tant to me. I do not feel that in the process of progress we should ignore the implications that can cause a chain reaction within the environment. My direct concern with water resources, as depicted in my background biography, causes me not to pretend to be an authority or an expert in that field. I have not been involved directly in that field. I have been closely associated with it most of my career. Dealing with projects large and small, almost every one had in one form or the other some impact upon its environmental situation. This was not the case overseas. I appreciate the prudence of our Government in pursuing the protection of our environment as I saw that environment violated and the quality of life degraded in some foreign countries. Until you have had this actual experience, you don't realize that the quality of life is something that you cannot buy. I can answer you on specifics, as I know of one project which had significant impact on the preservation of wetlands and swamps. The process of engineering and building the Giant football stadium in the New Jersey Meadowlands wetlands, caused me to fully understand the impact of that situation on the environment. But rather than dwell on it, Senator, I hope that is a response to your question. Senator EXON. I appreciate your statement very much, Mr. Page. It seems to me that in the early days of all of our reclamation work, the first time that I remember getting very much involved in this was back when the Corps built one of the dams on the Missouri, the Piksloane Plant. And in those days environmental considerations were not taken much into account. We wanted to build dams to store water and to make power generation facilities available. And we just felt that the rivers and the streams and the wetlands would take care of themselves. Well, that isn't always the case. And I think mankind has learned a great deal in the last 30 or 40 years. Environmental considerations are uppermost now in our minds regarding the projects that I mentioned to you in my opening statement that effect the Platt River flows, both from Colorado and from Wyoming into Nebraska. They have a tremendous effect. And what we're concerned about, unless the environmental impact statements are properly done, we're going to find ourselves in a situation where rivers that have always been rivers are going to be total sandbars at certain times of the year. And I know that we can't predict rainfall and I know we can't predict snowfalls with certainty in the mountains. But I simply say that while I think we have to move ahead in a whole series of areas, I would hope that you would continue the attitude in the Corps that there are things equally important to man as building things, that man maintain as best he can as he moves forward with necessary improvements, to protect the quality of life as we know and see it. And we downstream in Nebraska are very much concerned about some of these things. I look forward to working with you on them and do hope-could I get a commitment from you—that the projects that I have mentioned today would be ones that you would at least take a look at when you become Secretary, as I'm sure you will. Will you take a look at them and see if they meet your standards for quality of life that you so well enunciated here today? Mr. PAGE. Yes sir, Senator. I think that's a fair request and certainly one I'll honor. Senator EXON. Thank you very much, Mr. Page. And thank you, Mr. Chairman. Senator DIXON. I wonder if Senator Gramm would yield to one question from the chairman? Senator GRAMM. Sure. Senator DIXON. He has to go elsewhere. Chairman NUNN. Thank you, Senator. I don't have any questions. I've looked at Mr. Page's résumé and I found him to be extremely well qualified for this position. I also listened very carefully to his opening statement and believe he has a balanced approach to what has to be a balanced job in terms of looking after the development projects, the Corps of Engineers, and also the environmental balance. I think it's a question of looking short term versus long term, if you put it in economic terms. In the long term, economically, we must depend on our environment being sound and preserving it for future generations. So I see it in that vein. I didn't hear Senator Gramm's introduction, but I know it was very appropriate, being from Texas. I also know you have some Alabama experience, so that stands you well too. So we're pleased to have you here, pleased to have your wife and daughter. I look forward to supporting your nomination. Mr. Chairman, I thank you for presiding today. I had several other things I had to do, and I appreciate it. Senator Gramm, thank you for yielding. Senator DIXON. May I announce the procedure here to accommodate my colleagues. Senator Gramm will ask the next line of questions. Senator Exon has gone to vote. When he returns he will assume this chair and I'll go vote. I would suggest to my colleagues, Senator Symms and Shelby if they cared to, they could go vote and come back and by that time it would be about their turn to question. I'd go from Senator Gramm to Senator Shelby and back to Senator Symms, unless you all want to wait. Senator GRAMM. Well, Mr. Chairman, I'm going to be brief. I've had an opportunity to―― Senator DIXON. Senator Gramm. Senator SHELBY. If the Senator from Texas would yield a second. I don't have any questions. I just want to vote for him. Senator DIXON. All right. We thank Senator Shelby. Senator SYMMS. I want to be recorded as voting for him. Senator DIXON. All right. Senator GRAMM. I also want to be recorded as being glad that Texas is not next to Nebraska. [Laughter.] It sounds like they're in a battle with every other State that touches them. Senator DIXON. Senator Gramm. Senator GRAMM. I just want to say, Mr. Page, that if you're ever in doubt about something, following up on what Senator Shelby said, I hope you'll talk to Bob Dawson. I really believe that he's done a better job in this position that you will assume than anybody who's ever had that job. He was controversial to begin with I think quite frankly because people who didn't want a balanced approach they thought that he might bring it. I think, quite frankly, that he was good enough at his job that he learned the issues well enough that he was able to bring a balanced approach and convince people that he was being fair about it. I just would like to suggest whenever you're in doubt that you talk to Bob Dawson. Finally, I would like to just remind you, for some reason that I have never quite understood, there is nothing that the bosom of a politician attaches itself closer to than some water project somewhere. It's an amazing thing to me that of all issues around here, the ones that get to be the most emotional have to do with building some little old pond or lake somewhere. And so I just want to warn you in advance that people take this stuff very seriously and you have signed on for a tough job, but I'm confident that you can do it and I look forward to working with you. Mr. PAGE. Thank you, sir. Senator PIXON. Senator Shelby. Senator SHELBY. Mr. Chairman, I would be remiss if I didn't tell Bob Page-he might already know this-that in my home of Tuscaloosa, AL, the Corps of Engineers, under their supervision, is replacing the locking dam. Bob Dawson did a good job and I believe you'll be there when it's finished. I hope you'll be there at the dedication. Other than that, I don't have any wetland problems today. [Laughter.] But I'm sure that out of the Mobile district you'll be hearing from myself and Senator Heflin and others and probably a lot of your friends in Birmingham. Mr. PAGE. Yes. Senator SHELBY. So I think you're uniquely qualified for this job. And although you've got some big shoes to fill, I believe you will do it. Senator GRAMM. Mr. Chairman. Senator DIXON. Senator Gramm. Senator GRAMM. I have a unanimous consent request. I'd like to ask unanimous consent that a statement of support of Mr. Page for this nomination by Senator Warner be entered into the record, as well as a letter from the American Society of Civil Engineers urging Mr. Page's confirmation. Senator DIXON. That will be done without objection. [The material mentioned follows:] PREPARED STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN WARNER Mr. Chairman, I want to join with my colleagues in welcoming Mr. Page before the committee. I look forward to hearing Mr. Page's views on this new era the Corps has entered on the financing of our Nation's water development projects. Since being elected to the Senate, passage of comprehensive water resources legislation has been among my highest priorities. Over the years, have introduced legislation and worked with my colleagues, many of whom served on this committee, who shared my commitment to this effort. As early as 1983 when we introduced S. 865, I was convinced that the cost-sharing structure in that bill was equitable and appropriate both to meet our water infrastructure needs and for the Nation's taxpayers. It was most gratifying when the Senate passed the Omnibus Water Resources Development Act last year, incorporating many of those provisions of the early bills in support of the cost-sharing concept. My keen interest in this legislation is somewhat parochial because of the harbor improvement needs of Hampton Roads and its impact on Virginia's coal producing counties. However, the overriding Federal interest in a modern harbor system is twofold: to promote America's trade potential and economic strength, as well as to meet our defense commitments. The United States must be prepared to meet the world demand for its goods by developing a more competitive port transportation system. A strong port system which increases our capacity to export reduces our balance of trade deficit and makes a positive contribution to employment in every State in the Nation. Likewise, our Constitutional obligation to provide for the Nation's defense demands that our ships be free to sail at any time. The quick and efficient development and servicing of troops and equipment must be assured by modern, well-maintained harbors. Also, the cost-sharing provisions in the act gives clear direction to our local governments of their responsibilities as partners in these projects. For Virginia, this has kept many of our desperately needed flood control and beach erosion control projects on schedule. We have made much progress on these projects under the act. The first phase of the Hampton Roads deepening project will be completed in September 1988, and the Commonwealth of Virginia has indicated its willingness to move forward with the 55 ft. phase. The Roanoke channelization project is moving toward the development of final plans and specifications. The City of Richmond and the Corps have signed the local cooperative agreement on the Richmond Flood Wall. Other projects are progressing in the planning formulation stage on schedule. Although I have been generally pleased with the Corps' implementation of the act, I do have serious reservations with the Corps' policy not to construct projects according to the project scope as authorized by Congress. I have in mind a particular policy that is adversely affecting the Roanoke Channelization Project. It is a policy which I believe violates the 25%-35% cost-sharing requirements on flood control projects. Also, I have serious reservations with the Corps' interim final rule on the abilityto-pay provisions on flood control projects as it affects the Levisa and Tug Forks projects of the Big Sandy River. In 1981 the Congress recognized the unique circumstances of the flood problems and the economic difficulties of this coal-producing region and determined that the traditional benefit-cost requirements would not be applied to these projects. As I understand this new rule, local sponsors in the Virginia portion of this project will not qualify for any cost-sharing reduction, even though the per capital personal income of the sponsoring counties is virtually the same in Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky. If this is true, this is not an equitable situation. I remain committed to the hard fought, but delicate cost-sharing agreements reached between the administration and the Congress in the Omnibus Water Resources Development Act. The fair implementation of the Omnibus Water Resources Development Act is critical to continuing the progress we have experienced in the past year. I pledge to remain intimately involved with the Corps' policies on this legislation. I trust that Mr. Page will bring continuity to this program and follow in the footsteps of his able predecessors, Secretary Bob Dawson and the Acting Assistant Secretary, John Doyle. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF Hon. JOHN W. WARNER, DEAR SENATOR WARNER: On behalf of the 100,000 members of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), I respectfully urge the Committee to approve and recommend to the Senate the conformation of Robert W. Page, Sr. to be Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. Robert Page has many years of experience in the engineering and construction field, making him eminently qualified to oversee the civil works program of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Additionally, his considerable international experience would complement the activities of the Corps. As an engineer and executive possessing vast knowledge, expertise, and experience, Robert Page's nomination is most worthy of the Committee's approval. I respectfully request that this letter be entered into the hearing record. Sincerely, ALBERT A. GRANT, P.E., President. Senator DIXON. Mr. Page, I think we can dispense with this pretty quickly. There are no other members here. I have two or three very brief questions. I take it, Mr. Page, that you do support section 404 of the Clean Water Act and the wetlands programs. Mr. PAGE. Yes, sir. I do. Senator DIXON. And you believe that the Corps has a role to play in preserving or recreating wetland programs. Mr. PAGE. I think it should be very significant, sir. Senator DIXON. I will in time, in the next several days, Mr. Page, demonstrate my guilt along with all other members of the Senate by sending you a letter concerning a wetland project very close to those of us in the Illinois congressional delegation. It happens to be in Lake County in northern Illinois. I state that for the benefit of my colleague from Texas, a Republican congressional district. I'd like to contact you about that. It's in the Upper Plains River. I'd appreciate your consideration of our request. Perhaps sometime shortly at least this Senator and Representative Porter and others will come and call upon you. I'm sure you'll be kind enough to give us a little of your time. Mr. PAGE. Yes, sir. Senator DIXON. Are there any other questions? Senator GRAMM. Mr. Chairman, I also have a unanimous consent request from Senator Thurmond that his statement of support be entered into the record. Senator DIXON. That will be entered into the record without objection. [Senator Thurmond prepared statement follows:] PREPARED STATEMENT OF SENATOR STROM THURMOND Mr. Chairman: I want to add my welcome to Mr. Page. He is an exceptionally well qualified candidate for the position of Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. Mr. Page has served our Nation with distinction both as a civilian and in uniform, being a veteran of naval service during World War II. Mr. Page will be a good addition to the senior leadership the Department of the Army. I look forward to the nominee's testimony and to ting mination. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [Questions for the hearing record with ans |