Alex Padilla Questions USACE General on Funding Shortfalls and Port Investments

New Design Standards and Project Delays

• 💡 Senator Padilla expressed concern that a proposed new 35% design standard for feasibility studies could create a catch-22, delaying larger projects due to upfront resource demands not met by the Army Corps budget.
• ⚠️ This new standard could lead to the Army Corps ceasing large projects, despite their critical need for protecting life and property, potentially delaying projects like the $14 billion Hurricane Katrina levy repair for years.
• 🎯 General Graham acknowledged the need to carefully consider the investigations budget and workload for complex studies to deliver them efficiently, especially for larger system-wide projects.
• 🛠️ The Army Corps is working to break down large projects into manageable pieces with advanced engineering that are both implementable and budgetable.

Applying Common Sense to Design Standards

• 🧠 Secretary Tel's guidance emphasizes applying common sense when analyzing the new design standards.
• ✅ The commitment is to apply common sense to deliver projects efficiently and effectively, ensuring citizens' protection and the continued operation of vital navigation interests like the Port of Long Beach.

Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund and Port Funding

• 📌 Senator Padilla questioned the administration's fiscal year 25 work plan and fiscal year 26 budget proposal, noting they do not reflect the increased funding targets for donor and energy ports directed by Congress.
• 📊 The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, the busiest container port complex in the Western Hemisphere, rely on this funding.
• 💰 Padilla sought assurance that the 12% set aside from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for donor and energy ports, as directed by the Water Resources Development Acts of 2020 and 2022, would be honored.
• ⚖️ General Graham stated that the Army Corps will follow the law, and the FY25 work plan and FY26 budget include $58 million, consistent with appropriations acts enacted by Congress.
• ⚠️ Senator Padilla pointed out that $58 million does not equate to the 12% previously discussed, indicating a shortfall in meeting the congressional directive.