benefits of the flood and storm damage reduction program. Graham expresses commitment to improving the Corps' 80.1% on-schedule rate, which he considers unacceptable. He outlines three key areas for improvement: ensuring correct engineering by advancing designs to at least 35% completion before authorization, improving project management through logical and resourced schedules, and assembling the right team, including leveraging private sector talent.

Chairman Collins questions the witnesses about dredging backlogs, citing the Port of Brunswick in Georgia as an example of neglect due to bureaucratic issues. Assistant Secretary Tel acknowledges the critical importance of dredging for global competitiveness and the need to re-evaluate contracting, environmental windows, and recapitalize Corps assets. General Graham adds that collaborative efforts with the dredging industry are underway to increase capacity. Collins also raises concerns about the Corps' role in recreation, suggesting that responsibilities could be transferred to local entities. Tel agrees, stating that the administration is addressing seasonal staffing shortages that led to recreation site closures and supports delegating responsibilities to state and local partners for greater efficiency.

Chairman Collins inquires about the implementation guidance and cost estimate for the new Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam. General Graham states they are working on a structural assessment, which will take about a year, to ensure the pool remains stable and comply with WRDA 2024 guidance. Ranking Member Wilson asks Assistant Secretary Tel about plans to deliver Section 219 environmental infrastructure projects efficiently, especially for underserved neighborhoods facing flooding and water quality issues. Tel commits to following the law and prioritizing projects that help communities access reliable and safe drinking water. General Graham addresses workforce losses due to hiring freezes, stating that the Corps continuously seeks talent and aims to optimize its workforce size and skills.

Mr. Larson questions Assistant Secretary Tel about the relationship between the Corps' nearly $100 billion construction backlog and the proposed 24% reduction in the administration's FY2026 budget request. Tel explains that approximately $78 billion worth of authorized projects lack funding, and $44 billion worth of funded projects have not yet been executed, with $12 billion of that being over five years old. He suggests that only about a third of appropriated funds directly go to building or maintaining projects, emphasizing the need for greater efficiency. Tel commits to working with the committee to ensure maximum value for taxpayer dollars and adherence to legal requirements for Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund spending. Mr. Garamendi expresses strong disapproval of the proposed budget cuts, highlighting the potential negative impact on flood control, dredging, and WRDA implementation, and accuses the administration of ignoring the law.

Mr. Mann asks Assistant Secretary Tel about the status of defining 'Waters of the U.S.' (WOTUS). Tel confirms that interim guidance following the Sacket decision has been issued, and a proposed rule for a permanent definition is expected by year-end to reduce regulatory burdens. Mann also asks about elevating water supply as a primary mission of the Corps. Tel acknowledges the importance of water supply, especially in the Western U.S., and states that it's an important part of the Corps' mission alongside navigation, flood risk mitigation, and aquatic ecosystem restoration. He reiterates the backlog across all project categories and commits to working with the committee and General Graham to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Mr. Ryan brings attention to a severe drinking water crisis in the Village of Kiryas Joel, New York, a rapidly growing community. He describes the Catksill Aqueduct Connection Project, a 13-mile pipeline and water treatment plant, as a critical solution. Ryan seeks commitment from General Graham and Assistant Secretary Tel to prioritize funding and support for this project, which received increased authorization in WRDA 2024. Both express willingness to meet and discuss the project further, acknowledging the urgency of the situation.

Mr. Fong thanks President Trump for his focus on California water policies and his executive orders for emergency measures to provide water resources. He asks Assistant Secretary Tel how the Corps plans to streamline policies for projects like Red Bank and Folsom Dam to increase water storage and recharge groundwater effectively. Tel confirms their commitment to optimizing reservoir use through updated water control manuals and forecast-informed reservoir operations, aiming to increase water supply for agriculture and municipalities. Fong also emphasizes the need to accelerate the feasibility study for raising Pine Flat Dam and completing the Success Reservoir Enlargement Project. He highlights the importance of incorporating advanced forecasting technologies like ASO and FIRO to better manage watersheds and snowpack. Tel and Graham confirm the Corps' commitment to leveraging these technologies.

Mr. Pappas (NH) expresses concern about the impact of the administration's hiring freeze on the New England District's recreation areas, leading to reduced services and economic impact. Assistant Secretary Tel assures that the administration identified this problem early, initiated rehiring efforts, and is committed to fixing the issue for future seasons. Pappas also asks about coordination with apprenticeship programs for corrosion prevention, emphasizing the importance of skilled workers for infrastructure integrity. Tel confirms the importance of addressing corrosion in aging infrastructure and commends efforts in this area.

Mr. Mast (FL) raises concerns about water quality in Lake Okeechobee, particularly toxic algal blooms, which impact both residents and Corps personnel. He questions why water quality standards differ for discharges to the east and west coasts compared to the Everglades. Assistant Secretary Tel acknowledges Mast's tireless advocacy and commends the Corps' actions to update the lake's water control manual to prevent unnecessary discharges. General Graham adds that research and development are ongoing to combat harmful algal blooms and address the root cause of nutrient pollution.

Ms. Poe highlights the protracted delays in flood protection projects in her district, specifically the Lower Saddle River basin project, authorized in 1986 but stalled due to known contaminated sites. She asks how the presence of contamination impacts the Corps' ability to complete such projects. General Graham explains that the Corps investigates the source of contamination to hold responsible parties accountable, or collaborates with the EPA for cleanup. He assures the committee they will get back with specific information and plans for the Lower Saddle River project.

Mr. Herd (CO) discusses the importance of the Colorado River Basin as a headwater state and expresses concern about drought. He asks about the implementation of WRDA Section 208, which directs the Corps to assess forecast-informed reservoir operations (FIRO) in the basin. Assistant Secretary Tel and General Graham confirm their commitment to optimizing water management through FIRO and other technologies to make the best use of scarce water resources and increase resilience to drought. They also emphasize expanding these capabilities through staff training, private sector collaboration, and creating centers of excellence.

Ms. Gillan (NY) highlights the need for regular maintenance dredging of federal navigation channels in her district, such as East Rockaway and Jones Beach inlets. She requests updates on dredging plans and explores options for alternate placement of dredged material. General Graham agrees to provide updates and explore solutions. Gillan also asks about utilizing new technologies, like reusable plastic grids, for coastal erosion prevention. Assistant Secretary Tel confirms the Corps' willingness to explore such technologies through its research and development center to reduce beach erosion and the need for frequent replenishment.

Mr. Burles (MO) expresses concerns about structural encroachments on Table Rock Lake, a beloved landmark in his district. He describes homeowners facing issues due to confusing surveys and the Corps' enforcement actions. Assistant Secretary Tel acknowledges the issue, states that enforcement actions have been paused, and commits to working towards a common-sense and fair outcome that balances property rights with the Corps' flood control mission. Burles also relays a constituent's concern about overly strict enforcement regarding flower pots on docks and restrictions on pizza delivery by boat, prompting Tel to investigate for reasonableness.

Ms. Sykes (OH) highlights the Massillon dam safety investment and the need for a sluice gate replacement. She mentions WRDA 2022 authority for this, but the project has been rejected for CPF funding. Sykes received implementation guidance today but notes it's not on the Corps' website, raising communication issues. Assistant Secretary Tel commits to working with Massillon to resolve the rehabilitation issues. Sykes also questions how the Corps manages authorized but unfunded projects given budget cuts, emphasizing the need for efficiency. She then criticizes the Secret Service's directive for the Army Corps to change the outflow of Ohio's Caesar Creek Lake for a kayaking trip for the Vice President, questioning its efficiency and cost. Tel defends the action as a security measure under Secret Service protection protocols.