WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee, met with Lt. Col. Mike Bliss and Lt. Col. Kristen Dahle, the outgoing and incoming Philadelphia District Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

“Lieutenant Colonel Bliss led the Army Corps’ Philadelphia District in efforts to maintain our critical infrastructure, shore up our coasts and fortify our waterways, and I thank for his service to our country and to Delaware. I would also like to welcome Lieutenant Colonel Dahle as she prepares to succeed Colonel Bliss in the coming months. I look forward to working with her on some of Delaware’s biggest engineering projects like the expansion of the Port of Wilmington and deepening of the Delaware River. Both of these projects will exponentially increase traffic at the Port of Wilmington and spur economic growth across the First State.

“The Army Corps of Engineers is a critical partner in so many projects across Delaware, from maintaining our bridges and waterways to replenishing our beaches. The president’s proposal to cut the Army Corp’s budget by $1 billion is entirely irrational and would have grave effects in not only our state, but in communities across the country. I’ll continue to push back on this and other short-sighted budget cuts that harm our country’s transportation and water infrastructure. Instead, we need to look for smart, forward-looking ways to build a 21st century transportation system that supports a growing economy.” 

The president’s budget blueprint proposes a $1 billion, or 16 percent, cut in funding for the Army Corps of Engineers.

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