The challenges that proceed proposed bills are often adverse and sometimes non-existent. The weight of the decision making ultimately lies on the Congressmen and women and president to agree on the bills' terms. This group otherwise known as our nation's federal government, is in fact just one fraction to the equation. When we lie our plans down to survey the big scheme it would seem as though all stakeholders involved on the issue would become equally satisfied beneficiaries. For a couple decades now the federal government would not pass the bill because of the requested aid for such projects, development, and research required. It is clear that the federal government has had their priorities focused elsewhere for the time being, and found another reason to neglect the environment. Nonetheless plenty of other stakeholders such as state governments, local governments, the US Army Corps of Engineers, interest groups, businesses, and individuals show support and recognition. The federal government does have to worry about the recently collapsed markets, I can agree that top priorities do lie there. Their reluctant efforts in environmental protection and advancement though, troubles me, because we have been putting off efforts for so long.
The most willing stakeholders on the Water Resources Development Act of 2013 are businesses, interest groups, and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Though these groups are dependent on federal funding for initiating restoration, they need the improvements and labor. Collectively their power is still slightly less than what the federal government possesses. One business like Waterways Council Inc. seem eager to carry immense responsibility in carrying out restoration, as they are in supports of increasing their budget for operation and maintenance by $100 million for sustainable infrastructure on rivers, as well as supporting appropriate dredging, and proportional costs based on the project. The US Army Corps of Engineers have experts in everything that has to do with water resources and much more. The laborers here are not only fully resourced in what they do, but once given the green light, these will be the main contributors to the operations. These groups among other interest groups that gives support in water resources development have only the best intentions in expanding America's land and development. The interest groups may be more liberal, but everything here is done in moderation for a better America.
State and local governments are just a little less willing than the first group because of a couple limitations they have with their power. The resources they can provide are plentiful as the laborers are as well. States and cities that need restoration the most on their harbors, dams, and further infrastructure are the most willing of governments here. New York City is one of several other cities looking for renovation, and areas much like the Raritan River Water Basin, here in New Jersey, is on the list of targets for the bill. Cities and townships have as much power as the governor allows them to have. On the state level, the governor has the power in which the state is granted by then the federal government. As you see, bureaucracy reigns here as the federal government is still the lead bearer of power for the execution of this bill. The bill underlines that there is about fifty-seven percent of the locks and dams on the nation’s inland
waterways system have exceeded their economic design life expectancy. While some states have different agenda settings, I'm sure a good portion of these inland states desire development as they want to continue commerce by waterways.
Individual American citizens may have the least bit of power and resources to pull off significant contributions if this bill is enacted, but this doesn't measure the heart some people may have. A passionate person like myself desires drastic environmental endeavors, scoping a new outlook and mindset for the country's future. America has always been a leader, so why wouldn't I want my nation to once again pioneer a passion of mine. This isn't a selfish want either, but one that will assist the American economy. I'm sure all individuals that know a thing about the economy and the environment would support the passing of the WRD bill.
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/s601
http://www.ideaggroup.com/news/10951087/water-resources-development-act-bill-passes
http://waterwayscouncil.org/key-issues/improve-system-reliability-through-infrastructure-maintenance/
http://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/ProjectPlanning.aspx
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