The West Virginia National Guard reports that nearly 5,000 homes, schools, and businesses have been damaged or destroyed by the flooding, which has also been responsible for 3 deaths in the State. With NRCS workload projections showing a 14,000-hour deficit, the State Department of Natural Resources detailed nearly 100 people to assist NRCS during and after the signup. Pheasants Forever participated in the training sessions and are working in NRCS offices to handle the anticipated 10,000-plus bids. On March 6th representatives from the NRCS Oregon State office and National Water and Climate Center participated in a North Pacific Division Corps of Engineers briefing on the potential for high runoff in the Columbia River System this spring. The Corps and other Federal cooperators recognize these challenges and will focus on flood control and salmon survival during the spring runoff.
Preparations are now underway to minimize effects on other uses.
Witnesses included Deputy Secretary Richard Rominger. Chairman Lugar began the hearing by stating that USDA must make purchases of information technology better integrated with strategic plans and with a set goal in mind. Deputy Secretary Rominger stated that the present moratorium on new technology acquisitions would allow USDA to establish a better set of goals and integrate them with mission-related functions. To amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to allow persons in violation of the Act to file a civil suit against the Federal government on their own behalf. To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to establish a National Clean Water Trust Fund and to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to use amounts in that Fund to carry out projects to restore and recover waters damaged by violations of that act.