Representatives Brian Higgins and Chris Collins won approval for an amendment to the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014 which prohibits any funds in the bill from being used to consolidate or move functions performed by the Army Corps of Engineers Buffalo or Chicago Sectors.
On July 10, 2013 Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives in support of the Higgins/Collins Amendment.
In remarks on the House Floor Congressman Higgins said: “ When it comes to protecting the safety, health, and future of our waterways, there is no substitute for having a team of qualified people on the ground. Taking key staff out of Western New York will only hinder the delivery of high-impact projects in progress. And any plan to turn the Buffalo or Chicago Districts into mere satellite offices is a wrongheaded decision to disinvest in our Great Lakes.”
“The Army Corps of Engineers continues to play a critical role in the success of several projects along the shore line of the Great Lakes and other regional waterways, ” said Congressman Collins. “ The plan to move the Buffalo based personnel out of Western New York is shortsighted and I am pleased this bipartisan amendment to help prevent that move passed the House. The Army Corps has yet to substantiate the savings it claims this relocation plan will achieve, and commonsense tells you that moving key personnel far away from regional project sites could end up costing taxpayers more money.”
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Dredging Today Staff, July 23, 2013