What's Happening?
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is facing challenges in executing its Civil Works mission due to an outdated Executive Order (EO) 12322, issued by President Reagan in 1981. This order mandates that any federal or federally assisted land or water resource
project proposal must first be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review before being presented to Congress for approval. Over the years, the interpretation of this order has broadened, leading to the withholding of critical information necessary for Congressional decision-making. This has resulted in a choke point for factual information, affecting the Corps' ability to execute projects effectively. The Corps' Civil Works mission, which began in 1824, is crucial for America's economy and global competitiveness, generating an estimated $268 billion annually.
Why It's Important?
The outdated Executive Order has significant implications for U.S. infrastructure development and economic growth. By withholding essential information, the Corps' ability to execute projects efficiently is compromised, affecting its relationships with project partners and the public. This lack of transparency and objective information has eroded trust in the Corps' capabilities. Addressing these bureaucratic hurdles is crucial for restoring American maritime dominance and unleashing American energy potential. Streamlining Corps projects could lead to more effective infrastructure development, benefiting the economy and enhancing global competitiveness.
What's Next?
There is a need for executive action to amend or repeal Executive Order 12322 to improve transparency and communication in the Corps' project execution. This could involve reassessing the order's impact on information sharing and decision-making processes. President Trump has the opportunity to address these bureaucratic challenges and ensure that past policies do not hinder future infrastructure projects. By doing so, the Corps can better fulfill its mission and contribute to America's economic growth and competitiveness.
Beyond the Headlines
The broader implications of this issue highlight the need for reform in how federal projects are managed and approved. The erosion of trust in the Corps' capabilities underscores the importance of transparent and objective information in public policy and infrastructure development. Addressing these challenges could lead to long-term improvements in how government agencies operate and interact with stakeholders, fostering a more efficient and effective public sector.
