Paul to Host Visit with John Paul Woodley, Jr.
Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works

July 18,  2006 

Lake Jackson, Texas: Congressman Ron Paul will host the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, John Woodley Jr., for a visit to the 14^th congressional district of Texas.  Secretary Woodley will spend several days (August 29-September 1) touring ports, beaches, rivers, and other sites where federal funds are needed for a variety of projects.

Secretary Woodley oversees the Army’s Civil Works program, including programs for conservation, development of the nation's water and wetland resources, flood control, navigation, and shore protection. 

Paul is working with congressional appropriators, the Interior Department, the Army Corps of Engineers, and federal agencies to secure funding for several engineering projects in the 14^th district, including the following:

• dredging, widening, and deepening the Texas City ship channel;
  

• combating beach erosion in Surfside Beach and on Galveston Island;
  

• reopening the mouth of the San Bernard river, made worse by Hurricane Rita;
  

• dredging the mouth of the Colorado River; and
  

• ongoing cleanup of several beaches in the aftermath of Hurricane Rita.
  

"I'm pleased Secretary Woodley has agreed to tour the 14th district and personally assess some of our projects that deserve federal funds," Paul stated.  "Under new congressional rules, the Army Corps of Engineers and federal agencies have more discretion over which projects receive priority.  It is important that officials see problems first hand, and I appreciate Secretary Woodley's willingness to spend his time considering problems that impact the economy, environment, and quality of life in the 14th district."