Legislative Analysis: Water Resources Development Act

• Section 1101 requires each Corps district and division office to designate a community project advisor to share information about ongoing studies and projects, and to educate non-federal interests about responsibilities associated with water resources development projects.
• Section 1102 directs the Corps to develop a plan to implement this and prior WRDAs, including identifying unimplemented provisions and establishing an implementation team.
• Section 1106 mandates timely updates to the Corps' online permit finder resource.

Counties benefit from improved transparency and accountability that ensures efficient implementation of past WRDA provisions.

• Section 1105 requires the Corps to provide clear guidance and technical assistance for modifications of Corps-built structures by non-federal entities. This can streamline county projects and support local water systems.
• Section 1109 clarifies requirements for non-federal entities conducting studies of authorized projects. Clearer federal cooperation guidelines help counties meet their local water development priorities.
• Section 1110 clarifies requirements for non-federal construction of authorized projects. This allows counties to lead local project implementation.
• Section 1139 requires the Corps to annually assess and report on the ability of non-federal interests to pay for water resources projects. Counties may request adjusted cost-sharing based on financial capability.
• Section 1148 requires the Corps to consider inaccessibility impacts on communities in project delivery. This promotes equity in water resources projects.
• Section 1369 extends the waiver period for the non-federal share of certain damages payments from 2022 to 2027, providing financial relief during project execution.

• Section 1107 increases federal funding limits and adds drought resilience measures to the Corps' continuing authority programs (CAP), aiding county projects.
• Section 1108 establishes a new CAP for stormwater projects. This supports county efforts to address local environmental challenges.
• Section 1114 continues the Silver Jackets Program, which facilitates interagency collaboration on flood risk management. Counties can participate in developing local mitigation solutions.
• Section 1117 raises the maximum harbor depth eligible for federal maintenance funding from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) from 50 feet to 55 feet. NACo supports full expenditure of HMTF collections, including flexible uses for deep draft ports.
• Section 1118 adjusts the Inland Waterways Regional Dredge Pilot Program to support navigation and economic activities.
• Section 1119 authorizes non-federal disposal of dredged materials at approved facilities, improving local waste management.
• Section 1123 authorizes a national coastal mapping program to support navigation and flood risk projects. Counties benefit from recurring data for restoration efforts.
• Section 1132 reauthorizes the National Dam Safety Program through 2028. It requires proper maintenance and floodplain management for rehabilitated dams, helping counties upgrade local dam infrastructure.
• Section 1134 prioritizes WRDA 2020 programs that reduce nutrient pollution and support natural infrastructure. Counties can participate in programs to protect wetlands and address harmful algal blooms.
• Section 1149 permits remote operations at navigation and hydroelectric facilities to increase efficiency.
• Section 1155 encourages the development of a national framework for water data sharing. This supports county water management strategies.
• Section 1161 directs the Corps to prioritize water supply projects, water conservation and drought resilience.
• Section 1164 creates a drought pilot program for counties in Ariz., Calif. and Nev.
• Section 1244 requires the Government Accountability Office to analyze HMTF funding distribution.
• Section 1305 establishes a temporary pilot program allowing a 90 percent federal cost share for environmental infrastructure projects in economically disadvantaged communities, with a $10 million annual cap.

• Section 1126 increases the federal share for inland waterways projects to 75 percent. NACo supports dedicated funding for inland waterway navigation infrastructure.
• Section 1129 allows the Corps to accept non-federal cost-sharing for maintenance dredging at emerging harbors. NACo supports revitalizing port facilities and ensuring HMTF revenues are used for harbor maintenance.
• Section 1165 allows cost-sharing from non-federal or other federal sources for updating water control manuals. Counties can support funding to modernize these manuals.