Congress is just starting to write a new Water Resources Development Act, or WRDA, but it is already clear that one focus of the bill, which will map policy and authorize funds for the Army Corps of Engineers civil-works program, will be cutting the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund surplus by boosting spending on harbor dredging and other projects.
The Office of Management and Budget estimated the fund will take in more than $1.8 billion in 2013 user fees and interest but will have only $872 million in spending and an $8.1-billion balance.