Corps wasting money

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers commander recently said that if dredging is delayed another year, $2 million would be wasted because costs would increase.

Here’s waste: In a 2004 court settlement allowing 2005-2006 dredging, the Corps agreed to complete a sediment management plan by 2009. But $16 million later, that plan remained unfinished; no dredging. In 2014, the Corps waited until late August to issue its final environmental impact statement, and delayed its record of decision until Nov. 14, near the last possible date to issue a dredging contract.

Two hours later, they awarded the bid, which was then challenged and remained unresolved for 25 days. Then, despite an already filed legal challenge and injunction request, the Corps told the bid winner to proceed Dec. 12. Because of calculated contractor mobilization and demobilization costs, this latter Corps action puts $2 million at risk.

If dredging occurs this winter, the Corps will spend $23 million, primarily in the Clearwater-Snake confluence area, to keep navigation operational at the Port of Lewiston, where container barge traffic has dropped by over 75 percent since 2000.

Dredging, and spending, is needed every three to five years.

Alan Schonefeld

Kooskia, Idaho