Washington, D.C. (May 17, 2002) – An early copy of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' much anticipated “project review list” was obtained by Taxpayers for Common Sense and released this morning. The list glosses over many of the nation's most wasteful and controversial water projects and rubber stamps more than one hundred projects so they will not receive any additional economic review.

“The Corps of Engineers had the opportunity to come clean,” said Jeff Stein, Policy Analyst at Taxpayers for Common Sense. “They had the chance to restore some of the agency's credibility on how they conduct business, but they blew it.”

“This is a classic Washington maneuver. Take credit for doing something while you do less than nothing,” continued Stein.

A list of 171 projects eligible for further review was circulated by the Corps to Members of Congress yesterday. However, according to a summary that accompanies the list, only eight projects are actually “being reviewed as a result of this exercise.” Another 39 projects were already undergoing an economic re-evaluation when the nationwide pause was initiated, and the Corps will continue these evaluations before proceeding to construction.

This is despite a statement by Maj. Gen. Robert H. Griffin, Corps of Engineers Director of Civil Works in an April 30 press release upon the launch of the unprecedented nationwide “pause” of projects:

“This action is part of a more comprehensive initiative to ensure that Corps projects are a sound investment for our nation…It is essential that Corps projects keep up with the pace of change.”

“This list is a sham that creates further doubt that this agency can be trusted with spending billions of taxpayer dollars,” continued Stein. “We were looking for steak and all we got was tofu.”

Apparently, the cursory review performed since the Corps announcement 15 days ago is the only review that will be given to the 124 projects appearing on the list with a classification of “Review complete” under the Status of Review category. Many of the most controversial projects that appear on the full list, including nine projects highlighted in a 2000 report by Taxpayers for Common Sense and National Wildlife Federation as the most wasteful Army Corps water projects in the nation, will receive no more than a brief look.

“With the review, many of us thought that the Corps was heading down the road to reform. But, this list just proves that this agency is incapable and unwilling to reform itself,” concluded Stein. “More and more it appears the only way the Corps' reputation can be salvaged is through real comprehensive reforms like those proposed in March by Senators Smith, Feingold, and McCain.”