Congressional Guidance Needed on Federal Cost Share of Water Resource Projects When Project Benefits Are Not Widespread

摘要

The Corps of Engineers and the Soil Conservation Service finance, construct, and sometimes maintain water resource projects (such as dams, levees, and floodwalls) to solve national water related problems. Project costs are shared by the Federal Government and local project sponsors. Standard cost sharing formulas vary depending on the agency and the project purpose. GAO (General Accounting Office) recommends that the Congress clarify its intent regarding cost sharing for water resources projects which do not offer widespread benefits and provide additional guidance to Federal agencies involved in water resource development.