May 17, 2004

McIntyre Urges Administration To Reject Proposals That Cut Funding For Waterways

Washington, D.C. – In a preemptive move regarding next year’s federal budget, U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre and several of his colleagues have joined together in sending a letter to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) urging it to review its policy regarding funding decisions for our nation’s “low use” waterways and ports. Over the next several months, OMB will begin formulating the budget to be presented to Congress in February 2006.

Congressman McIntyre stated, “OMB needs to understand that our nation’s waterways, inlets, and channels are important economic engines. From commercial traffic to recreational use, jobs are created and maintained on and from these waterways. I am working in this session of Congress to restore funding that has been slashed in this year’s budget for our waterways, and we must remain vigilant in our efforts on this important issue.”

The Administration’s budget for this fiscal year has zeroed out funding for many waterways and ports that are deemed “low use” because they do not meet standards of one billion tons of freight mile in use. This criteria penalizes the smaller navigation projects like the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Lockwoods Folly River, Carolina Beach Inlet, and New Topsail Inlet.

Congressman McIntyre is Co-Chairman of the Congressional Waterways Caucus and a member of the Coastal Caucus.