EXCERPT<\/em>:<\/p>\n The National Waterways Conference, Inc. (NWC or Conference)\u00a0submits these comments in response to the Final Principles and\u00a0Requirements and the draft Interagency Guidelines and request for\u00a0comments on the draft guidelines published in the Federal Register\u00a0on March 27, 2013. 78 Fed. Reg. 18562. The date for filing\u00a0comments has been extended to June 27, 2013.\u00a0Established in 1960, the Conference supports national policy\u00a0and laws that recognize the vital importance of America\u2019s water\u00a0resources infrastructure to our nation\u2019s well-being and quality of\u00a0life. Supporting a sound balance between economic and human needs\u00a0and environmental and ecological considerations, our mission is to\u00a0effect common sense policies and programs, recognizing the public\u00a0value of our nation\u2019s water resources and their contribution to\u00a0public safety, a competitive economy, national security,\u00a0environmental quality and energy conservation. Conference\u00a0membership is comprised of the full spectrum of water resources\u00a0stakeholders, including flood control associations, levee boards,\u00a0waterways shippers and carriers, industry and regional\u00a0associations, port authorities, shipyards, dredging contractors,\u00a0regional water supply districts, engineering consultants, and state\u00a0and local governments.<\/p>\n