T&T: Atlantic ICW Funding

[Ted Stehle]

This will be of interest to those that use the Atlantic ICW. The information
was in the August Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association Newsletter just
received. Updates as we receive them will be posted on the Waterway Guide web
site.

Ted Stehle
Cruising & News Editor
Waterway Guide
www.waterwayguide.com
tstehle@waterwayguide.com

      Dear Edward,
      Washington DC is like a ghost town in August but all that will change
next week when Congress returns. This year being an election year, Members of
Congress hope to adjourn on October 6, 2006 which leaves them less than 20
working days to complete their full agenda.

      This short session doesn't bode well for final passage of the Energy and
Water Development Appropriations Act before the end of the year. The longer it
takes to pass this bill, the later the Corps of Engineers receives funding to
dredge the waterway and the less time they have to do the job.

      It's a wonder we get anything done with a system like this!





      a.. Federal Funding Update

     So far, Florida and North Carolina have emerged as the leaders for
dredging funds in the current version of the FY 07 Energy and Water
Development Bill. The big losers are Georgia (again) and South Carolina. Of
course, anything can happen before the final Appropriations Bill is passed.

      The House and Senate have each passed their version of the bill and will
work out the differences in conference. The conference committee is supposed
to meet mid-September. There are all kinds of rumors about when the final bill
will be passed by Congress but insiders on Capitol Hill predict that it
probably won't be until after the November elections.

      The FY 07 appropriations for the US Army Corps of Engineers continue to
be too little, too late. The following chart shows the House and Senate
recommendations.



      a.. Senate and House Versions





      a.. NC Invests in Intracoastal

     Local and state governments in North Carolina have contributed funds to
dredge some of the AIWW inlet crossings. The funding to dredge these inlets
should be funded 100% by the federal government but in recent years that has
not happened.

      I'm sure the discussions these communities had about contributing funds
to a federal project were intense. The elected leaders in the following towns
are to be congratulated for their forward thinking and commitment to their
communities:

      Town of Cape Carteret; Town of Cedar Point; Town of Emerald Isle; Town
of Swansboro; Carteret County; Onslow County; Town of North Topsail Beach;
Town of Holden Beach; Brunswick County; Town of Ocean Isle Beach

      AIWA will be recognizing these communities for their actions during the
conference on Nov. 16. Join us in giving them a rousing cheer!

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