One would require truly independent review of the design, cost and environmental consequences of all corps projects costing more than $40 million.

Here, farmers and politicians have considered the corps' flood-control projects as an indispensable line of defense to protect fields and towns.

But major corps projects, like huge waterway projects in the United States, have also been criticized as grandiose and unresponsive to local needs.

Critics said other major corps projects in the Mississippi Delta and the Florida Everglades had failed miserably.

The suit claims that corps projects over the last 40 years unwittingly contributed to beach erosion on Fire Island.

The total cost for the corps project to date has been $72 million, because of additional work, installing modular offices for government agencies and building walkways.

In 2006, they succeeded in adding the peer review of corps projects to the Water resources development bill that was working its way through Congress.

Mr. Parker left office in 2002 after he testified that the administration's financing request for corps projects was too low.

Congress should require outside review of corps projects, adoption of modern water-management principles and clear work priorities.

Those who benefit from corps projects should share in the costs.