Cargo Business Newswire

Friday, January 17, 2014

Omnibus Bill increases funding for Army Corps of Engineers

This week the House passed the $1 trillion Omnibus Bill, which after Senate approval will eliminate a government shutdown until October and increase funding for the Army Corps of Engineers, according to the Waterways Council. The bill's funding for FY2014 energy and water development appropriations is $5.4 billion, $748 million higher than 2013 post-sequester levels.

The legislation also significantly ups funds for critical port and navigation channel improvements, with $1 billion provided from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund. Only about half of the $1.5 billion in annual harbor tax monies had been expended for dredging and seaport projects.

In addition to specific project allocations, the bill also provides $47 million in additional funds for navigation construction, $27 million more for navigation operations and maintenance, $128 million in additional O&M funds for deep draft ports and an additional $42 million for inland ports, an additional $40 million for small ports O&M, and additional dredging funds of $5 million for Mississippi River Tributaries.

"WCI and its member companies appreciate the recognition in this budget of the importance of the Corps of Engineers' civil works/navigation mission to the nation," said Michael Toohey, president and CEO of WCI. "The nation's waterways and ports facilitate America's prosperity through exports, jobs, access to world markets, and competitive advantage."

For more of the WCI story: waterwayscouncil.org