The Nation : Water Projects Bill OKd

A long delayed bill authorizing the construction of federal water projects costing billions of dollars and requiring cost-sharing by states and local governments was approved by the House Public Works Committee. The bill, approved by voice vote, would end a nearly decade-long stalemate that has blocked the authorization of new flood control, navigation and other water resources projects for construction by the Army Corps of Engineers. The 403-page bill is believed to be the largest water project bill in history, with estimates for the ultimate cost of hundreds of projects it would authorize ranging from $11 billion to $20 billion.