The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) has announced a series of conference calls in August and September to receive public input on the numerous policy provisions of the recently enacted Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA). The Act authorizes projects and programs conducted by the Corps of Engineers, including harbors, flood control, and environmental restoration. Each session will begin at 11:00 a.m. PDT, and call-in information will be provided on the Corps’ website, accessed here. Read More…
The four scheduled sessions will focus on the following provisions of the Act:
- Category/Session I (August 13, 2014): Deauthorization of projects and backlog prevention; project development and delivery (including planning)
- Category/Session II (August 27, 2014): Alternative financing; crediting of non-federal funding
- Category/Session III (September 10, 2014): Levee safety; dam safety; regulatory program (Section 404 dredge and fill and Section 408 modification of existing facilities)
- Category/Session IV (September 24, 2014): Non-federal implementation; waters
The following provides highlights of key provisions included in WRRDA that are of importance to RCRC member counties:
Sutter Basin: WRRDA authorizes approximately $689 million for a flood control measures in Sutter River Basin, including Yuba City. The project would strengthen 41 miles of existing levees, reducing expected annual damages by approximately $50 million.
Natomas Basin: WRRDA authorizes over $1 billion to strengthen the levees in the Natomas Basin in Sacramento to safeguard over 100,000 residents and protect over $7 billion in property
WIFIA: The conference report establishes a five-year pilot program, known as the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA), to allow the Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency to provide loans and loan guarantees for flood control, water supply, and wastewater infrastructure projects. This program, which is based on the successful TIFIA program for transportation projects, will provide critical financing for water infrastructure projects identified by local communities. These include projects to help with California's ongoing drought, including desalination, water recycling, and repair of aging water supply infrastructure.
Levee Vegetation: The conference report requires the Corps of Engineers to update its guidelines for the removal of vegetation on Corps levees after seeking public input. This will ensure that the Corps of Engineers' policy is focused on the highest priority safety concerns for California communities.
Crediting: WRRDA allows local communities to carry out work in advance of the Corps of Engineers and receive credit for work performed. This is important to many California communities that have state or local funding sources that are ready to be invested immediately.
Prioritization of Ecosystem Restoration: The conference report prioritizes ecosystem restoration projects that address identified threats to public health and preserve or restore ecosystems of national significance. The provision will provide those threatened ecosystems around the nation with additional focused attention, including places like the Salton Sea.
Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund: The conference report calls for increased expenditures from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) to support increased maintenance of the nation's ports, including many ports in California. The legislation also includes reforms to the HMTF that will ensure equity for ports that contribute the most to the Fund but receive little funding in return, such as the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. For the first time, these critical ports will be able to use funding for additional projects such as berth dredging and contaminated sediment disposal.