352 



marine safety and navigation. Its recently inau^rated flushing predic- 

 tion service will grow in value to the beneficial use of the estuarine 

 zones. 



The Economic Development Administration although indirectly in- 

 volved in estuary related programs does provide assistance in com- 

 prehensive planning ajffecting the estuarine zone and in support to 

 actual projects in the zone. For example, the Coastal Plains Regional 

 Commission established pursuant to the Public Works and Eco- 

 nomic Development Act of 1965 has as an important segment of its ac- 

 tivities a marme resources program designed to stimulate growth and 

 use of marine resources in the region. The agency itself has contributed 

 to numerous projects within the coastal area. 



In brief summary, the Department of Commerce programs provide 

 essential services in the estuarine zone contributing primarily, but not 

 entirely to the commercial use of the zone. 



Co7'ps of Engineers 



Perhaps the organization that has the greatest direct physical elffect 

 on the estuaries is the Corps of Engineers operating under the Depart- 

 ment of Defense. 



Through its civil works program it literally maintains and adminis- 

 ters the navigable waters of the United States. Its programs in the es- 

 tuarine zone mclude : 



(1) provision of channels, basins and jjrotective workM; 



(2) control of dredging, filling, excavation and constru< tion in navi- 

 gable waters through issuance of permits ; 



(3) development of areas for disposal of dredged material during 

 construction and maintenance of navigation projects; and 



(4) issuance of permits regulating the discharge of industrial and 

 other wastes into navigable waters. 



Other important Corps estuarine-related programs include : 



(1) removal of wrecks, aquatic vegetation, debris, drifts, and other 

 obstructions from navigable waters ; 



(2) restoration of beaches ; 



( 3 ) construction and maintenance of small boat harbors ; 



( 4 ) providing fishing sites on piers and breakwaters ; 



(5) fish and wildlife conservation ; 



(6) development of offshore sand sources for beach restoration; 



(7) low flow augmentation ; 



(8) conduct of design and research studies of estuaries at Corps 

 laboratories ; 



(9) administration of Federal laws protecting and preserving U.S. 

 waters; and 



(10) flood and hurricane protection. 



In addition, it must be noted that the Corps of Engineers programs 

 of dam building, flood control and river clearance upstream from the 



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