Members of Maryland Congressional Delegation Meet with Army Corps of Engineers for Annual Update
WASHINGTON, DC– Members of Maryland's House Delegation met today with Army Corps of Engineers Colonel J. Richard Jordan, III, Commander of the Baltimore District, for an update on the Corps' projects in Maryland. Colonel Jordan highlighted several priorities including support for military construction; Baltimore Harbor and Channel dredging; restoration of the Chesapeake Bay, Anacostia Watershed, and Poplar Island; oyster recovery; and Hurricane Sandy recovery. The delegation also discussed the pending Water Resource Development Act, which is being negotiated between House and Senate conferees and would provide authorization for some Corps projects.
Participating in today's meeting were Representatives Steny H. Hoyer, Elijah E. Cummings, Chris Van Hollen, C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, John P. Sarbanes, Andy Harris, and John Delaney.
"I was pleased to join Colonel Jordan and Members of the Delegation today to receive an update from the Army Corps of Engineers on important projects in our state and discuss their funding needs for fiscal year 2015," stated Congressman Hoyer. "Thanks to their work, the Chesapeake Bay, its tributaries, and local watersheds have seen significant restoration and the Port of Baltimore is more competitive. The delegation is united in support of the Corps' efforts, which are key to preserving our environment, ensuring the livelihood of Marylanders, and attracting business to our state. I thank Colonel Jordan for joining us today and look forward to continuing to work together."
"As a senior member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I appreciate the Corps' vital role in maintaining the channels and waterways that serve the Port of Baltimore, as well as its role in helping to restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay. I appreciated the update the Corps provided on both of these vital issues and will continue to support the highest possible funding levels for essential Army Corps projects," said Congressman Cummings.
"I appreciate Colonel Jordon and the Baltimore District Corp of Engineers coming to the Hill today to brief us on their work plan. These projects are critical to the economic viability of the Port of Baltimore and the health of the Chesapeake Bay. I look forward to working with the Maryland delegation to support them as Congress develops the budget for the coming year,"said Congressman Van Hollen.
"Making sure that the Army Corps has the resources they need to continue important projects in our state has been one of my top priorities in Congress. Funding for the Corps is vital to ensuring the environmental stability of the Chesapeake Bay and the success of local businesses that depend on our economic centers like the Port of Baltimore," said Congressman Ruppersberger.
"The Baltimore Army Corps of Engineers is a tremendous asset," said Congressman Sarbanes. "From maintaining the Port of Baltimore, which creates thousands of jobs and spurs economic growth in our region, to restoring sensitive wetland ecosystems, the experts at the Corps have made important contributions to our state. We must provide them with the resources they need to keep up this good work."
"I was very pleased to have the opportunity to sit down with Colonel Jordan today. I look forward to partnering with the Corps to resolve some of the key issues affecting our local waterways," said Congressman Harris.
"The Army Corps of Engineers builds a stronger and more prosperous America. I thank Col. Jordan, Commander of the Baltimore District, for taking the time to meet with the Maryland delegation today to discuss the Corps' plans and needs for 2015. The Army Corps of Engineers is an essential part of our infrastructure portfolio and infrastructure equals jobs and improved competitiveness. We must continue to provide them with the resources they need," said Congressman John Delaney.