JUNE 2015

Register Now to Attend NWC’s 2015 Annual Meeting

ith 1800 miles of navigable the eastern border of the state, waterways along five is the main trade corridor for Register Online rivers, Arkansas is third goods produced in the northern W Today! in the nation in the number part of the United States, while of inland waterway miles. The the Arkansas, Ouachita, Red and Mighty Mississippi River, forming White Rivers also serve important waterways.org/ transportation routes to gateway 2015-annual-meeting/ ports near the Gulf of Mexico.

IN THIS ISSUE: Signifying its importance to the Attend this year’s meeting to learn nation’s transportation system, • Annual Meeting 2015 more from high-ranking federal the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River officials from the U.S. Army Corps of • Welcome New Members Navigation System (MKARNS) has Engineers and the U.S. Department • Upcoming Industry Events been upgraded from connector of Transportation, as well as regional • WRRDA Implementation to corridor as part of the Maritime experts, who’ll discuss the multiple Administration’s America’s Marine • Waters of the US Update benefits Arkansas’s water resources Highway Program. The upgrade bring to the region and the nation. • Appropriations Update opens future funding opportunities • Federal Flood Risk for port and waterways expansion Little Rock, situated on the Arkansas Management Standards projects. In addition, the MKARNS, River, is home to a thriving New • Mississippi River the largest civil works project South culture. With a big role in Commission Meetings ever undertaken by the U.S. Army history while looking to the future, register now to attend NWC’s • Viking Cruises on the Mississippi Corps of Engineers at the time of Annual Meeting and see what Little • Deepening the Mississippi its opening, has numerous flood control projects, hydroelectric Rock is all about. You’ll leave with • Upper Mon Lock Open power plants, and soil conservation a new idea of what a southern city • Inland Waterways Report and recreational areas. can do. • Tom Waters Appointment • USACE Appointments • Parking Towing Celebrates 75 Years • Congratulations

Visit us at waterways.org. Send your ideas and suggestions for the National Waterways Conference to [email protected]. JUNE 2015 · PAGE 2

Industry Events NWC Events August 3-5 October 12-13 More info at waterways.org Gulf Intracoastal Canal Tennessee River Valley Association Association September 16-18, 2015 New Orleans, LA Nashville, TN Annual Meeting www.gicaonline.com www.trva-tcwc.org Little Rock, AR August 4-5 October 11-14 March 7-9, 2016 Soy Transportation Coalition American Association of Port Legislative Summit Rosemont, IL Authorities Washington, DC www.soytransportation.org Miami, FL www.aapa-ports.org September 21-23, 2016 August 18-20 Annual Meeting National Association of October 15-16 Norfolk, VA Flood & Stormwater American Waterways Operators Management Agencies St. Louis, MO Jackson Hole, WY www.americanwaterways.com www.nafsma.org October 19-22 August 25-27 PIANC – Dredging Conference Welcome Tenn-Tom Waterway Savannah, GA Development Council www.pianc.org New Point Clear, AL October 28-30 www.tenntom.org Int’l Propeller Club of the U.S. Members! August 27 Savannah, GA RRVA Oklahoma Water Resources www.propellerclubhq.com Manatt, Phelps & Phillips Conference October 21-23 Washington, DC Durant, OK Troy University Center for Julie Minerva www.rrva.org Water Resources Economics August 27-28 Phoenix City, AL Van Scoyoc Associates Ouachita River Valley Association [email protected] Washington, DC Thane Young Hot Springs, AR November 11-13 www.orva.org Waterways Council, Inc. Sacramento Area Flood September 7-11 New Orleans, LA Control Agency PIANC – Smart Rivers www.waterwayscouncil.org Sacramento, CA Buenos Aires, Argentina November 12-13 Rick Johnson www.pianc.org Atlantic Intracoastal October 7-9 Waterway Association Colonial Group, Inc. Pacific Northwest Waterway Jacksonville, FL Savannah, GA Association www.atlanticintracoastal.org Ryan Chandler Portland, OR www.pnwa.net

Visit us at waterways.org. Send your ideas and suggestions for the National Waterways Conference to [email protected]. JUNE 2015 · PAGE 3

WRRDA — One Year Later

he House Transportation The growing frustration boiled For the rest of the provisions and Infrastructure Water over amid assertions that the awaiting guidance, LTG Bostick TResources and Environment administration was deliberately acknowledged that the guidance Subcommittee held a hearing misinterpreting the new process. documents have been coming out on June 10th, marking the 1-year Committee Chairman Bill Shuster slowly, and both he and Sec. Darcy anniversary of the enactment of (R-PA) and Ranking Member pledged that more guidance is the Water Resources, Reform and Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR), both coming soon, although the timing is Development Act of 2014. suggested the first annual report uncertain. to Congress was written in a way For nearly three hours, the that frustrated the will of Congress To read NWC’s letter to Secretary Honorable Jo-Ellen Darcy, assistant by deliberately applying the wrong Darcy expressing concerns about secretary of the Army for Civil criteria to project proposals. Shuster the first WRRDA 7001 report, click Works, and Lt. Gen. Thomas asserted that ‘‘the administration here: waterways.org/advocacy/ Bostick, Chief of Engineers, is purposefully misinterpreting the fielded questions from committee An up-to-date list of new project authorization process implementation guidance issued members, many of whom expressed established under WRRDA.’’ DeFazio frustration that “the Corps seems to thus far can be viewed at: noted that the law was written to www.usace.army.mil/Missions/ be slow-walking implementation change the current ‘‘totally opaque guidance.” CivilWorks/ProjectPlanning/ process where spending priorities LegislativeLinks/wrrda2014/ One particular target was the are determined somewhere in the wrrda2014_impguide.aspx Administration’s handling of administration, mostly by trolls over Section 7001, the new process by at [the Office of Management and For the Federal Register notice which to identify feasibility reports, Budget] who are accountable to no soliciting submissions for the proposed feasibility studies and one,” and emphatically declared second Section 7001 report to proposed modifications to projects “Well, obviously we will correct that Congress, with a September 23, or studies to be considered for in the next bill. We will say these 2015 deadline, click here: are the only criteria you may use. authorization in future bills. The www.federalregister.gov/ Period. End of story.’’ same witnesses had faced criticism articles/2015/05/26/2015-12626/ on the implementation of this As to the status of those projects proposals-by-non-federal-interests- provision at hearings earlier this improperly included in the for-feasibility-studies-and-for- year, with concerns that the intent appendix when they otherwise modifications-to-an-authorized of Congress was disregarded as satisfied the criteria in the law, the administration added its own subcommittee Chairman Bob Gibbs policy prerogatives to the 5 criteria pressed Secretary Darcy to provide set forth in WRRDA, contrary to the a corrected list, a point reinforced law. In the first report issued under by Chairman Shuster to make the new provision, only 19 of the sure she explicitly agreed. Shuster 114 submissions were deemed to reiterated his intention to return be worthy of inclusion in the report, to a two-year schedule for water with the rest relegated to the resources bills with the next one appendix. contemplated next year.

Visit us at waterways.org. Send your ideas and suggestions for the National Waterways Conference to [email protected]. JUNE 2015 · PAGE 4

Final “Waters of the U.S.” Rulemaking Released

espite the ongoing concerns The American Farm Bureau The rule will become effective 60 of numerous stakeholders Federation called the final rule days after publication in the Federal Dand the repeated calls for worse for farmers and ranchers than Register. Publication, still pending at greater engagement with state and the original proposal. Similarly, the this time, will also launch the much- local officials, the Administration National Association of Counties anticipated legal appeals process, has released the highly controversial said the rule falls short of adding as various groups contemplate “waters of the U.S.” rule to expand clarity to protecting the nation’s which federal district courts will federal jurisdiction under the Clean waters and adds costs with few be supportive of their views. Water Act. benefits. Instead, according to Ultimately, this issue is expected to The final rule was ceremonially NACo Executive Director Matt wind up before the U.S. Supreme released by EPA Administrator Gina Chase, “the flawed consultation Court, if Congressional efforts to kill McCarthy and ASA (Civil Works) process has resulted in a final it are not successful. Jo-Ellen Darcy on the banks of the rule that does not move us closer Anacostia River in Washington. to achieving clean water goals This Just In The agencies’ attempts in recent and creates more confusion than The Final Rule will be published in months to build support and clarity.” Chase further added that the Federal Register on June 29th, repackage the jurisdictional “counties support common-sense Document 2015-13435: expansion as the “clean water rule” environmental protection, but the were not persuasive, however. final rule expands federal over­ www.federalregister.gov/public- Almost immediately, vocal critics sight and will create costly delays inspection/search?conditions%5Bter of the rule pressed the Congress to in critical work without any proven m%5D=2015-13435 intervene to prevent the rule from environmental benefit.” going into effect.

Bicameral Efforts to Stop WOTUS • H.R. 1732, The Regulatory vote of 240-177, prohibits any by the Senate Environmental Integrity Protection Act, changes to federal jurisdiction and Public Works Committee, adopted in the House by a vote under the Clean Water Act. would require withdrawal of the of 261-155, would withdraw • H.R. 2822, the FY16 Interior and rule and establish criteria for any the rule and require EPA to Environment Appropriations bill, new rule pertaining to the scope consult with state and local approved by the Appropriations of the Clean Water Act. governments and other Committee, prohibits EPA • The Senate Appropriations stakeholders in developing new from making changes to the Committee approved the FY regulations. definition of “navigable waters” 16 Interior and Environment • H.R. 2028, the FY16 Energy under the Clean Water Act. funding bill with a provision that and Water Appropriations Act, • S. 1140, the Federal Water prohibits implementation of the approved in the House by a Quality Protection Act, approved Waters of the U.S. rule.

Visit us at waterways.org. Send your ideas and suggestions for the National Waterways Conference to [email protected]. JUNE 2015 · PAGE 5

Appropriations Update

oth the House and Senate including revenue and job creation, Appropriations Committees and include a recommendation for Bhave approved FY16 the establishment of a dedicated funding measures for the Corps of revenue stream for dredging of Engineers’ civil works program at these ports. amounts substantially higher than Investigations would be funded the Administration’s request. at $111 million in the House bill, The House version of the Energy compared to $109 million by the and Water bill has been advanced Senate. The Senate report directs after floor approval, and would the Corps to complete a survey fund the program at $5.637 on the Upper Mississippi River billion, compared to the Senate Comprehensive Plan and make version, where the Appropriations recommendations in support of Committee approved a net an overall flood risk management appropriation of $5.37 billion ($5.49 plan for the entire main stem of the billion minus a rescission of $128 Mississippi River. The Mississippi million of unobligated prior year River and Tributaries project would balances). receive $330 million under the Senate bill, an increase of $105 Construction funding is strong million over the budget request, in both bills, at $1.631 billion in with the House bill providing $275 the House and $1.641 billion in million. the Senate, compared to the Administration’s request of $1.172 While both Chambers have billion. Both bills recommend full indicated an intention to adhere to use of the revenues from the Inland regular order and move individual Waterways Trust Fund. Operations funding bills, future action is murky. & Maintenance would be funded Full Senate consideration of the at $3.094 billion by the House and energy and water bill could occur $2.909 billion by the Senate. The after the Fourth of July recess, but Senate bill hits the WRRDA target hearty debate over the underlying of $1.254 billion from the Harbor funding allocations is sure to occur. Maintenance Trust Fund, with the House mark coming in at $1.17 billion. The Senate report also directs the General Accountability Office to study the economic importance of small inland ports,

Visit us at waterways.org. Send your ideas and suggestions for the National Waterways Conference to [email protected]. JUNE 2015 · PAGE 6

A Harsh Reminder That There is More Work to Do BY MICHAEL D. TALBOTT, P.E.

journey toward reducing the flood), but detailed floodplain maps misery of flooding. As a result, weren’t available until 1985. Not the Harris County Flood Control many of our channels are built to District was created in 1937 by the that standard. Texas Legislature with a dedicated So now we struggle to retrofit our funding capability, a partnership systems to meet current public was formed with the federal expectations. We’re fortunate that government, and flood damage we have a Flood Control District reduction projects have been whose only job is to devise the underway ever since. flood damage reduction plans, The Flood Control District hasn’t implement the plans and maintain forgotten, and this week the those systems. community was tragically reminded nlike most other public There are only two things you can that flood fighting must continue. infrastructure, drainage and do with flood water—move it or Not often at the forefront of the flood control systems are store it. You need flood insurance U conversation are the challenges that relied upon only occasionally. In for the times when you can’t do the Flood Control District is faced fact, drainage has been referred enough of those two things. Also, if with in funding and implementing to as the “forgotten utility.” People you’re not in the mapped floodplain projects needed to move or store it doesn’t mean you don’t need do pay attention when we get a millions of gallons of stormwater in flood insurance, it means it’s devastating flood that impacts a densely populated and relatively cheaper. Other areas can flood thousands of people, and tragically, flat area. causes loss of life. when intense rainfall overwhelms The community’s expectations for roadway stormwater systems and “We have known all along that flood protection have evolved over water flows overland to get to the this flood damage was coming,” time. In the 1940s it was believed bayous. Some storms will exceed proclaimed the Houston Chronicle that projects should be able to the capacity of whatever is built. in a front-page editorial. This handle four inches of rain in 24 hours We have 22 watersheds in headline could have been written (which we now know is statistically Harris County, each with its own this week, but it actually appeared a 2-year event). Many of our 2,500 independent flooding problems. in the newspaper after floodwaters miles of bayous, creeks and channels The battle to reduce flood risk paralyzed Houston in 1935. And the were built using this standard. Houston Post agreed: “We must not must be fought on many fronts simultaneously. Where will the rain forget again, as we did in 1929.” The National Flood Insurance Program introduced the “standard” fall next time? Floods are defining moments for of a flood that has a 1 percent This time, Brays Bayou received communities. Those floods in 1929 chance of occurring in any given and 1935 initiated the community’s year (also known as the 100-year CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

Visit us at waterways.org. Send your ideas and suggestions for the National Waterways Conference to [email protected]. JUNE 2015 · PAGE 7

“A HARSH REMINDER THAT THERE IS MORE WORK TO DO” FROM PAGE 6

the brunt of the rainfall and the The Flood Control District’s is the appropriate amount to resulting flooding. As a result, governing body, Harris County spend on flood risk reduction? As the Brays Bayou Federal Flood Commissioners Court, is committed taxpayers, would we like to divert Risk Reduction Project—“Project to ensuring that we have a money from other community Brays”—has been put in the steady source of funding for our needs or provide more funding? spotlight and received critical capital projects and maintenance The majority of the community attention regarding the schedule, operations. Unprecedented didn’t flood this time—they funding and effectiveness. investment in projects has been might have a different opinion on made over the past priorities. The project has never stalled; the 15 years with more funding (local and federal) has than $1.7 billion Even with more money, there is a come in a steady stream; and with being provided limit on how fast projects can be each part of the project completed, from local and constructed. Logistically, flood risk more homes and businesses have a federal tax dollars. reduction projects have to be built reduced risk of flooding. The community is in a particular sequence to avoid moving the flood somewhere else. Project Brays has received a lion’s much more flood share of countywide project funding, resistant than it has ever been. We know what needs to be done to and, as a result, many damages were Funding is an issue for all reduce the risk of flooding—it takes avoided during this event. Other infrastructure projects time and money to make it happen. areas of the county hit with heavy nationwide—it’s not unique to With every completed project we rains this week would have also this area and not unique to flood move toward a more flood-resilient experienced worse flooding if not reduction projects. Without community. for the success of other projects that question, we could use more were pursued simultaneously (Sims money to advance projects faster Michael D. Talbott, P.E., is the Executive Bayou, White Oak Bayou and Cypress on all fronts and some additional Director of the Harris County Flood Creek for example). damages could be avoided. What Control District Have You Ever Heard of the Water Resources Council?

nless you were intimately described in the related article, the EO, that the Council shall issue involved with water resources requires the Water Resources amendments to the Guidelines as Upolicy in the 1970s, the Council to issue amended warranted, and that it shall update answer to that question is most guidelines to federal agencies to the FFRMS every 5 years. likely no. So why are we hearing implement amended EO 11988 about it now and why is it a big consistent with the FFRMS. The new Seems like wonky inside-the-beltway deal? EO sets forth other requirements as drivel, right? But don’t be fooled. well, including that agencies consult The Water Resources Council has Executive Order 13690, establishing with the Council when issuing or not been congressionally authorized the new Federal Flood Risk amending existing regulations to carry out any activities, nor has it Management Standard (FFRMS), and procedures to comply with CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Visit us at waterways.org. Send your ideas and suggestions for the National Waterways Conference to [email protected]. JUNE 2015 · PAGE 8

“HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF THE WATER RESOURCES COUNCIL” FROM PAGE 7 received any federal funding since The Council was a stand-alone Council or any of its activities. As a 1982. So, how then can it do what’s independent federal agency, with consequence, because the Congress directed in the new Executive Order a dedicated staff and an annual took purposeful action to defund when it hasn’t been funded in more appropriation, and the law provided this body, the Council may not than three decades? Simply put, for its authority to meet, including lawfully conduct federal business. it can’t. At least not lawfully. The a requirement that all appropriate Moreover, the Administration Administration’s attempts to resurrect papers and records be made has cast aside the specific the Water Resources Council are publicly available. procedural and public participation contrary to basic principles of federal requirements designed to ensure appropriations law. The Council’s rules and regulations describe how it is permitted to carry transparency and accountability As background, the Water out its duties and responsibilities. in government decision-making, Resources Council was established Notably, the regulations, violating the rights of water by the Water Resources Planning implemented in 1978 (43 Fed. Reg. resources stakeholders. Act of 1965, Publ. Law 89-80, as 25945, June 15, 1978), track the That’s just not good government. amended (42 U.S.C. § 1962a). The requirements of the Government in authorities of the Council included, the Sunshine Act, enacted in 1976, For an in-depth analysis of the among other things, preparing Publ. Law 94-409. 5 U.S.C. § 552b, Water Resources Council, see NWC’s assessments of the adequacy of that meetings be open, and that all Comments on the Draft Guidelines for regional and national water supplies records and materials be available Implementing Executive Order 13690, and reviewing regional or river to the fullest extent of the law. basin plans and programs, including Establishing a Federal Flood Risk making recommendations related Since 1982, the Congress has Management Standard and a to the coordination of the water not provided, nor has the Process for Further Soliciting and and related land resources policies Administration requested, any Considering Stakeholder Input, and programs of Federal agencies. funding for the Water Resources waterways.org

Visit us at waterways.org. Send your ideas and suggestions for the National Waterways Conference to [email protected]. JUNE 2015 · PAGE 9

Fort Bend Successfully Manages Flooding BY ANDRÉ D. MCDONALD

n June 4th, the Brazos River crested at approximately 50.2 Ofeet on the Richmond gauge. The record high for that gauge was 50.3 registered in 1994. The 99+ miles of levees in Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District #2 (LID 2) performed as designed and prevented flooding of the protected areas. Some of the areas that were not structurally protected did not fare as well and experienced some flooding.

Of course the full damage assessment cannot be done until the river recedes to its normal condition (about 10-15 on the Richmond gauge) but it appears little or no damage was done to the flood control works.

Because the water exceeded the trigger points in our Emergency Preparedness Plan, we staffed the Emergency Operations Center and patrolled the levees 24/7. Our designs worked, our plan worked and as a result 150,000 people are resting easy in their un-flooded homes with little or no knowledge that the system they pay for did its job and protected them.

The included photos are from André McDonald is the President of the approximately the same vantage Fort Bend County Levee Improvement point looking at our principal District #2. drainage conduit, Ditch H. One picture shows the flow during normal conditions and the other on the morning of 31 May 2015 prior to the crest.

Visit us at waterways.org. Send your ideas and suggestions for the National Waterways Conference to [email protected]. JUNE 2015 · PAGE 10

Ensuring Public Safety and Building More Resilient Communities s the recent flooding in Texas elected officials. Many of these of Engineers, referenced the fact and neighboring states starkly initiatives have their roots in the that despite the historic May 2015 Areminds us, we must remain comprehensive, systems approach rainfall totals in Texas, Oklahoma, vigilant to protect the millions of for managing floods that was and Arkansas, the flood control Americans who live and work in developed along the Mississippi systems “played a major role in low lying areas. As the two related River after the 1927 floods. That assisting those states.” articles describing the scenes from plan—known as the Mississippi As we’ve learned from the MR&T, the front lines demonstrate, in River and Tributaries Project— and the partnerships between communities such as Fort Bend demonstrated again in 2011 that Harris County, Fort Bend and and Harris Counties which have it could withstand and manage the Corps of Engineers, a made long-term commitments to epic flows because the system comprehensive approach requires invest in flood control projects, lives performed as designed. After that cooperation between the federal were saved. We saw this play out in historic event, the MR&T enjoys a 44 government and local stakeholders, Dallas as well, where approximately to 1 return on investment. Overall, including their elected officials; 90 percent of that area’s average flood damage reduction programs implementation of a well-conceived annual rainfall was received in just have saved lives and prevented plan; a systems approach, including one month. Localized flooding more than $700 billion in riverine consideration of competing occurred in low-lying areas that and coastal damages—reducing purposes and uses; and above have planned (but not yet funded) damages by almost $8 for each all, commitment. Commitment projects, but the system worked. dollar spent. In testimony before to solve the problems resulting There was no loss of life. Tragically, the U.S. House Transportation and from flooding and commitment to lives were lost in other communities Infrastructure Water Resources and expend the needed resources over that did not have that level of Environment Subcommittee on a sustained period of time. protection. Indeed, in the wake of June 10, 2015, Lieutenant General devastation in Hays County, Judge Thomas P. Bostick, the USACE Chief CONTINUED ON PAGE 11 Bert Cobb suggested revisiting an abandoned 50-year-old flood control and water supply proposal to dam the Blanco River upstream Congress Has Heard the Concerns of Wimberley, where several people lost their lives earlier this month. “None of the funds made available by this Act may be Physical infrastructure upgrades used to implement, administer, carry out, modify, revise, and flood risk reduction practices or enforce Executive Order 13690 (entitled ‘‘Establishing are being implemented in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard and numerous places around the a Process for Further Soliciting and Considering country, and for the most part, Stakeholder Input.)” those costs are being borne by non-federal sponsors. This work We will continue to work in support of this rider, already included in involves state and local emergency several FY16 funding bills with bipartisan support, to ensure an open management officials and and transparent process for the underlying Standard. The Nation drainage and watershed experts, cannot afford anything less. working collaboratively with their

Visit us at waterways.org. Send your ideas and suggestions for the National Waterways Conference to [email protected]. JUNE 2015 · PAGE 11

“ENSURING PUBLIC SAFETY AND BUILDING MORE RESILIENT COMMUNITIES” FROM PAGE 10

Unfortunately, those lessons standard ought to include an open the FFRMS shows numerous have been largely ignored in the and transparent dialogue with state inconsistencies and contradictions, recently issued Federal Flood Risk and local officials and all impacted setting up what threatens to be an Management Standard (FFRMS). stakeholders. unwieldy, burdensome and costly Executive Order (EO) 13690, issued federal regulatory scheme. Such an by the President on January outcome will lead to less, not more, 30, 2015, to amend EO 11988, protection for the nearly 50% of the established the FFRMS and requires country who live and work in the that federal agencies update their floodplain. regulations and procedures to Equally troubling is the vast, replace the long-established 100- seemingly endless, applicability year base flood elevation (BFE), also of the new standard. Despite referred to as the 100-year flood, assertions that it is only intended to with one of three new approaches apply to federally funded projects to establish the floodplain. Those and that it does not apply to private choices are: an elevation and lateral investments, the FFRMS explicitly flood hazard area that result from states that it applies to “all Federal using a climate-informed science Actions.” A federal action is defined approach defined with the best- as “any Federal activity including: available, actionable hydrologic “(1) acquiring, managing, and and hydraulic data and methods disposing of Federal lands and intended to integrate current and facilities; (2) providing Federally future changes in flooding based on undertaken, financed or assisted climate change models; a freeboard construction and improvements; level of BFE + 2’ for noncritical and (3) conducting Federal activities actions, and BFE +3’ for critical and programs affecting land use, actions; and a redefined federal Regrettably, that did not occur including but not limited to, water flood hazard area from the current here. Instead, critical features and related land use resource 100-year BFE to a 500-year level, a of the FFRMS were established planning, regulating, and licensing 0.2-percent-annual-chance flood. behind closed doors with no public activities.” This could include the input. The opportunity to submit At the outset, it is important to issuance of Federal permits, licenses comments is merely an after- note that it would be entirely and approvals, which are predicated the-fact exercise that seeks input appropriate, and good policy, upon private investment dollars. on how to implement the new to examine the 100-year BFE to In addition, as drafted, the FFRMS Standard. No information has been ascertain whether that standard appears to be applicable to all continues to provide the level provided to explain the process grants, housing loans, federally- of safety and protection that is for selection of the expanded backed mortgages, highway aid, needed to protect the millions of vertical elevations and floodplain consultation requirements under Americans who live and work in alternatives in EO 13690, nor has any Section 7 of the Endangered low lying areas. If it is determined, fact-based analysis been revealed Species Act, and numerous other after a careful review, that the to justify or explain the new FFRMS programs, irrespective of the 50% 100-year standard does not now, levels of protection. Moreover, “substantially improved” proviso. nor will it in the future, provide there has been no disclosure of the needed level of protection, any cost-benefit analysis. Finally, then the determination of a new a careful review of EO 13690 and CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Visit us at waterways.org. Send your ideas and suggestions for the National Waterways Conference to [email protected]. JUNE 2015 · PAGE 12

“ENSURING PUBLIC SAFETY AND BUILDING MORE RESILIENT COMMUNITIES” FROM PAGE 11

More opaquely, the new standard understood to be suggestions. that are responsive to diverse would exert federal control over Assurances that agencies will stakeholder priorities with the full local land use decisions typically engage in a public process in knowledge of risk and sustainability. within the purview of state and developing their individual As the recent flooding reminds us, local governments. implementation procedures are ensuring public safety and building There are numerous other concerns not substantiated. At the end of more resilient communities are relating to the applicability of the day, the actions of the federal shared responsibilities. The new the FFRMS. Initially, the agency government impact others. FFRMS fails on both accounts. A programs to which the FFRMS Evaluating and determining the terribly missed opportunity. best approach for federal activities applies have not been identified Our detailed “Comments on the requires a shared understanding publicly. Nor is there any process Draft Guidelines for Implementing among a wide range of by which to resolve interagency Executive Order 13690, Establishing stakeholders of the comprehensive disputes. Assertions that the a Federal Flood Risk Management set of issues, options, and the implementing guidelines are Standard and a Process for distribution of risk. A transparent advisory are belied by the Further Soliciting and Considering and inclusive process will help build prescriptive language in the Stakeholder Input” can be viewed on this shared understanding and document; words such as “shall,” our website, waterways.org. “must,” and “will” are not generally foster the development of solutions

Mississippi River Commission Announces Spring Meeting Schedule

The MRC will travel the Tennessee, Cumberland and Ohio Rivers Sunday, August 9th through Friday, August 14th with stops in the following locations to experience dialogue sessions with partners and stakeholders: Chattanooga, TN; Decatur, AL; Savannah, TN; Nashville, TN; Olmstead Lock, Paducah, KY.

Public meetings will be held by the Mississippi River Commission on board the Motor Vessel MISSISSIPPI as follows: Cape Girardeau, MO (City Front) 9:00 a.m., August 14th, 2015 Memphis, TN (Beale Street Landing) 9:00 a.m., August 17th, 2015 Lake Village, AR (Boat Ramp at Old Greenville Bridge) 9:00 a.m., August 19th, 2015 Morgan City, LA (Port Cm Dock) 9:00 a.m., August 21st, 2015

All meetings will be open to the public, with an opportunity for presentations by the public, District Commander’s overview for the Commission on current project issues in the respective area, and a report by the President of the Commission on national and regional issues affecting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Commission programs and projects on the Mississippi River and its tributaries.

Please contact Edie Whittington for more information at 601-634-576 or [email protected].

Visit us at waterways.org. Send your ideas and suggestions for the National Waterways Conference to [email protected]. JUNE 2015 · PAGE 13

Viking Cruises to Launch Mississippi River Service ith a homeport of New the French Quarter in New Orleans. Baton Rouge and West Feliciana Orleans, Viking Cruises will Plans call for the construction parishes; continuing upriver to Wlaunch a Mississippi River of six new vessels over the next Memphis, Tennessee; St. Louis; or service in late 2017, announced three years at an estimated cost St. Paul, Minnesota, depending Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal of $90 million to $100 million per on the season. The specially- and Viking Cruises Chairman vessel, all of which will be built built riverboats will boast a full Torstein Hagen. in U.S. shipyards and crewed by complement of luxury amenities, U.S. citizens. Cruises will take with accommodations for up to Viking River Cruises’ first North passengers on a journey along the 300 passengers at approximately American river cruise itineraries will Mississippi River from New Orleans one-tenth the size of oceangoing operate from docking facilities near to itinerary stops in St. James, East cruise vessels.

WRRDA Opens Door for Mississippi River Deepening BY SEAN DUFFY

provision in the Water Corps of Engineers and the local Resources report to Congress on Resources Reform and project sponsor, the Louisiana the country’s preparedness to A Development Act of 2014 Department of Transportation and receive post-Panamax vessels. (WRRDA) opens the door to deepen Development, recently signed a Titled “U.S. Port and Inland the Mississippi River Ship Channel cost-share agreement to mark the Waterways Modernization: from 45 to 50 feet, in anticipation beginning of this critical step. The Preparing for Post-Panamax Vessels of larger ships coming to the region Corps’ New Orleans District issued Report,” the report was issued in as a result of the expansion of the a notice that it intends to prepare a June of 2012 and provided support Panama Canal. Section 2102(b) of Draft Supplemental Environmental for the WRRDA provision. the 2014 law amended a provision Impact Statement and held a in WRDA 86 by adjusting the series of scoping meetings. The Sean Duffy is the Executive Director of Federal channel maintenance resulting report will identify the the Big River Coalition. responsibilities from 45 to 50 feet. depth that creates the greatest net For additional information, see benefits up to a 50 foot channel. www.bigrivercoalition.org WRDA 1986 authorized the Deepening to 55 feet may be channel to be deepened to 55 feet considered in the future. based on a 1981 Feasibility Study and a Chief of Engineers’ Report The Big River Coalition has led that was completed in April 1983. the effort in support of the In order to take advantage of the channel deepening and was a key 2014 provision, the 1981 study stakeholder in the development needs to be updated, and the of the Corps’ Institute of Water

Visit us at waterways.org. Send your ideas and suggestions for the National Waterways Conference to [email protected]. JUNE 2015 · PAGE 14

WRRDA Provision Allows Increased Recreational Boating Opportunities

aking advantage of a new Section 1015 of WRRDA expands authority in WRRDA 2014, the authority of the Corps to accept Tthe Upper Monongahela voluntarily contributed funds River Association (UMRA), along from states and other non-federal with the Monongalia County interests. After working tirelessly on Commission and the U.S. Army this effort, UMRA was able to secure Corps of Engineers the agreement to allow increased Pittsburgh lock operations for recreational District, reached boats on the Upper Mon and Upper an agreement Allegheny Rivers. to make the summer weekends, expanding local rivers more Under the new agreement, the opportunities for recreational and accessible. Corps will keep open the Opekiska commercial boating, including bass and Hildebrand locks during fishing tournaments.

Tom Waters Appointed to Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission Tom Waters, Chairman of the Missouri Levee & Drainage District Association, was nominated by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon, and confirmed by the state’s Senate, to serve on the Highways and Transportation Commission. In addition to making transportation policy, the commission has authority over all state transportation programs and facilities, including bridges, highways, aviation, railroads, public transportation, ports, and waterborne commerce. Waters is a seventh-generation Missouri farmer who produces corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa.

Visit us at waterways.org. Send your ideas and suggestions for the National Waterways Conference to [email protected]. JUNE 2015 · PAGE 15

Inland Waterways Changes at Funding and Management the Corps he Transportation Research the inland waterways for freight Board unveiled its new report, transportation, and the multiple uses Brigadier General Donald E. TFunding and Managing the of the waterways. NWC participants (Ed) Jackson, Jr., currently U.S. Inland Waterways System: included Amy Larson; Kristin serving as Deputy What Policymakers Need to Know, Meira, Executive Director, Pacific Commanding General for followed by a discussion focused Northwest Waterways Association; Military and International on implications of the findings Ted Coombes, Executive Director, Operations, United States for decisions about the level of Southwestern Power Resources Army Corps of Engineers, investment required for the system Association, and Craig Philip, Ingram will take over as Deputy and options for funding. Barge Co. Commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations The committee set forth 4 major The study was motivated by upon the retirement of Major conclusions as follows: reports of deteriorating and aged General John W. Peabody infrastructure; the perception of 1. The inland waterways system is a after 36 years of service to the inadequate capital investment; a small but important component of nation. Jackson’s promotion growing backlog of capital projects, the national freight system. to Major General was recently and the decline of federal funding confirmed by the Senate. for inland navigation. Panelists 2. The most critical need for the included TRB Committee Chairman inland waterways system is a Chris Hendrickson, Carnegie Mellon sustainable and well-executed plan University; Committee members for maintaining system reliability and Michael Bronzini, George Mason performance that ensures efficient University, and Leonard Shabman, use of limited navigation resources. Resources for the Future; as well 3. More reliance on a “user pays” as Jack Wells, U.S. Department funding strategy for the commercial of Transportation (retired); Mike navigation system is feasible, Toohey, Waterways Council, Inc.; would generate new revenues for Craig Philip, Vanderbilt Center for Brigadier General Donald E. Jackson, Jr. maintenance, and would promote Transportation Research, and Ingram economic efficiency. Barge Company (retired). The panel was moderated by: Steve Godwin, 4. Asset management can help Transportation Research Board. prioritize maintenance and ascertain the level of funding required for the As background, in March 2014, the system. TRB conducted a public meeting to receive input from the inland The full report, including in-depth waterways industry and a wide array analysis of each conclusion, and a link of water resources stakeholders to the webcast can be accessed here: Major General John W. Peabody as it considered the importance of www.trb.com

Visit us at waterways.org. Send your ideas and suggestions for the National Waterways Conference to [email protected]. JUNE 2015 · PAGE 16

Parker Towing Company, one of the largest barge lines in the Southeast, celebrates 75 years of providing outstanding commitment and service to its customers, growing the region’s economy, and delivering cargo that fuels the American dream.

Congratulations and looking forward to the next 75 years.

Congratulations to...

Meagan Kaiser, Executive Director of the Upper Miss, Illinois and Missouri Rivers Association, as she and husband Mark welcome new baby Mark Allen. Heather Stebbings, Government Relations Director of the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association, as she, her husband Paul and big brother Charlie, welcome new baby Sylvie Rose.

Visit us at waterways.org. Send your ideas and suggestions for the National Waterways Conference to [email protected].