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Two Federal Agencies Sign Watershed Management Agreement
Release Date: 12/20/2004
Contact Information:
Following is an Agency development which may interest you. If you need more information on this subject, call the appropriate contact.
Contact: Cathy Milbourn 202-564-7824 / [email protected]
or Gene Pawlik 202-761-7690 / [email protected]
(12/20/04) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Water and the U.S. Army’s Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works have entered into an agreement to establish a collaborative watershed partnership. The Corps of Engineers attempts to balance competing demands on the nation’s critical water resources through flood control, navigation, recreation, and infrastructure and environmental stewardship. EPA seeks to ensure drinking water is safe, and to restore and maintain the nation’s aquatic resources for human health, to support economic and recreational activities, and to provide healthy habitat for fish, plants and wildlife.
Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Ben Grumbles and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works John Paul Woodley, Jr., signed the partnership agreement.
“This partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will foster innovative approaches to finding effective answers to the many challenges and demands facing the nation’s watersheds today and in the future,” said Grumbles. “Managing water resources on a holistic watershed basis makes good sense – environmentally, financially and socially. This agreement will enable EPA and the Corps to work together to try to resolve conflicts and seek consensus among the many different interests within a watershed concerning the future of these critical national resources.”
Woodley also praised the agreement: "This partnership agreement is a great example of the benefits that can be created when federal agencies come together to work toward a common goal and share a common vision. By combining the organizational strengths and capabilities of the Corps and EPA's Office of Water as they relate to watershed health and management, we create a win-win partnership for the agencies and the nation."
The agreement signed on Nov. 19 focuses on facilitating sustainable economic development, protection, and restoration efforts in a public, inclusive and collaborative manner at the national, regional and local watershed level. Other objectives include facilitating communication among all stakeholders and interested parties, enhancing data exchange and promoting the development of innovative approaches to water resource and watershed management.
For a copy of the partnership agreement and more information on wetlands management, visit the Corps' Regulatory Branch website at: http://www.usace.army.mil/inet/functions/cw/cecwo/reg/, EPA’s website at: https://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/, or the wetlands mitigation website at: http://www.mitigationactionplan.gov .
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