It is my understanding that the conference report under consideration provides $125 million for the regulatory program account of the Corps of Engineers for fiscal year 2001--an increase of $8 million above the FY00 appropriation for this program. This funding is necessary for the Corps to carry out its permit-related responsibilities pertaining to navigable waters and wetlands under the Clean Water Act, the Marine Protection Research and Sanctuaries Act, and the 1899 Rivers and Harbors Act. 

I am pleased that the conferees have added these important funds in an effort to help address the growing backlog of permit applications in need of Corps review and decision. In my district and State, there is increasing concern about the number of permits that are awaiting final agency action, a number more than double what has been achievable in recent years. This growing permit backlog is unnecessarily delaying projects that are vitally important to local and regional economies. I believe the Corps must redouble its efforts to reduce this permit backlog to more reasonable levels as expeditiously and professionally as possible. I am confident that this is the intention of the conferees when they added $8 million to the regulatory program account. 

I also expect the Corps to review its current program procedures and to revise those procedures through streamlining, partnering with other public entities, or other appropriate measures that will expedite permit review and decision without jeopardizing the quality of that review and decision or the interests of the public. 

Again, I thank the conferees for taking real steps to address this crucial need and I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that the Corps effectively reduce the current permitting backlog.