Collins starts Corps reform caucus

WASHINGTON - Republican Congressman Doug Collins of Gainesville Monday announced the formation of the Corps of Engineers Reform Caucus.

According to Collins' office, the group will focus on ways to make the agency more responsive and fiscally responsible. Collins made the announcment after tours of Buford and Hartwell dams in his district last week.

"Corps projects are too often mired in bureaucracy, which means higher costs for taxpayers and delays in important public works projects. In addition, the Corps constantly undertakes new projects before competing ongoing construction. As a result, the Corps has a construction backlog estimated at more than $60 billion. Congress needs to transform the high-spending, low-transparency Corps into a responsive and fiscally responsible agency," Collins said in a news release.

Collins will serve as chairman of the caucus.