Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Program: Issues for the 109th Congress

The 109th Congress is considering authorization, appropriations, and oversight issues related to the civil works program of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps plans, constructs, and operates water resources facilities primarily for flood control, navigation, and environmental purposes. Appropriations. Once Corps activities are authorized, the appropriations process plays a significant role in their realization. The Energy and Water Development appropriations bill for FY2006 approved by the House, H.R. 2419, includes 4.746 billion for the Corps FY2006 civil works budget, which is 414 million more than requested and 294 million less than the 5.040 billion enacted for FY2005. Concerns over Corps financial management e.g., the frequency of reprogramming across projects, and the use of multi-year continuing contacts are shaping the consideration of the agency s budget. Authorizations and WRDA. Congress typically authorizes Corps projects and policy changes in a Water Resources Development Act WRDA introduction of a WRDA bill has loosely followed a biennial schedule. The last enacted WRDA was in 2000. Authorization of a few controversial projects and possible changes to Corps regulations and practices are shaping the consideration of WRDA 2005, S. 728. The bill has been placed on the Senate Calendar.