Watchdog Update: Rep. Brown: Friend or foe of the coast?By Tony Bartelme (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Thursday, August 28, 2008
First District Congressman Henry Brown is taking heat for a bill that removes an undeveloped spit on Kiawah Island from the Coastal Barrier Resources System - legislation that would make future homes on the spit eligible for cheaper federal flood insurance and beach renourishment money. Meanwhile, Brown also recently received plaudits from the American Shore and Preservation Association, a group that pushes for more federal funding for beach renourishment projects. In June, the group gave Brown its "Friend of the Coast Award" citing Brown's work on key congressional committees and a bill that helps state monitor water quality. "Brown has continually criticized the Bush administration's lack of commitment to beach nourishment," the group's president Harry Simmons said in a statement. In addition to pushing for federal involvement in beach renourishment projects, the American Shore and Preservation Association holds conferences on a variety of coastal issues. Sponsors of these conferences include dredging companies, civil engineers and beach restoration companies. Brown received the award June 5. Later that month, Brown, R-SC, introduced a bill that would remove the undeveloped spit by Capt. Sam's Inlet on Kiawah from the Coastal Barrier Resources System. Land in this program is not eligible for federal funds, including beach renourishment projects and government-backed flood insurance. Brown said he introduced the bill at the request of the town of Kiawah. Developers want to build 50 homes on the spit, which is next to the county's Beachwalker Park. Brown's bill angered some who say the federal government shouldn't do anything to encourage development on barrier islands, which are prone to erosion. Petitions opposing Brown's bill have been posted on the Internet, and Brown said his office has received angry calls and letters. Reach Tony Bartelme at 937-5554 or tbartelme@postandcourier.com. |
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Comments
This article has 2 comment(s)
Posted by mkris on August 28, 2008 at 6:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The American Coastal Coalition (ACC) Board of Directors agrees in principle to explore a formal relationship with the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA). The form of such relationship is yet to be determined, but all options allowed by pertinent law agree open to discussion including, but not limited to, affiliation or merger as those terms are defined in the Internal Revenue Code. One of the principle goals of this new relationship will be the combination of all lobbying efforts (that were previously handled separately by each organization) under one lobbyist representing national coastal interests. It is also critical that the 501(c) (3) status of ASBPA be maintained under any such relationship.
The ACC proposes that a joint ACC/ASBPA committee be formed to recommend an appropriate structure, scope of responsibilities, delineation of roles and board membership between the two organizations. For discussion, we propose that this committee be comprised of two members appointed by the ACC president, two
members appointed by the ASBPA president and three members appointed jointly by the ACC and ASBPA presidents from those members who serve on the boards of both organizations. This committee would be formed within 30 days of the approval of this proposal by the boards of both organizations, and it would investigate options, review pertinent documents and issue a joint report with findings and recommended action to both organizations within 120 days of the committee’s formation’”
COULD THIS BE ANOTHER BUILDERS GROUP? WELL LETS SEE SOME INFO ABOUT ITS MEMBERSHIP AND SPONSORS:Shabica & Associates is an internationally recognized coastal consulting firm with offices in Northfield, Illinois and Charleston, South Carolina. Our professional staff specializes in design, coastal engineering, permitting, construction observation, and project management for coastal and steep slope stabilization, as well as research in this highly specialized field.
COULD THIS BE A PLANTED STORY TO UNDO THE DAMAGE TO HENRY BROWN?
Posted by mkris on August 28, 2008 at 8:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Some of American Shore and Preservation Association, sponsors work in Charleston: (ANYONE SEE THE MONEY INVOLVED?)CHARLESTON HARBOR DEEPENING This project required the use of both the ATLANTIC and the VIRGINIAN digging more than 10 million yards to deepen the channels to Charleston. The material was disposed in the ocean using bottom dump scows. The maximum round trip tow distance was 39 miles. The material removed in this project included rock ledges, stiff clays (marl), sand, and silt. This project also required the removal of a submerged wreck. During this project Norfolk Dredging conceived and engineered a Value Engineering Change Proposal, which provided South Carolina Ports Authority with approximately 1,000,000 CY of sand for future port expansion while saving USACE approximately $1,000,000.00
NEED HELP WITH A BEACH CONSTRUCTION PERMIT? Call another member of this group: Coastal Tech is focused upon the environmentally sensitive coastal zone, Coastal Tech maintains a professional working relationship with local, regional, state and federal regulatory agencies has been integral to Coastal Tech's success. These relationships enable us to efficiently design and permit new projects as well as handle project improvements and rehabilitation.\
HOW ABOUT HELP WITH DREDGING ON THE COAST, Call another LOBBIST member: The Dredging Contractors of America (DCA)
As the national non-profit trade association for the dredging industry, the Dredging Contractors of America (DCA) provides a full range of association services to its member companies. DCA represents the industry on key issues before Congress and is an active partner to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, public port authorities, state and local governments, as well as allied construction and maritime organizations.