Wednesday, October 10, 2012

National Academies Report Released: Corps of Engineers Water Resources Infrastructure: Deterioration, Investment, or Divestment?

Recently, the National Academies Press (NAP) released a report produced by the Committee on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Water Resources Science, Engineering, and Planning; Water Science and Technology Board; Division on Earth and Life Studies; and the National Research Council titled, Corps of Engineers Water Resources Infrastructure: Deterioration, Investment, or Divestment? (2012). The 108 page report is available here, free with a one-time registration. According to the abstract,
[o]ver the past century, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has built a vast network of water management infrastructure that includes approximately 700 dams, 14,000 miles of levees, 12,000 miles of river navigation channels and control structures, harbors and ports, and other facilities. Historically, the construction of new infrastructure dominated the Corps' water resources budget and activities. Today, national water needs and priorities increasingly are shifting to operations, maintenance, and rehabilitation of existing infrastructure, much of which has exceeded its design life. However, since the mid-1980s federal funding for new project construction and major rehabilitation has declined steadily. As a result, much of the Corps' water resources infrastructure is deteriorating and wearing out faster than it is being replaced. This report explores the status of operations, maintenance, and rehabilitation of Corps water resources infrastructure, and identifies options for the Corps and the nation in setting maintenance and rehabilitation priorities.

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