12.08.16

Dems On WRDA: ‘I’m Hopeful That This Bill Will ... Quickly Become Law’

Democrat: ‘This Is A Win-Win-Win’

 

WRDA Passed the House of Representatives with an overwhelming vote of 360-61. (S. 612, Roll Call Vote #622: Motion agreed to 360-61: R 222-17; D 138-44, 12/08/2016)

 

DEMOCRATS: ‘I’m Hopeful That This Bill Will ... Quickly Become Law’

SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER (D-NY): “Protecting New York’s most vital resources – like Lake Ontario and Lake Erie – remains a top priority of mine and I am committed to ensuring we get the highest level of funding for the GLRI program. We worked hard to pass this bill that has long supported vital projects across Upstate NY and its waterways, and now I’m hopeful that this bill will . . . quickly become law.” (Sen. Schumer, Press Release, 9/16/2016)

SEN. ELIZABETH WARREN (D-MA): “I’m glad the Senate passed this bill. . . I’m especially happy we were able to get several good provisions included in the bill that benefit Massachusetts communities and families through support for infrastructure improvements. This is an important part of how the federal government can be a strong partner for our Commonwealth’s cities and towns.” (Sen. Markey, Press Release, 9/15/2016)

EPW Committee Members: ‘Some Real Wins,’ ‘A Huge Win For Our Region,’ WRDA ‘Will Create Jobs’

SEN. TOM CARPER (D-DE): “A huge win for our region included in this bill is the authorization of the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act, which creates the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the Delaware River Basin. . . Inclusion of this bill, would improve coordination among federal, state and local partners who work to protect and preserve the basin, and ensure that partners can work together to protect the health of this vital resource for generations to come. This is a win-win-win for the Delaware River Basin Watershed states of Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.” (Sen. Carper, Press Release, 9/15/2016)

  • CARPER: “This bill will also help Delaware’s coastal resilience by expanding our ability to reuse dredged material to build its dunes and coastlines, which are vital to protecting homes, businesses and infrastructure in our low-lying state.” (Sen. Carper, Press Release, 9/15/2016)

SEN. BEN CARDIN (D-MD): “For the health of the Chesapeake Bay, I fought hard to ensure that Title IV of WRDA, which includes provisions related to specific river basins, watersheds and coastal areas, increases the authorization for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Chesapeake Bay Oyster Recovery Program in Maryland and Virginia from $60 million to $100 million. The health of Maryland’s oyster population is critical to the Chesapeake Bay and our natural environment. . . WRDA also makes important investments in Maryland through investments in coastal ports like the Port of Baltimore, which rely on inland navigation systems for the movement of raw and finished goods throughout the U.S. and overseas.” (Sen. Cardin, Press Release, 9/15/2016)

SEN. BERNIE SANDERS (I-VT): “The Waterbury Dam is an essential piece of Vermont’s infrastructure. . . Maintaining and repairing the dam has long been a priority for the state. This bi-partisan legislation is a first step in rebuilding aging dams in Vermont and throughout the United States.” (Sen. Sanders, Press Release, 9/15/2016)

  • “The Senate passed an amendment Thursday introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) that would allow Vermont to apply for up to $10 million for repairs to the Waterbury Dam, which was built in the 1930s. The amendment was included in the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 . . . The Waterbury Dam is one of several dams in the United States that will be eligible to apply for the funds.” (Sen. Sanders, Press Release, 9/15/2016)

SEN. SHELDON WHITEHOUSE (D-RI): “This bill gives the green light to important projects—things like keeping our rivers and ports safe and hardening our coast against the next big storm. . . This bill’s got some real wins for Rhode Island.” (Sen. Whitehouse, Press Release, 9/15/2016)

  • “Whitehouse, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, helped to draft the bill, which contains a provision he authored to expand the Army Corps’ authority to clean up pilings and other marine debris from Rhode Island waterways.  Whitehouse included a provision ordering a study of innovative materials—like composites manufactured in Rhode Island—in Army Corps projects.  He negotiated an improvement to a Corps study of ecosystem restoration opportunities along the North Atlantic coast.  The bill would also take steps to address lead contamination in drinking water supported by Whitehouse.” (Sen. Whitehouse, Press Release, 9/15/2016)

SEN. JEFF MERKLEY (D-OR): “This bill will create jobs by putting folks to work building new infrastructure that will keep our communities safe and expand economic opportunities. Additionally, it invests in maintenance for the small ports that are the lifeblood of Oregon’s coastal communities, helping sustain good-paying jobs all up and down the coast.” (Sen. Merkley, Press Release, 9/15/2016)

  • “In particular, the Senators highlighted that the bill would make permanent a provision ensuring that small ports in Oregon and elsewhere are assured access to funding from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF). The bill also provides $70 million in funding for the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA), which Senator Merkley has championed to help local communities finance safe drinking and wastewater infrastructure projects.” (Sen. Merkley, Press Release, 9/15/2016)

SEN. KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND (D-NY): “I have fought to pass these two key provisions to help protect the long-term health of the Long Island Sound, and I am pleased the Senate passed these critical provisions as part of the Water Resources Development Act.” (Sen. Gillibrand, Press Release, 9/15/2016)

  • “U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced the U.S. Senate has passed the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which authorized $300 million per year, for the fiscal years 2017 through 2021, for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). This five-year reauthorization will provide $1.5 billion in total for the initiative, which has funded hundreds of projects along the Great Lakes, including many in Upstate NY along waterways like Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.” (Sen. Gillibrand, Press Release, 9/16/2016)

FLASHBACK: ‘Lawmakers Overwhelmingly Approved, In A 95-3 Vote’ WRDA In September

SEN. JIM INHOFE (R-OK): “With strong bipartisan support, the Republican-led Senate has once again moved an economy-boosting infrastructure bill with the passage of WRDA 2016.” (U.S. Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works, Press Release, 9/15/2016)

ALABAMA

  • Projects Funded by the Inland Waterways Trust Fund: Because Olmsted Lock and Dam is the only inland waterways project the President is budgeting for and will not be completed until 2022, this section prevents other inland waterways projects, including projects in Alabama, from being automatically deauthorized while Olmsted is being completed.
  • Additional Measures at Donor Ports and Energy Transfer Ports: Extends the authority to provide additional funds for donor ports and energy transfer ports to 2025.
  • Mobile Harbor, AL: Expedites the General Reevaluation Report, including the Environmental Impact Statement, for deepening and widening Mobile Harbor. AL.
  • Oyster Aquaculture Study: Requests the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the differing regulatory treatment of shellfish hatcheries across Corps districts (Letter request by Chairman and Ranking Member).
  • Buy America: Requires use of American iron and steel products if a project is funded using the Drinking Water SRF during fiscal year 2017.

ALASKA

  • Chiefs Report: Craig Harbor: Authorizes $32.75 million to improve navigation access at Craig, Alaska.
  • Chiefs Report: Little Diomede Authorizes $29.32 million for the purpose of navigation.
  • Study: Alaska Deep-Draft Arctic Port System: Directs the Corps to complete a study, begun  in 2010, for a project to address maritime missions and national security interests, regional growth and development, cultural compatibility, subsistence and natural resources of the region, as well as the broader Arctic objectives outlined in federal and state Arctic strategies.
  • Elfin Cove/Harbors of Refuge: Authorizes the Corps to maintain all federally authorized harbors of refuge, including restoring the harbors to their authorized depths.
  • Deauthorization: Valdez:  removes the navigation servitude designation for an adjacent property to harbor improvements provided for the City of Valdez
  • Remote Subsistence Harbors: Expands consideration of the benefits of remote and subsistence harbors to include communities that will rely on the project.
  • Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation: Revises the WIFIA program established in WRDA 2014 to clarify the scope of projects eligible for assistance, authorizes the financing of fees, and clarify that the 51 percent of project costs to be funded by sources other than a secured loan under WIFIA includes costs incurred and in-kind contributions made before receipt of the loan. 
  • Non-Federal Interest: Allows Alaska Native villages and regional and village corporations to be non-Federal sponsors of Corps projects.
  • Assistance for Small and Disadvantaged Communities: Authorizes a grant program to assist small and disadvantaged communities in complying with the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Priority is given to underserved communities without basic drinking water services. This section authorizes $60 million a year for fiscal years 2017 through 2021.
  • Denali Commission: Reauthorizes the Denali Commission by adding where appropriate a provision, which amends the Denali Commission Act of 1998.
  • Definition of Indian Tribe: Makes Indian tribes eligible for the new small community and lead pipe replacement programs.

 

ARKANSAS

  • Deauthorization: Red River Below Denison Dam, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas: Deauthorizes a portion of the project for flood protection.
  • Ouachita?Black Rivers Navigation Program ? Bank Stabilization and Water Supply: This provision adds bank stabilization as a project feature from mile 0 on the Black River, LA to mile 460 on the Ouachita River.
  • Projects Funded by the Inland Water Way Trust Fund: Because Olmsted Lock and Dam is the only inland waterways project for which the President is budgeting and that high cost project will not be completed until 2022, this section prevents other inland waterways projects from being automatically deauthorized until after Olmsted is substantially complete, which will free up funding for other inland waterways projects.
  • Water Supply Cost Savings: Establishes a drinking water technology clearinghouse to provide and disseminate  information on cost-effective, innovative, and alternative drinking water delivery systems, including systems that are supported by wells.  
  • Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation: Revises the WIFIA program established in WRDA 2014 to clarify the scope of projects eligible for assistance, authorizes the financing of fees, and clarify that the 51 percent of project costs to be funded by sources other than a secured loan under WIFIA includes costs incurred and in-kind contributions made before receipt of the loan.   
  • Management of Recreation Facilities: Authorizes the Corps to allow public service providers to operate Corps recreation facilities and collect and keep user fees for that purpose, allowing parks closed due to budget cuts to reopen.
  • Funding to Process Permits: Amends Section 214 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2000 to include railroad carriers as eligible to contribute funds to the Corps to expedite the evaluation of a permit, under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Army, related to a project or activity for public purpose.

ARIZONA

  • Structures and Facilities Constructed by the Secretary: Non-federal entities seeking to alter, use, or cross a federal water resource project This section streamlines the 408 approval process by providing that permission to alter local flood control works (like improving levees to meet flood insurance standards) can be made at the District level.
  • Project Modification: Rio de Flag, Flagstaff, AZ:  Modifies the project for flood control, Rio de Flag, Flagstaff, AZ.

CALIFORNIA

  • Chiefs Report - LA River Ecosystem Restoration: Authorizes $1.42 billion to restore 11 miles of the Los Angeles River from Griffith Park to Downtown Los Angeles while maintaining existing levels of flood management. A secondary purpose is to provide recreational opportunities.
  • Chiefs Report - South San Francisco Bay Shoreline Project: Authorizes $177 million for the construction of 4 miles of engineered levees, ecosystem restoration and flood risk protection.
  • Chiefs Report - Encinitas?Solana Beach Coastal Storm Damage Reduction Project: Authorizes the Encinitas?Solana Beach Coastal Storm Damage Reduction Project to reduce risks to public safety and economic damages associated with bluff and beach erosion along the shorelines of the Cities of Encinitas and Solana Beach, California.
  • Chief’s Report – West Sacramento, CA: Authorizes rehabilitation of levees to reduce flood risk in West Sacramento, CA.
  • Chief’s Report – American River Common Features, CA: Authorizes construction and rehabilitation of levees along the American River to reduce flood risk for the Sacramento area.
  • Chief’s Report - San Diego County, CA: Authorizes an initial $32.23 million for hurricane and storm damage reduction in San Diego County, CA.
  • Leveraging Federal Infrastructure for Increased Water Supply: Directs the Secretary to review proposals to increase water supplies by increasing storage capacity, modifying project management, or accessing water that has been released.
  • Deauthorization: Sutter Basin, California: Deauthorizes a portion of the flood control project in the Sutter Basin.
  • Study - Cache Creek Basin: Directs the Secretary to prepare a general reevaluation report on the project for flood control.
  • Study - Coyote Valley Dam: The Secretary shall conduct a study to determine the feasibility of carrying out a project for flood damage reduction, environmental restoration, and water supply by modifying the Coyote Valley Dam, California.
  • Study - Del Rosa Drainage Area: The Secretary shall conduct a study to determine the feasibility of carrying out projects for flood control and ecosystem restoration in the cities of San Bernardino and Highland, San Bernardino County, California.
  • Study - Merced County: The Secretary shall prepare a general reevaluation report on the project for flood control, Merced County streams project, California
  • Study - Mission?Zanja Drainage Area: The Secretary shall conduct a study to determine the feasibility of carrying out projects for flood control and ecosystem restoration in the cities of Redlands, Loma Linda, and San Bernardino, California, and unincorporated counties of San Bernardino County, California.
  • Prioritization: Requires a report to Congress on the implementation of the requirements in WRRDA 2014 to give priority to ecosystem restoration projects that address human health impacts. This will benefit projects such as the Salton Sea.
  • Salton Sea: Removes the pilot designation from the Salton Sea program authorized by WRDA 2007 and expands the ability of the Corps to partner with local entities to carry out projects. Changes name of the program to “Salton Sea Restoration Program”
  • Fish Hatcheries: Authorizes the Secretary to carry out additional activities at fish hatcheries at 100 percent non-Federal cost.
  • Harbor Deepening: Aligns the cost share for construction of harbors with the change in WRRDA 2014 modifying the cost-share for maintenance of harbors.
  • Beneficial Use of Dredged Materials: Directs the Corps to establish a pilot program to carry out projects for the beneficial reuse of dredged material from Federal and non-Federal navigation channels.  The program will consist of 10 geographically diverse pilot projects and will be carried out with the help of regional beneficial reuse teams. For reuse of dredged material from Federal channels, the Corps is not required to select the least cost disposal method.  The program will be terminated upon completion of the 10 selected projects. This section also clarifies that under section 204(d) of WRDA 1992 dredged material disposal is not a project that requires operation and maintenance and can be a single application of sediment. Allows use of dredged material from a non-Federal project, if obtained at non-Federal expense.
  • Lake Tahoe Restoration: Reauthorizes the Lake Tahoe restoration program based on the text of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act 2015, S. 1724 and H.R. 3382.
  • Hamilton City, California: Adjusts the authorization ceiling for the Hamilton City, CA project.
  • Transfer of Excess Credit: Clarifies authority in WRDA 2014 allowing the transfer of credit between projects.
  • Penchanga Water Rights Settlement: Authorizes water rights settlement among certain California Tribes and the United States (based on the “Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians Water Rights Settlement Act,” S. 1983 and H.R. 5984).
  • Reducing Lead in Drinking Water: Authorizes a grant program for replacement of lead service lines, testing, planning, corrosion control, and education.  Excludes partial lead service line replacement from eligibility.  Authorizes $60 million a year for fiscal years 2017 through 2021.
  • Use of Youth Service and Conservation Corps: Directs the Secretary to encourage cooperative agreements with youth service and conservation corps.
  • California Water: Provides drought relief for California and the West by expediting water storage and delivery, and alternative water supply programs in the West to help drought-stricken communities.
  • San Luis Rey settlement implementation: Implements settlement with language as passed the House of Representatives in HR 1296
  • Tule River Indian Reservation Land Trust, Health, and Economic Development Act: Takes into trust land for the benefit of the Tule River Indian Tribe with language as passed the House of Representatives in HR 4685
  • Water Desalination: Reauthorizes the Water Desalination Act of 1996.
  • Drinking Water Infrastructure: Authorizes $100 million in additional Drinking Water State Revolving Loan funding for a state with an emergency declaration due to the presence of lead or other contaminants in a public drinking water supply system, to be used at a water system that is the subject of such an emergency. This assistance may include principal forgiveness. Directs ATSDR to use its current authorities to establish a lead exposure registry for communities with drinking water related emergencies and to provide health consultations for the citizens of such communities, if requested.
  • Sense of Congress: States that it is the sense of Congress that the WIFIA program be appropriated $20 million for use by all entities eligible for WIFIA funding, including to address lead an other contaminants in drinking water systems. 
  • Registry for Lead Exposure and Advisory Committee: Authorizes HHS to establish a voluntary lead exposure registry using ATSDR or another relevant agency, or through a grant or contract, applicable to any city whose citizens are exposed to lead contamination in drinking water.  Authorizes $17,500,000 for this activity. Authorizes an advisory committee coordinated through CDC or other relevant agencies to review federal programs that address lead exposure, and identify research needs, best practices, and effective services.  Authorizes $2,500,000 for this activity.

COLORADO

  • Leveraging Federal Infrastructure for Increased Water Supply: Authorizes the Secretary to review proposals to increase water supplies by increasing storage capacity, modifying project management, or accessing water that has been released, with full public consultation. Proposals may not reallocate water, reduce water available for any authorized purpose, adversely impact water rights, or increase costs paid by others. The non-Federal interest can contribute funds to the Corps to facilitate the review of a proposal.  Proposals can only be approved under existing Corps authorities (no new authority is created).
  • Watercraft Inspection Stations: Amend the authority for watercraft inspection stations to allow operation and maintenance.
  • Gold King Mine Spill Recovery: Establishes a process for payment of claims by EPA for reimbursement of costs incurred by States, local governments, and Tribes in responding to the Gold King Mine Spill.

CONNECTICUT

  • Stonington Harbor- Deauth: Deauth a portion of the project for navigation, Stonington Harbor, Connecticut.
  • Sense of Congress: States the sense of Congress regarding disposal of dredged material, including the development of State water quality standards that impact such disposal, the reduction of open water disposal, and the resolution of interstate disputes. 

 

DELAWARE

  • Delaware Bay Coastline, Delaware and New Jersey-Roosevelt Inlet-Lewes Beach, Delaware: Extends the authorized project limit from its present eastward terminus to a distance of 8,000 feet east of the Roosevelt Inlet east jetty for hurricane and storm damage reduction.
  • Beneficial Use of Dredged Materials: Directs the Corps to establish a pilot program to carry out projects for the beneficial reuse of dredged material from Federal and non-Federal navigation channels.  The program will consist of 10 geographically diverse pilot projects and will be carried out with the help of regional beneficial reuse teams. For reuse of dredged material from Federal channels, the Corps is not required to select the least cost disposal method.  The program will be terminated upon completion of the 10 selected projects. This section also clarifies that under section 204(d) of WRDA 1992 dredged material disposal is not a project that requires operation and maintenance and can be a single application of sediment. Allows use of dredged material from a non-Federal project, if obtained at non-Federal expense.
  • Study - Delaware River Basin, NY, NJ, PA, DE: Directs the Secretary to evaluate options for modifying flood control projects to enhance opportunities for ecosystem restoration and water supply.
  • Coastal Engineering: Amends the coastal resiliency program authorized by WRRDA 2014 to give a priority to areas threatened by sea level rise and to require consultation and data-sharing with state organizations authorized to study and issue recommendations on protection of Federal assets in the coastal area. Also authorizes the Secretary to conduct regional assessments of coastal and back bay protection.
  • Study – Indian River Inlet: Directs the Secretary to study a project to provide for hurricane and storm damage reduction in the Indian River Inlet, Delaware.
  • Study - Mispillion Complex Project: Directs the Secretary to study a project to provide a system?wide approach to reduce the threat of breaching and stabilize the estuarine barrier, Conch Bar, located north of and immediately adjacent to the existing Mispillion Inlet jetty structure.
  • Munitions Disposal: Clarifies the Corps’ authority to dispose of munitions that may be found washed up on beaches in the area where the Corps is carrying out a water resources project by allowing the Corps to proceed using its own funding and seek reimbursement from responsible DOD elements.  
  • DE River Basin Conservation: Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish a nonregulatory program to help coordinate funding for restoration and protection efforts of the 4-State Delaware River Basin region.
  • Fish and Wildlife Mitigation: Requires voluntary programmatic mitigation plans to address habitat connectivity. Does not affect existing projects. Requires development of habitat connectivity measures in consultation with public and other agencies.

FLORIDA

  • Chiefs Report: Port Everglades, Florida: Authorizes $337 million for the navigation project, Port Everglades, FL.
  • Chiefs Report: Flagler County, Florida: Authorizes an initial $14.71 million for the project for hurricane and storm damage reduction, Flagler County, FL.
  • Chiefs Report: Central Everglades Planning Project, Florida: Authorizes $1.98 billion for ecosystem restoration.
  • Chiefs Report: Picayune Strand, Florida: Authorizes $626 million to restore historic water flows that benefit costal estuaries, recharge the aquifer and protect water supply while maintain current levels of flood protection.
  • Study - Daytona Beach Flood Protection, Florida: Directs the Corps to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of carrying out projects for flood control.
  • Additional Measures at Donor Ports and Energy Transfer Ports: Makes permanent the authority to provide additional funds for donor ports and energy transfer ports. Modified eligibility to add additional ports.  Port Everglades now qualifies for program.
  • Harbor Deepening: Aligns the cost share for construction of harbors with the change in WRRDA 2014 modifying the cost-share for maintenance of harbors.
  • Coastal Engineering: Amends the coastal resiliency program authorized by WRRDA 2014 to give a priority to areas threatened by sea level rise.
  • Gulf Coast Oyster Bed Recover Plan: Authorizes $2 million for a Gulf Coast Oyster Bed recovery plan.
  • Transfer of Excess Credit: Clarifies authority in WRRDA 2014 allowing the transfer of credit between projects.
  • South Atlantic Coastal Study: Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the coastal areas located within the geographical boundaries of the South Atlantic Division of the Corps of Engineers to identify the risks and vulnerabilities of those areas to increased hurricane and storm damage as a result of sea level rise.

GEORGIA  

  • Study: Brunswick Harbor, Georgia: Directs the Corps to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of modifying the project for flood control.
  • Study: Savannah River Below Augusta, Georgia: Directs the Corps to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of modifying the project for flood control.
  • Harbor Deepening: Aligns the cost share for construction of harbors with the change in WRRDA 2014 modifying the cost-share for maintenance of harbors.
  • New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam, GA & SC: Deauthorizes part of a Federal project and modifies part of the project.
  • Water Supply Conservation: Authorizes the Corps to enter into agreements with non-federal sponsors to carry out water supply conservation measures in states affected by drought. The water supply conservation measures must be consistent with the authorized purposes of Corps water resources development projects. Supersedes or modifies any amendment to an existing multistate water control plan, including those plans in the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint and Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa basins.

 

HAWAII

  • Implementation Guidance: Requires the Corps to issue guidance to implement section 2102 of WRRDA 2014 (relating to maintenance of emerging ports and Great Lakes ports).
  • Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams: Authorizes $435 million over ten years for a FEMA program for rehabilitation of high hazard potential dams.
  • Cost Sharing for Territories and Indian Tribes:  Amends section 1156 of WRDA 1986 (that waives the first $200,000 in cost share for territories) to include Indian tribes.
  • Planning Assistance to States: Provides that the cost share provided under section 1156 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 shall apply to the planning assistance to states program.

IDAHO

  • Leveraging Federal Infrastructure for Increased Water Supply:  Directs the Secretary to review proposals to increase water supplies by increasing storage capacity, modifying project management, or accessing water that has been released. 
  • Emerging Harbors: Makes the 10% set aside from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for emerging harbors permanent. Also requires that at least 10 percent of priority funds be used for emerging harbors.
  • Implementation Guidance: Requires the Corps to issue guidance to implement section 2102 of WRDA 2014 (relating to maintenance of emerging ports and Great Lakes ports).
  • Donor Ports and Energy Transfer Ports: Extends the authority to provide additional funds for donor ports and energy transfer ports permanent. Also clarifies how payments are to be administered.
  • Watercraft Inspection Stations: Authorizes operation and maintenance of watercraft inspection stations authorized in WRRDA 2014. 

INDIANA

  • Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: Authorizes the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, based on the text of based on S. 1024 and H.R. 223.
  • Implementation Guidance: Requires the Corps to issue guidance to implement section 2102 of WRDA 2014 (relating to maintenance of emerging ports and Great Lakes ports).
  • Projects Funded by the Inland Waterways Trust Fund: Because Olmsted Lock and Dam is the only inland waterways project the President is budgeting for and that high cost project will not be completed until 2022, this section prevents other inland waterways projects from being automatically deauthorized until after Olmsted is substantially complete, freeing up funding.

ILLINOIS

  • Chiefs Report: Upper Des Plaines River and Tributaries, Illinois and Wisconsin: Authorizes $315 million for environmental restoration.
  • Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: Authorizes the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, based on the text of based on S. 1024 and H.R. 223.
  • Expedited Consideration: Directs the Secretary to expedite the completion of certain flood damage reduction and flood risk management projects and certain feasibility studies and a post-authorization change report, as well as of certain projects being carried out under section 211 of WRDA 1996, including the Chicagoland Underflow Plan, phase 2.
  • Great Lakes Navigation System: Makes permanent the use of priority funds from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for projects that are located in the Great Lakes Navigation System.
  • Credit in Lieu of Reimbursement: Amends section 1022 of WRRDA 2014 to clarify that projects being constructed under section 211 of WRDA 1996 remain eligible for credit. Also clarifies that credit may be used for any other water resources development projects.
  • Implementation Guidance: Requires the Corps to issue guidance to implement section 2102 of WRRDA 2014 (relating to maintenance of emerging ports and Great Lakes ports).
  • Reducing Lead in Drinking Water: Authorizes a grant program for replacement of lead service lines, testing, planning, corrosion control, and education.  Excludes partial lead service line replacement from eligibility.  Authorizes $60 million a year for fiscal years 2017 through 2021.
  • Drinking Water Infrastructure: Authorizes $100 million in additional Drinking Water State Revolving Loan funding for a state with an emergency declaration due to the presence of lead or other contaminants in a public drinking water supply system, to be used at a water system that is the subject of such an emergency. This assistance may include principal forgiveness. Directs ATSDR to use its current authorities to establish a lead exposure registry for communities with drinking water related emergencies and to provide health consultations for the citizens of such communities, if requested.
  • Sense of Congress: States that it is the sense of Congress that the WIFIA program be appropriated $20 million for use by all entities eligible for WIFIA funding, including to address lead an other contaminants in drinking water systems. 
  • Projects Funded by the Inland Waterways Trust Fund: Because Olmsted Lock and Dam is the only inland waterways project the President is budgeting for and will not be completed until 2022, this section prevents other inland waterways projects, including projects in Illinois, from being automatically deauthorized while Olmsted is being completed.
  • Registry for Lead Exposure and Advisory Committee: Authorizes HHS to establish a voluntary lead exposure registry using ATSDR or another relevant agency, or through a grant or contract, applicable to any city whose citizens are exposed to lead contamination in drinking water.  Authorizes $17,500,000 for this activity. Authorizes an advisory committee coordinated through CDC or other relevant agencies to review federal programs that address lead exposure, and identify research needs, best practices, and effective services.  Authorizes $2,500,000 for this activity.

IOWA

  • Study - Dubuque, IA: The Secretary shall conduct a study to determine the feasibility of modifying the project for flood protection, Dubuque, Iowa,
  • Rehabilitation Assistance for Non-Federal Flood Control Projects: Authorizes the Corps to increase the level of protection when rebuilding a levee under P.L. 84-99, if the additional costs are paid by the non-Federal interest and the Corps determines it is in the public interest, including consideration of whether the same levee has had to be rebuilt multiple times, whether there is an opportunity to reduce risk of loss of life and property, and whether there is an opportunity to reduce life cycle rehabilitation costs. Also adds a definition of nonstructural alternative to include wetland, stream, and coastal restoration and requires the Corps to notify non-Federal interests of the opportunity to use non-structural measures.
  • Expedited Competition of Authorized Projects-Flood Damage Reduction: Directs the Corps to expedite the completion of four authorized flood control projects that address significant needs and risks.
  • Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers: Authorizes a study of the levees along the upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers on a system-wide basis, to evaluate the flood damage risks on a basin-wide basis.  This review was recommended by the Corps in a 2008 study and by the Secretary in a 2009 letter to Congress to address the fact that a rehabilitation of a levee at a single location often cannot be cost-justified but each location is an integral part of a levee system that provides essential flood protection benefits.
  • Projects Funded by the Inland Waterways Trust Fund: Because Olmsted Lock and Dam is the only inland waterways project the President is budgeting for and that high cost project will not be completed until 2022, this section prevents other inland waterways projects from being automatically deauthorized until after Olmsted is substantially complete, freeing up funding.
  • Cost Benefit Ratio: Requests a GAO study on methodology and performance metrics used by the Secretary to calculate cost-benefit ratios and evaluate construction projects, and there impacts on small and rural communities (Letter Request by Chairman and Ranking Member).

KANSAS

  • Chiefs Report: Armourdale and Central Industrial District Levee Units: Authorizes $328.11 million for a flood risk management project.
  • Chiefs Report: City of Manhattan, Kansas: Authorizes $24.84 million for a flood risk management project, City of Manhattan, Kansas.
  • Chiefs Report: Upper Turkey Creek Basin, Merriam, Kansas: Authorizes $39.4 million for a flood risk management project.
  • Turkey Creek Basin, Kansas and Missouri: Authorizes $156.141 million to modify the Turkey Creek Basin Project for flood damage reduction.

KENTUCKY

  • Modification: Ohio River Shoreline, Paducah, Kentucky: Authorizes $31.25 million to modify the project for rehabilitation work to the existing floodwall/levee
  • Deauthorization: Green River Lock and Dam: Deauthorizes Green River Lock and Dam 3, 4, 5 and 6.
  • Deauthorization: Barren River Lock and Dam: Deauthorizes Barren River Lock and Dam 1, Warren County, Kentucky.
  • Projects Funded by the Inland Waterways Trust Fund: Because Olmsted Lock and Dam is the only inland waterways project the President is budgeting for and will not be completed until 2022, this section prevents other inland waterways projects, including projects in Kentucky, from being automatically deauthorized while Olmsted is being completed.

 

LOUISIANA

  • Chief’s Report: West Shore-Lake Pontchartrain, LA: Authorizes $743.84million for hurricane and storm-damage risk reduction along the east bank of the Mississippi River in St. Charles, St. John the Baptist and St. James Parishes, LA.
  • Chiefs Report: Calcasieu Lock: Authorizes $17.43 million to reduce navigation delays.
  • Chiefs Report: Southwest Coastal Louisiana, LA: Authorizes $3,160,594,000 for hurricane storm surge damage reduction and ecosystem restoration in three parishes in southwestern LA.
  • Modification: Mississippi River Ship Channel, Gulf to Baton Rouge, LA: Modification to the Port of New Orleans Project, Louisiana, increasing the allowable Federal maintenance between the approaches to the Port's current and future container facilities and associated Harbor area, and the Mississippi River Ship Channel from the Gulf to Baton Rouge, Louisiana
  • Study: St. Tammany Parish: The Secretary shall conduct a study to determine the feasibility of carrying out projects described in the St. Tammany Parish Comprehensive Coastal Master Plan for flood control, shoreline protection, and ecosystem restoration in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana
  • Deauthorization: Pearl River: Deauthorizes the project for navigation, Pearl River, Mississippi and Louisiana, at the date of enactment of this act.
  • Deauthorization: Red River Below Denison Dam: The portion of the project for flood protection on Red River Below Denison Dam, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas, is no longer authorized beginning on the date of enactment of this Act.
  • Non-Fed Interest Dredging Authority: Establishes a pilot program authorizing a non-Federal interest to maintain a federal navigation project with its own equipment and personnel and be eligible for reimbursement of personnel time directly related to performance of the work.
  • Beneficial Use of Dredged Materials: Directs the Corps to establish a pilot program to carry out projects for the beneficial reuse of dredged material from Federal and non-Federal navigation channels.  The program will consist of 10 geographically diverse pilot projects and will be carried out with the help of regional beneficial reuse teams. For reuse of dredged material from Federal channels, the Corps is not required to select the least cost disposal method.  The program will be terminated upon completion of the 10 selected projects. This section also clarifies that under section 204(d) of WRDA 1992 dredged material disposal is not a project that requires operation and maintenance and can be a single application of sediment. Allows use of dredged material from a non-Federal project, if obtained at non-Federal expense.
  • Wetlands Mitigation: Requires the Secretary to issue guidance regarding credits available from mitigation banks and in-lieu fee programs and provides that mitigation banks and in-lieu fee programs be considered reasonable alternatives.
  • Ouachita?Black Rivers Navigation Program ? Bank Stabilization: Add bank stabilization as a project feature from mile 0 on the Black River, LA to mile 460 on the Ouachita River.
  • Harbor Deepening: Aligns the cost share for construction of harbors with the change in WRRDA 2014 modifying the cost-share for maintenance of harbors.
  • Discrete Segment: Authorizes the Corps to give credit or reimbursement for discrete segments of projects as they are completed. 
  • Transfer of Excess Credit: Clarifies authority in WRRDA 2014 allowing the transfer of credit between projects.
  • Expedited Consideration: Clarifies the prioritization of hurricane and storm damage reduction efforts in section 1011 of WRRDA 2014. As well as directs the Secretary to expedite completion of certain flood damage reduction and flood risk management projects and certain feasibility studies and a post-authorization change report, as well as of certain projects being carried out under section 211 of WRDA 1996.
  • Additional Measures at Donor Ports and Energy Transfer Ports: Extends the authority to provide additional funds for donor ports and energy transfer ports permanent. Also clarifies how payments are to be administered.
  • Expedited Competition of Authorized Projects-Flood Damage Reduction: Directs the Corps to expedite the completion of four authorized flood control projects that address significant needs and risks.
  • Completion of Ecosystem Restoration Projects: Amends the requirement for monitoring ecosystem restoration projects (from WRDA 2007) to allow operation and maintenance of the project to be concluded when the ecological success criteria are met.
  • Gulf Coast Oyster Bed Recovery Plan: Authorizes the Secretary to conduct  a Gulf Coast Oyster Bed recovery assessment.

 

MAINE

  • Chiefs Report: Portsmouth Harbor and Piscataqua River, New Hampshire and Maine: Authorizes $21,353,000 for navigation improvement.
  • Beneficial Use of Dredged Material: Directs the Corps to establish a pilot program to carry out projects for the beneficial reuse of dredged material from Federal and non-Federal navigation channels.  The program will consist of 10 geographically diverse pilot projects and will be carried out with the help of regional beneficial reuse teams put together by the Corps, made up of Federal, state, and other appropriate stakeholders. For reuse of dredged material from Federal channels, the Corps is not required to select the least cost disposal method.  The program will be terminated upon completion of the 10 selected projects. This section also clarifies that under section 204(d) of WRDA 1992 dredged material disposal is not a project that requires operation and maintenance and can be a single application of sediment. Allows use of dredged material from a non-Federal project, if obtained at non-Federal expense.
  • Implementation Guidance: Requires the Corps to issue guidance to implement section 2102 of WRDA 2014 (relating to maintenance of emerging ports and Great Lakes ports).
  • Emerging Harbors: Makes the 10% set aside from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for emerging harbors permanent. Also requires that at least 10 percent of priority funds be used for emerging harbors.

 

MARYLAND

  • Oyster Aquaculture Study: Requests the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the differing regulatory treatment of oyster hatcheries across Corps districts (Letter request from Chairman and Ranking Member).
  • Chesapeake Bay Oyster Restoration Authorization: Increases the authorization ceiling for fish and wildlife conservation studies and projects under section 704 of WRDA 1986, including projects in the Chesapeake Bay.  
  • Water Supply Cost Savings: Establishes a drinking water technology clearinghouse to provide and disseminate information on cost-effective, innovative, and alternative drinking water delivery systems, including systems that are supported by wells. 
  • Reducing Lead in Drinking Water: Authorizes a grant program for replacement of lead service lines, testing, planning, corrosion control, and education.  Excludes partial lead service line replacement from eligibility.  Authorizes $60 million a year for fiscal years 2017 through 2021.
  • Coastal Engineering: Amends the coastal resiliency program authorized by WRRDA 2014 to give a priority to areas threatened by sea level rise.
  • Chesapeake Bay Grass Survey: Directs the Secretary to carry out an annual survey of seas grasses in the Chesapeake Bay.
  • Drinking Water Infrastructure: Authorizes $100 million in additional Drinking Water State Revolving Loan funding for a state with an emergency declaration due to the presence of lead or other contaminants in a public drinking water supply system, to be used at a water system that is the subject of such an emergency. This assistance may include principal forgiveness. Directs ATSDR to use its current authorities to establish a lead exposure registry for communities with drinking water related emergencies and to provide health consultations for the citizens of such communities, if requested.
  • Sense of Congress: States that it is the sense of Congress that the WIFIA program be appropriated $20 million for use by all entities eligible for WIFIA funding, including to address lead an other contaminants in drinking water systems. 
  • Registry for Lead Exposure and Advisory Committee: Authorizes HHS to establish a voluntary lead exposure registry using ATSDR or another relevant agency, or through a grant or contract, applicable to any city whose citizens are exposed to lead contamination in drinking water.  Authorizes $17,500,000 for this activity. Authorizes an advisory committee coordinated through CDC or other relevant agencies to review federal programs that address lead exposure, and identify research needs, best practices, and effective services.  Authorizes $2,500,000 for this activity.

 

MASSACHUSETTS

  • Deauthorization: Essex River, MA: Deauthorization of a navigation project on the Essex River, MA.
  • New England District of the Corps: Authorizes use of the Plant Replacement Improvement Program Revolving Fund (these are existing funds) to construct a new headquarters for the New England District.
  • Beneficial Use of Dredged Material: Section directs the Corps to establish a pilot program to carry out projects for the beneficial reuse of dredged material from Federal and non-Federal navigation channels.  The program will consist of 10 geographically diverse pilot projects and will be carried out with the help of regional beneficial reuse teams put together by the Corps, made up of Federal, state, and other appropriate stakeholders. For reuse of dredged material from Federal channels, the Corps is not required to select the least cost disposal method.  The program will be terminated upon completion of the 10 selected projects. Also clarifies that under section 204(d) of WRDA 1992 dredged material disposal is not a project that requires operation and maintenance and can be a single application of sediment. Allows use of dredged material from a non-Federal project, if obtained at non-Federal expense.
  • Harbor Deepening: Aligns the cost share for construction of harbors with the change in WRRDA 2014 modifying the cost-share for maintenance of harbors.
  • Regional Sediment Management Program: Allows the Corps to use sediment from Non-Federal sources.
  • Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction: Raises the per project limit for the continuing authority for hurricane and storm damage reduction projects to $10 million.
  • Shore Damage Prevention or Mitigation: Section 1037 amends section 111 of the River and Harbor Act of 1968 to clarify that feasibility studies under this authority are cost-shared in the same proportion as construction of projects.  The section also provides that if a non-Federal interest expends more than its share of those study costs, it is eligible for reimbursement of those excess costs.

 

MICHIGAN

  • Flint Relief and Infrastructure Investment: Authorizes $100 million in additional Drinking Water State Revolving Loan funding for a state with an emergency declaration due to the presence of lead or other contaminants in a public drinking water supply system, to be used at a water system that is the subject of such an emergency. This assistance may include principal forgiveness. Directs ATSDR to use its current authorities to establish a lead exposure registry for communities with drinking water related emergencies and to provide health consultations for the citizens of such communities, if requested.
  • Sense of Congress: States that it is the sense of Congress that the WIFIA program be appropriated $20 million for use by all entities eligible for WIFIA funding, including to address lead an other contaminants in drinking water systems. 
  • Registry for Lead Exposure and Advisory Committee: Authorizes HHS to establish a voluntary lead exposure registry using ATSDR or another relevant agency, or through a grant or contract, applicable to any city whose citizens are exposed to lead contamination in drinking water.  Authorizes $17,500,000 for this activity. Authorizes an advisory committee coordinated through CDC or other relevant agencies to review federal programs that address lead exposure, and identify research needs, best practices, and effective services.  Authorizes $2,500,000 for this activity.
  • Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: Authorizes $300 million a year for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2021, for a total of $1.5 billion, for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, as described in S. Rept. 114-211.
  • Implementation Guidance: Requires the Corps to issue guidance to implement section 2102 of WRRDA 2014 (relating to maintenance of emerging ports and Great Lakes ports). Administrator to provide notice of any lead monitoring results.
  • Notice to Persons Served: Revises the notification requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act to require notice to the persons served by the system of exceedances of lead action levels.  Requires the Administrator to provide notice of lead monitoring results in certain circumstances. Requires EPA, working with States and water systems, to establish a strategic plan for outreach, education, technical assistance, and risk communication.

 

MINNESOTA

  • Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: Authorizes $300 million a year for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2021, for a total of $1.5 billion, for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
  • Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration: Amends the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 1990.
  • Buy American – Requires use of American iron and steel products if a project is funded using the Drinking Water SRF during fiscal year 2017. 
  • Implementation Guidance: Requires the Corps to issue guidance to implement section 2102 of WRRDA 2014 (relating to maintenance of emerging ports and Great Lakes ports).

 

MISSOURI

  • Chief’s Report: Armourdale and Central Industrial District Levee Units: Authorizes $328.11 million for a flood risk management project.
  • Chief’s Report: Turkey Creek Basin, KS and MO: This authorization request is needed to complete construction of the remaining phases of the MO Hillside Interceptor to mitigate impacts of the drainage area presenting the highest risk of flooding along SW Blvd.
  • Study: Blue River Basin, (Dodson Industrial District), Kansas City, Missouri: Authorizes $48.44 million to study the feasibility of modifying the project for flood damage reduction.
  • Deauthorization: Hannibal Small Harbor – Deauthorizes the project for navigation, Hannibal Small Boat Harbor, Hannibal, MO.
  • Project Modification: Modifies the project at Swope Industrial Area, Blue River, MO.
  • Upper MS and IL Rivers Comprehensive Flood Risk Management: This section authorizes a study of the levees along the upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers on a system-wide basis, to evaluate the flood damage risks on a basin-wide basis.  This review was recommended by the Corps in a 2008 study and by the Secretary in a 2009 letter to Congress to address the fact that a rehabilitation of a levee at a single location often cannot be cost-justified but each location is an integral part of a levee system that provides essential flood protection benefits.
  • Structures and Facilities Constructed by the Secretary: Streamlines the 408 permitting process by allowing permission to alter local flood control works (like improving levees to meet flood insurance standards) to be made at the District level.
  • Challenge Cost-Sharing Program for Management of Recreational Facilities: Authorizes the Corps to allow non-Federal entities to operate Corps recreation facilities and collect and keep user fees for that purpose, allowing parks closed due to budget cuts to reopen.
  • Table Rock Lake, MO: Provides direction to the Corps regarding the revision of the Table Rock Master Plan for Table Rock Lake, Arkansas and Missouri.

 

MISSISSIPPI

  • Project Completion: This section raises the authorization ceiling for projects authorized under Section 219 under WRDA 1992 that are already under construction if they could not otherwise be completed.
  • Structural Health Monitoring: Directs the Secretary to assess and improve the condition of water resources infrastructure through a structural health monitoring program.
  • Gulf Oyster Bed Recovery: Authorizes $2 million for a Gulf Coast Oyster Bed recovery plan.
  • Sardis Lake, Mississippi: Proposal stipulates that the transferee will pay the Federal Government full fair market value for the property, subject to such easements and conditions the Secretary may determine are required by the public interest.
  • Assistance for Small and Disadvantaged Communities: Authorizes a grant program to assist small and disadvantaged communities in complying with the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Priority is given to underserved communities without basic drinking water services. This section authorizes $60 million a year for fiscal years 2017 through 2021.
  • Pearl River Basin: Directs the Secretary to expedite the decision whether to recommend a flood control project that was developed by non-Federal sponsors under section 211 of WRDA 1996.

 

MONTANA

  • Water Supply Cost Savings: Establishes a drinking water technology clearinghouse to provide and disseminate information on cost-effective, innovative, and alternative drinking water delivery systems, including systems that are supported by wells.
  • Blackfeet Water Rights Settlement: This subtitle authorizes a water rights settlement, based on the text of S. 1125 and H.R. 5633.

 

NORTH CAROLINA

  • Chiefs Report: Bogue Banks, Carteret County, North Carolina: Authorizes an initial cost of $37.33 million for the storm damage reduction project Bogue Banks, North Carolina.
  • Chiefs Report: Princeville, North Carolina: Authorizes $21.54 million for flood risk management, Princeville, North Carolina.
  • Drinking Water Disaster Relief and Infrastructure Investment:   Authorizes relief for communities that face a drinking water emergency, such as the City of Flint, Michigan.
  • Kanawha River Basin: Directs the Secretary to conduct studies to determine the feasibility of implementing projects for flood risk management and other water resource related purposes within the Kanawha River Basin, West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina.
  • Recreational Access of Floating Cabins: Provides for recreational access for floating cabins on the Tennessee River System.

 

NORTH DAKOTA

  • Approval of State Programs for Control of Coal Combustion Residuals: Authorizes state permitting programs for coal combustion residuals.
  • Use Of Trailer Homes At Heart Butte Dam And Reservoir (Lake Tschida): Allows trailer area permittees at Heart Butte Dam and Reservoir (Lake Tschida) to continue using trailer homes on their permitted lots.
  • Bureau Of Reclamation Dakotas Area Office Permit Fees For Cabins And Trailers: during the period ending 5 years after the date of enactment of this act, the secretary of the interior shall not increase the permit fee for cabin or trailer on land in the state of North Dakota, by more than 33 percent of the permit fee that was in effect on January 1, 2016.

 

NEBRASKA

  • Assistance for Small and Disadvantaged Communities: Authorizes a grant program to assist small and disadvantaged communities in complying with the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Priority is given to underserved communities without basic drinking water services. This section authorizes $60 million a year for fiscal years 2017 through 2021.
  • Regulation of Above Ground Storage at Farms: Clarifies the application of the spill prevention, control, and countermeasures rule to animal feed tanks and certain tanks on separate parcels. 

 

NEVADA

  • Lake Tahoe Restoration: Reauthorizes the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act at $415 million over the next 10 years.
  • Reducing Lead in Drinking Water: Authorizes a grant program for replacement of lead service lines, testing, planning, corrosion control, and education.  Excludes partial lead service line replacement from eligibility.  Authorizes $60 million a year for fiscal years 2017 through 2021.
  • Rural Western Water: This section clarifies the selection of projects under section 595 of WRDA 1999.

 

NEW JERSEY

  • Chiefs Report: Hereford Inlet to Cape May Inlet NJ shore protection project: Authorizes a project to improve coastal resiliency.
  • Study - Delaware River Basin, NY, NJ, PA, DE: Directs the Secretary to evaluate options for modifying flood control projects to enhance opportunities for ecosystem restoration and water supply.
  • Completion of Ecosystem Restoration Projects: Amends the requirement for monitoring ecosystem restoration projects (from WRDA 2007) to allow operation and maintenance of the project to be concluded when the ecological success criteria are met.
  • Credit for Donated Goods: This section requires the Corps when calculating the amount of credit a non-Federal interest will receive for in-kind contributions to use the value of the in-kind contribution (such as the value of land provided for the project), rather than the cost of the contribution.
  • Fish and Wildlife Mitigation: Requires voluntary programmatic mitigation plans to address habitat connectivity. Does not affect existing projects. Requires development of habitat connectivity measures in consultation with public and other agencies.
  • Beneficial Use of Dredged Material: This section directs the Corps to establish a pilot program to carry out projects for the beneficial reuse of dredged material from and non-Federal navigation channels.  The program will consist of 10 geographically diverse pilot projects and will be carried out with the help of regional beneficial reuse teams. For reuse of dredged material from Federal channels, the Corps is not required to select the least cost disposal method.  The program will be terminated upon completion of the 10 selected projects. Clarifies that under section 204(d) of WRDA 1992 dredged material disposal is not a project that requires operation and maintenance and can be a single application of sediment. Allows use of dredged material from a non-Federal project, if obtained at non-Federal expense.
  • Consideration of Measures: This section directs the Corps to consider, with the consent of the non-Federal sponsor, all measures for implementing a food risk management, hurricane and storm damage reduction, or ecosystem restoration project, including natural, nature-based, nonstructural, and structural measures, and issue three reports to Congress on the same.
  • Coastal Engineering: Requires the Corps’ participation in local interagency groups reviewing sea level challenged communities.

 

NEW HAMPSHIRE

  • Chiefs Report: Portsmouth Harbor and Piscataqua River, New Hampshire and Maine: Authorizes $21.35 million for navigation improvement.

 

NEW YORK

  • Study - Chautauqua County, New York: Requires the Secretary to examine the option of dredging the proposed project area in order to mitigate for existing problems caused by accumulated sediment and debris.
  • Study - Cayuga Inlet Navigation Project, NY: Requires the Secretary to study a project to restore impaired navigational use and flood protection.
  • Study - Delaware River Basin, NY, NJ, PA, DE: Directs the Secretary to evaluate options for modifying flood control projects to enhance opportunities for ecosystem restoration and water supply.
  • Study - Silver Creek, NY: Requires the Secretary to assess the feasibility of dredging the mouth of Silver Creek (where it enters Lake Erie) and recommend a strategy to minimize flooding as a result of ice and debris jams, and to improve hydraulic capacity, fish passage and habitat.
  • Dredged Material Disposal: Requires dredged material disposal to meet state water quality standards.
  • North Atlantic Coastal Region: Clarifies the intent of section 4009 of WRRDA 2014 that the initial study of aquatic ecosystem restoration projects along the Atlantic Coast be at federal expense and that the study is a comprehensive assessment and management plan. 
  • Beneficial Use of Dredged Material: This section directs the Corps to establish a pilot program to carry out projects for the beneficial reuse of dredged material from and non-Federal navigation channels.  The program will consist of 10 geographically diverse pilot projects and will be carried out with the help of regional beneficial reuse teams. For reuse of dredged material from Federal channels, the Corps is not required to select the least cost disposal method.  The program will be terminated upon completion of the 10 selected projects. Clarifies that under section 204(d) of WRDA 1992 dredged material disposal is not a project that requires operation and maintenance and can be a single application of sediment. Allows use of dredged material from a non-Federal project, if obtained at non-Federal expense.
  • Implementation Guidance: Requires the Corps to issue guidance to implement section 2102 of WRDA 2014 (relating to maintenance of emerging ports and Great Lakes ports).
  • Lead Testing in School and Child Care Drinking Water: Authorizes $20 million a year for fiscal years 2017 through 2021, totaling $100 million, for grants to carry out a voluntary school and child care lead testing program.
  • Groundwater Contamination: Requires the Navy to submit a report to Congress regarding groundwater contamination associated with a former Navy and contractor operated facility in New York.
  • Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams: Authorizes $445 million over ten years for a FEMA program for rehabilitation of high hazard potential dams.
  • Buffalo District Headquarters: Authorizes use of the Plant Replacement Improvement Program Revolving Fund (these are existing funds) to construct a new headquarters for the Buffalo District.

 

OHIO

  • Dredged Material Disposal: Requires dredged material disposal to meet state water quality standards.
  • Implementation Guidance: Requires the Corps to issue guidance to implement section 2102 of WRRDA 2014 (relating to maintenance of emerging ports and Great Lakes ports).
  • Great Lakes Restoration Initiative:  Authorizes $300 million a year for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2021, for a total of $1.5 billion, for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, as described in S. Rept. 114-211.
  • Cincinnati, Ohio: Directs the Secretary to review the ecosystem restoration and flood risk reduction components of the Central Riverfront Park Master Plan.
  • Reducing Lead in Drinking Water: Authorizes a grant program for replacement of lead service lines, testing, planning, corrosion control, and education.  Excludes partial lead service line replacement from eligibility.  Authorizes $60 million a year for fiscal years 2017 through 2021.
  • Great Lakes Navigation System: Makes permanent the priority for projects that are located in the Great Lakes Navigation System.
  • Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway: GAO Study to provide for modernization of the Saint Lawrence Seaway in the Great Lakes.

 

OKLAHOMA

  • Authority to Accept and Use Materials and Services: Amends the section 1024 authority in WRRDA 2014 to accept and use materials and services donated by non-federal interests to include funds and to allow the donated funds, materials and services to address any risks to the functioning of the project, not just emergencies. 
  • Structures and Facilities Constructed by the Secretary: This section streamlines the 408 approval process by providing that permission to alter local flood control works (like improving levees to meet flood insurance standards) can be made at the District level.
  • Leveraging Federal Infrastructure for Increased Water Supply: Directs the Secretary to review proposals to increase water supplies by increasing storage capacity, modifying project management, or accessing water that has been released. 
  • Funding to Process Permits: Allows rail carriers to provide funding to the Corps to defray costs of reviewing permits under jurisdiction of the Department of the Army.
  • Projects Funded by the IWTF: Because Olmsted Lock and Dam is the only inland waterways project the President is budgeting for and will not be completed until 2022, this section prevents other inland waterways projects, including projects in Oklahoma, from being automatically deauthorized while Olmsted is being completed.
  • Tulsa and West Tulsa: The Secretary shall conduct a study to determine the feasibility of modifying the projects for flood risk management, Tulsa and West Tulsa, Oklahoma.
  • Assistance for Small and Disadvantaged Communities: Authorizes a grant program to assist small and disadvantaged communities in complying with the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Priority is given to underserved communities without basic drinking water services. This section authorizes $60 million a year for fiscal years 2017 through 2021.
  • Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation: Clarifies the scope of projects eligible for assistance. 
  • Drinking Water Disaster Relief and Infrastructure Investment: Authorizes relief for communities that face a drinking water emergency, such as the City of Flint, Michigan.
  • Enhancing Lake Recreation Opportunities: Removes sunset from an existing program that encourages use of Corps lakes for recreation.
  • Easements-Under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936: Waives easement fees for rural electric co-ops that have lines that cross Corps property.
  • Conveyance: Pensacola Dam and Reservoir, Grand River, OK.
  • Small Technical Assistance: Extends the authorization for small system technical assistance to fiscal year 2021.
  • Technical Assistance for Tribal Water Systems: Makes tribal operator training and certification programs eligible for assistance from tribal set-asides under section 1442(e) and 1452(i) of the Safe Drinking Water Act.
  • Approval of State Programs for Control of Coal Combustion Residuals: Authorizes state permitting programs for coal combustion residuals.
  • Choctaw Nation of OK and the Chickasaw Nation Water Settlement: This section authorizes a water rights settlement among certain Oklahoma Tribes, the State, Oklahoma City, and the United States.
  • Inventory Assessment: Require the Secretary to complete an assessment and inventory required under WRRDA 2014.
  • Land Transfer and Trust Land for the Muscogee Nation: Authorizes a transfer of land at fair market value for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.

 

OREGON

  • Chiefs Report: Lower Willamette River Environmental Dredging: Ecosystem Restoration – Authorizes $$30.34 million to restore ecosystem structure and function within a highly urbanized area surrounding the Lower Willamette River.   
  • Port of Cascade Locks, OR: Deauthorizes a portion of the project.
  • Completion of Ecosystem Restoration Projects: Amends the requirement for monitoring ecosystem restoration projects (from WRDA 2007) to allow operation and maintenance of the project to be concluded when the ecological success criteria are met.
  • Review of Corps of Engineers Assets: Requires the review of Corps assets required in WRDA 2014 to include a review of the economic, cultural, historic, or recreational significance of the assets.
  • Emerging Harbors: This section makes the 10% set aside from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for emerging harbors permanent. Also requires that at least 10 percent of priority funds be used for emerging harbors.
  • Rehab Assistance for Non-Fed Flood Control Projects: Authorizes the Corps to increase the level of protection when rebuilding a levee under P.L. 84-99, if the additional costs are paid by the non-Federal interest and the Corps determines it is in the public interest.
  • Lower Columbia River Ecosystem Restoration: Increases the authorization ceiling for ecosystem restoration studies and projects for the Lower Columbia River in Oregon and Washington, authorized in section 536 of WRDA 2000. 
  • Watercraft Inspection Stations: Clarifies that the watercraft inspection stations to protect the Columbia River Basin from invasive species may be located outside of the basin, if that is necessary to prevent introduction of invasive species.
  • Tribal Assistance: Subsection (c) authorizes relocation assistance to Indian families displaced due to the construction of Bonneville Dam and requires a study of Indian families displaced due to the construction of John Day Dam and the development of a plan to provide relocation assistance associated with that dam.
  • Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA): Expands eligibilities, addresses financing of fees, and clarifies credit for costs incurred before loan is made.
  • Review of Reservoir Operations: Allows the Secretary to accept funding from non-Federal entities to review Corps reservoir operations.
  • Fish and Wildlife Mitigation: Requires voluntary programmatic mitigation plans to address habitat connectivity. Does not affect existing projects. Requires development of habitat connectivity measures in consultation with public and other agencies.
  • Buy American – Requires use of American iron and steel products if a project is funded using the Drinking Water SRF during fiscal year 2017. 
  • Reducing Lead in Drinking Water: Authorizes a grant program for replacement of lead service lines, testing, planning, corrosion control, and education.  Excludes partial lead service line replacement from eligibility.  Authorizes $60 million a year for fiscal years 2017 through 2021.
  • Disposition Study: Requires disposition studies by the Corps, including studies under section 216 of the Flood Control Act of 1970, to include a review of the economic and recreational significance and national, State, or local impacts.
  • Columbia River Basin: This section authorizes a Columbia River Basin Restoration Program within the Clean Water Act.
  • Kennewick Man: This section requires the Corps to repatriate the Kennewick Man (a 9000 year old skeleton found by the Corps of Engineers) to the claimant tribes.

 

PENNSYLVANIA

  • Challenge Cost-Sharing Program for Management of Recreation Facilities: Authorizes the Corps to allow non-Federal entities to operate Corps recreation facilities and collect and keep user fees for that purpose, allowing parks closed due to budget cuts to reopen.
  • Implementation Guidance: Requires the Corps to issue guidance to implement section 2102 of WRRDA 2014 (relating to maintenance of emerging ports and Great Lakes ports).
  •  Deauthorization: Delaware River Waterfront in Center City: Declare the Delaware River waterfront in Center City (Philadelphia) as non-navigable.
  • Study: Johnstown, Pennsylvania: Directs the Secretary to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of modifying the flood control project, Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
  • Reducing Lead in Drinking Water: Authorizes a grant program for replacement of lead service lines, testing, planning, corrosion control, and education.  Excludes partial lead service line replacement from eligibility.  Authorizes $60 million a year for fiscal years 2017 through 2021.
  • Projects Funded by the Inland Waterways Trust Fund: Because Olmsted Lock and Dam is the only inland waterways project the President is budgeting for and will not be completed until 2022, this section prevents other inland waterways projects, including projects in Pennsylvania, from being automatically deauthorized while Olmsted is being completed.

 

RHODE ISLAND

  • Debris Removal: Expands existing debris removal authority to include debris adjacent to the Federal channel that would affect the navigability of the channel.
  • Dam Safety: Authorizes $445 million over ten years for a FEMA program for rehabilitation of high hazard potential dams.
  • Beneficial Use of Dredged Materials: Clarifies that under section 204(d) dredged material disposal is not a project that requires operation and maintenance and can be a single application of sediment.
  • Drinking Water Infrastructure:        Authorizes $100 million in additional Drinking Water State Revolving Loan funding for a state with an emergency declaration due to the presence of lead or other contaminants in a public drinking water supply system, to be used at a water system that is the subject of such an emergency. This assistance may include principal forgiveness.  Directs ATSDR to use its current authorities to establish a lead exposure registry for communities with drinking water related emergencies and to provide health consultations for the citizens of such communities, if requested.
  • Study on the Performance of Innovative Materials: Requires a study on the performance of innovative materials.
  • Reducing Lead in Drinking Water: Authorizes a grant program for replacement of lead service lines, testing, planning, corrosion control, and education.  Excludes partial lead service line replacement from eligibility.  Authorizes $60 million a year for fiscal years 2017 through 2021.

 

SOUTH CAROLINA

  • Chiefs Report: Charleston Harbor: Authorizes $502,693,000 to deepen the Charleston Harbor, SC.
  • Chiefs Report: Town of Edisto Beach: Authorizes $21,129,000 for hurricane and storm reduction at the Town of Edisto Beach, SC.
  • South Atlantic Coastal Study: Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the coastal areas located within the geographical boundaries of the South Atlantic Division of the Corps of Engineers to identify the risks and vulnerabilities of those areas to increased hurricane and storm damage as a result of sea level rise.
  • Adjustment: Adjust the boundaries of a project – By striking Orangeburg and Sumter and inserting Orangeburg and inserting Berkeley before Calhoun.

 

SOUTH DAKOTA

  • Upper MO Basin Flood Plains Snowpack, and Drought Monitoring: The Corps should be directed to be the lead agency in establishing and operating the basin flood, plains snowpack, and drought monitoring network in the MO basin

 

TENNESSEE

  • Chiefs Report: Mill Creek: Authorizes $28,810,000 for a flood risk reduction project in Davidson County and the City of Nashville, TN.
  • Cumberland River Basin Dam repairs: This section directs the Corps to issue guidance on the applicability of different dam safety programs and the applicable program and cost-share for different types of projects.
  • Projects Funded by the Inland Waterways Trust Fund: Because Olmsted Lock and Dam is the only inland waterways project the President is budgeting for and that high cost project will not be completed until 2022, this section prevents other inland waterways projects from being automatically deauthorized until after Olmsted is substantially complete, freeing up funding.

 

TEXAS

  • Chiefs Report: Brazos Island Harbor: Authorizes $251.95 million to the project for navigation, Brazos Island Harbor, Texas.
  • Chiefs Report: Leon Creek Watershed, San Antonio: Authorizes $28.18 million to the project for flood risk management, San Antonio, Texas.
  • Study: Chacon Creek: Directs the Secretary to conduct a study relating to flood damage reduction, environmental restoration and protection, water supply, and related purposes in the Rio Grande Watershed below Falcon Dam.
  • Study: Corpus Christi Ship Channel, Texas: The Secretary shall conduct a study to determine the feasibility of modifying the project for navigation and ecosystem restoration.
  • Project Modification: Houston Ship Channel, TX: Modifies the project at Houston Ship Channel, Houston, TX.
  • Deauthorization: Salt Creek, Graham, Texas: The project for flood control, environmental restoration and recreation is deauthorized at date of enactment of this Act.
  • Discrete Segment: Authorizes the Secretary to give credit or reimbursement for discrete segments of projects as they are completed. 
  • Prioritization: Clarifies the prioritization of hurricane and storm damage reduction efforts in WRRDA 2014 to include restoration of wetlands as well as loss of wetlands. Updates deadline for report to Congress. Requires a report to Congress on the implementation of the requirements in WRRDA 2014 to give priority to certain ecosystem restoration projects.
  • Harbor Deepening: Aligns the cost share for construction of harbors with the change in WRRDA 2014 modifying the cost-share for maintenance of harbors.
  • Additional Measures at Donor Ports and Energy Transfer Ports: Extends the authority to provide additional funds for donor ports and energy transfer ports to 2025.
  • Texas Costal Area: Directs the Secretary to consider information developed by the Gulf Coast Community Protection and Recovery District when carrying out a study authorized in WRDA 2007.
  • Joe Pool Lake, Texas: The Secretary shall accept from the Trinity River Authority of Texas, $31.23 million as payment in full of amounts owed to the United States.
  • Challenge Cost-Sharing Program for Management of Recreation Facilities: Authorizes the Corps to allow non-Federal entities to operate Corps recreation facilities and collect and keep user fees for that purpose, allowing parks closed due to budget cuts to reopen.
  • Trinity River and Tributaries, Texas:  Not more than $5,500,000 may be expended to carry out recreation features of the Upper Trinity River project, Texas, authorized by section 1401(9) of this Act..
  • Leveraging Federal Infrastructure for Increased Water Supply: Directs the Secretary to review proposals to increase water supplies by increasing storage capacity, modifying project management, or accessing water that has been released.  The non-Federal interest can contribute funds to the Corps to facilitate the review of a proposal. 
  • Conversion of Surplus Water Agreements: Provides direction on conversion of water supply agreements under section 6 of the Flood Control Act of 1944 to rights to permanent storage under section 301 of the Water Supply Act of 1958 when a project purpose is deauthorized.
  • Gulf Coast Oyster Bed Recover Plan: Authorizes $2 million for a Gulf Coast Oyster Bed recovery plan.

 

UTAH

  • Weber Basin Project, Utah: To authorize prepayment obligations under Repayment Contracts between the United States and the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District.

 

VERMONT

  • Dam Safety: Authorizes $445 million over ten years for FEMA program for rehabilitation of high hazard potential dams.
  • Buy American – Requires use of American iron and steel products if a project is funded using the Drinking Water SRF during fiscal year 2017. 

 

VIRGINIA

  • Study: Chincoteague Island, Virginia: The Secretary shall conduct a study to determine the feasibility of carrying out projects for ecosystem restoration and flood control, Chincoteague Island, Virginia
  • Harbor Deepening: Aligns the cost share for construction of harbors with the change in WRRDA 2014 modifying the cost-share for maintenance of harbors.
  • Chesapeake Bay Oyster Restoration: Increases the authorization ceiling for fish and wildlife conservation studies and projects, including projects in the Chesapeake Bay.  
  • Coastal Engineering: Requires the Corps’ participation in local interagency groups reviewing sea level challenged communities.

 

WASHINGTON

  • Chiefs Report: Skokomish River, Mason County, Washington: Authorizes $20.26 million for the Project for environmental restoration.
  • Kennewick Man:     This section requires the Corps to repatriate the Kennewick Man (a 9000 year old skeleton found by the Corps of Engineers) to the claimant tribes.
  • Additional Measures at Donor Ports and Energy Transfer Ports: Permanently extends the authority to provide additional funds for donor ports and energy transfer ports.
  • Harbor Deepening: Aligns the cost share for construction of harbors with the change in WRRDA 2014 modifying the cost-share for maintenance of harbors.
  • Implementation Guidance: Requires the Corps to issue guidance to implement section 2102 of WRRDA 2014 (relating to maintenance of emerging ports and Great Lakes ports).
  • Columbia River-Ecosystem Restoration: Increases the authorization ceiling for ecosystem restoration studies and projects for the Lower Columbia River in Oregon and Washington, authorized in section 536 of WRDA 2000.
  • Watercraft Inspection Stations, Columbia River Basin: Clarifies that the watercraft inspection stations to protect the Columbia River Basin,  from invasive species may be located outside of the basin, if that is necessary to prevent introduction of invasive species.
  • Tribal Assistance: Subsection (c) authorizes relocation assistance to Indian families displaced due to the construction of Bonneville Dam and requires a study of Indian families displaced due to the construction of John Day Dam and the development of a plan to provide relocation assistance associated with that dam.
  • Emerging Harbors: This section makes the 10% set aside from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for emerging harbors permanent. Also requires that at least 10 percent of priority funds be used for emerging harbors.
  • Oyster Aquaculture Study: Requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the differing regulatory treatment of oyster hatcheries across Corps districts.

 

WEST VIRGINIA

  • Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams: Authorizes $445 million over ten years for FEMA program for rehabilitation of high hazard potential dams.
  • Drinking Water Disaster Relief and Infrastructure Investment: Limits eligibility for emergency assistance to States and public drinking water systems that have been the subject of a Presidential declaration of emergency due to the presence of lead or other contaminants in a public drinking water supply system.
  • Kanawha River Basin: Directs the Secretary to conduct studies to determine the feasibility of implementing projects for flood risk management and other water resource related purposes within the Kanawha River Basin, West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina.
  • Approval of State Programs for Control of Coal Combustion Residuals: Authorizes EPA to approve state permitting programs for coal combustion residuals. 
  • Projects Funded by the Inland Waterways Trust Fund: Because Olmsted Lock and Dam is the only inland waterways project the President is budgeting for and will not be completed until 2022, this section prevents other inland waterways projects, including projects in West Virginia, from being automatically deauthorized while Olmsted is being completed.
  • Disposition Studies: Requires disposition studies by the Corps, including studies under section 216 of the Flood Control Act of 1970, to include a review of the economic and recreational significance and national, State, or local impacts.

 

WISCONSIN

  • Chiefs Report: Upper Des Plaines River and Tributaries, Illinois and Wisconsin: Authorizes $315.50 million for flood risk management and environmental restoration.
  • Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: Authorizes $300 million a year for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2021, for a total of $1.5 billion, for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, as described in S. Rept. 114-211.
  • Innovation in the provision of safe drinking water: Authorizes EPA to provide technical assistance to facilitate and encourage innovative water technologies and requires a report to Congress on such assistance and use.
  • Buy America – Adds a requirement for the use of American iron and steel in all projects funded through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF).
  • Implementation Guidance: Requires the Corps to issue guidance to implement section 2102 of WRRDA 2014 (relating to maintenance of emerging ports and Great Lakes ports).
  • Transportation Cost Savings: Requires identification of transportation cost savings achieved from maintaining harbors and inland ports in the report to Congress on harbor and inland harbor needs under WRDA 1986
  • Reducing Lead in Drinking Water: Authorizes a grant program for replacement of lead service lines, testing, planning, corrosion control, and education.  Excludes partial lead service line replacement from eligibility.  Authorizes $60 million a year for fiscal years 2017 through 2021.

 

WYOMING

  • Pilot Program/Upper MO River Basin Sediment Prevention: Directs the Corps to carry out a pilot program, in partnership with the Bureau of Reclamation, for the development and implementation of sediment management plans for reservoirs in the Upper Missouri River Basin.
  • Pilot Program/Upper MO River Basin Ice Jam Flooding Control: Authorizes an additional $30,000,000 over ten years to carry out pilot projects under the section 205 small flood control project continuing authority program to address ice jam prevention and mitigation, with a priority for the Upper Missouri River Basin.
  • Tribal Partnership Program: Amends section 203 of WRDA 2000 to expand the Corps’ authority to carry out studies for Indian tribes and to authorize a tribal continuing authority program to construct cost-shared projects with Indian tribes, with a $10 million cap on federal participation
  • Cost Sharing for Territories and Indian Tribes: Amends section 1156 of WRDA 1986 (that waives the first $200,000 in cost share) to include planning assistance and Indian tribes.
  • Indian Dam Safety: Authorizes the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, in consultation with the Corps, to carry out a program to address the safety of federal dams in Indian country.
  • Watercraft Inspection Stations: Clarifies that the watercraft inspection stations to protect the Columbia River Basin from invasive species may be located outside of the basin, if that is necessary to prevent introduction of invasive species.
  • Irrigation Rehabilitation And Renovation For Indian Tribal Governments And Their Economies: This subtitle is based on S. 438, the IRRIGATE Act and provides for the repair, replacement, and maintenance of certain Indian irrigation projects.

 

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Related Issues: Back to Work, Infrastructure