HR 8 · 115th Congress 2017–2019, ended

Water Resources Development Act of 2018

Latest action · Jun 26, 2018 Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 488.

Progress

Where this bill reached, and when. A stage with no date was not reached; one that failed a vote and later carried shows the date it carried.

  1. IntroducedMay 18, 2018
  2. Passed HouseJun 6, 2018
  3. Passed SenateNot reached
  4. To the PresidentNot reached
  5. Became lawNot reached

Summary

Water Resources Development Act of 2018

TITLE I--GENERAL PROVISIONS

(Sec. 102) This bill amends the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 1986 to direct the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to identify potential opportunities for the beneficial use of dredged materials obtained from harbors and inland harbors.

(Sec. 103) The bill reauthorizes through FY2023 the Levee Safety Initiative under WRDA 1986 and the dam inspection program under the National Dam Safety Program Act.

(Sec. 105) The bill increases funding limits for the rehabilitation of Corps of Engineers constructed dams.

(Sec. 106) The Corps of Engineers shall report to Congress on the results of the forecast-informed reservoir operations research study pilot program at Coyote Valley Dam, Russian River Basin, California, no later than one year after completion of the study pilot program.

(Sec. 107) The Corps of Engineers shall develop a list of its existing unpowered dams that have the greatest potential for hydropower development.

(Sec. 108) The bill authorizes the use of an emergency fund to repair or restore a federally authorized hurricane or shore protective structure or project damaged or destroyed by a natural disaster to the pre-storm level of protection, instead of the design level of protection, if the pre-storm level of protection provides greater protection.

(Sec. 109) The Corps of Engineers, in carrying out a water resources development feasibility study, shall consult with local governments to determine if local water management plans exist or are under development.

(Sec. 110) The Corps of Engineers shall issue guidance on the use of mitigation banks to meet requirements for water resources development projects in order to update mitigation bank credit release schedules to: (1) support the goal of achieving efficient permitting and maintaining appropriate environmental protections, and (2) promote increased transparency in the use of mitigation banks.

(Sec. 112) WRDA 2000 is amended to specify that assistance for Indian tribes displaced as a result of construction of the Bonneville Dam, Oregon may be in the form of housing and related improvements.

The Corps of Engineers may provide assistance to tribes that have been displaced as a result of the construction of the John Day Dam, Columbia River, Washington and Oregon.

The Corps of Engineers must complete a village development plan for tribes displaced as a result of the construction of the Dalles Dam, Columbia River, Washington and Oregon.

(Sec. 113) The Corps of Engineers shall develop, support, and implement education and awareness efforts for nonfederal interests with respect to the annual Report to Congress on Future Water Resources Development required under WRDA 2014.

(Sec. 114) Prior to developing and issuing implementation guidance for certain water resources development laws, the Corps of Engineers shall issue a public notice that: (1) informs potentially interested nonfederal stakeholders of its intent to develop and issue such guidance, and (2) provides an opportunity for interested nonfederal stakeholders to engage with, and provide input and recommendations to, the Corps of Engineers.

When developing implementation guidance for a covered water resources development law, the Corps of Engineers shall take into consideration the input and recommendations received from nonfederal stakeholders.

(Sec. 115) WRDA 1986 is amended to require Interior to include in its comprehensive backlog report a list of major federal operation and maintenance needs for projects and properties under the control of the Corps of Engineers.

For FY2019 and biennially thereafter, in conjunction with the President's annual budget submission to Congress, Interior shall submit information on the backlog and operation and maintenance needs to Congress and the Office of Management and Budget.

(Sec. 116) The prohibition on taking possession of, use of, or injury to harbor or river improvements does not apply to unimproved real estate owned or operated by the Corps of Engineers as part of a water resources development project if the Corps determines that modification of such real estate would not affect the function and usefulness of the project.

(Sec. 117) The bill establishes a deadline for Interior to contract with the National Academy of Public Administration to study the efficiency of the Corps of Engineers current staff salaries and administrative expense procedures.

(Sec. 118) The bill provides for a study on: (1) the ability of the Corps of Engineers to carry out its statutory missions and responsibilities, and (2) improving the Corps of Engineers' project delivery processes.

(Sec. 119) The bill amends WRDA 2007 to authorize Interior to provide credit for work on a project carried out by a nonfederal interest during the period beginning on November 8, 2007, and ending on the date of this bill's enactment if Interior determines that the work is integral to the project and lawfully conducted.

(Sec. 120) The Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 is amended to extend through FY2023 and expand the Non-Federal Implementation Pilot Program.

(Sec. 121) WRDA 1986 is amended to revise provisions regarding the study of water resources development projects by nonfederal interests.

(Sec. 122) A nonfederal interest constructing a water resources development project under an agreement that requires the interest to comply with the same legal and technical requirements that would apply if the project were carried out by Interior shall not be required to obtain federal permits or approvals that would not be required if Interior carried out the project unless significant new circumstances or information relevant to environmental concerns or compliance have arisen since development of the project recommendation.

(Sec. 123) The Corps of Engineers may cooperate with a regional coalition of governmental entities in the preparation of comprehensive plans for development, utilization, and conservation of water and related resources.

(Sec. 124) Whenever a state offers advance funds for a federally authorized water resources development project, the Corps of Engineers may receive the funds and expend them on the project. The Corps of Engineers shall repay the funds without interest.

(Sec. 125) WRDA 2000 is amended to make permanent the authority of a public-utility company, natural gas company, or railroad carrier to pay to expedite a project permit. By the end of 2022, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) shall carry out a follow-up study of the implementation of this authority by Interior.

(Sec. 126) The Corps of Engineers must contract the National Academy of Sciences to study the economic principles and analytical methodologies used by or applied to the Corps to formulate, evaluate, and budget for water resources development projects. The study must make recommendations on potential changes to such principles and methodologies to improve transparency, return on federal investment, cost savings, and prioritization.

(Sec. 127) The GAO shall submit to Congress a study of corrosion management efforts at projects and properties under the control of the Corps of Engineers.

(Sec. 128) The Flood Control Act of 1946 is amended to provide that if specified funding for flood control is insufficient to cover the federal cost share for a project, the nonfederal interest shall be responsible for remaining costs.

(Sec. 129) The Corps of Engineers must report on its activities relating to the testing, research, development, identification, and recommended uses for innovative materials in water resources development projects.

(Sec. 130) The GAO shall submit a report to Congress:

  • describing the capacity and preparedness of the Corps of Engineers workforce;
  • providing recommendations to improve the capacity and preparedness of the Corps of Engineers workforce;
  • containing an assessment of the existing technology used by the Corps of Engineers, the effects of inefficiencies in the Corps' current technology usage, and recommendations for improved technology or tools to accomplish its missions and responsibilities; and
  • describing how changes to the navigation industry workforce with which the Corps of Engineers collaborates may affect safety and operations within the navigation industry.

(Sec. 131) The GAO shall report on: (1) the consideration by the Corps of Engineers of natural features and nature-based features in feasibility studies of projects for flood risk management, hurricane and storm damage reduction, and ecosystem restoration; and (2) efforts to relocate Alaska Native villages due to flooding and erosion threats.

(Sec. 133) The Corps of Engineers must report on the best options available to implement the waiver process for the nonfederal cost share for certain projects in Alaska for storm damage prevention and reduction, coastal erosion, and ice and glacial damage.

(Sec. 134) The River and Harbor Act of 1960 is amended to increase funding limits for small river and harbor improvement projects.

(Sec. 135) The Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 is amended to revise provisions regarding Interior providing credit in lieu of reimbursement to a nonfederal interest for the federal cost share of certain projects.

(Sec. 136) The Corps of Engineers shall expedite completion of the Lake Okeechobee regulation schedule to coincide with the completion of the Herbert Hoover Dike project in Florida.

(Sec. 137) The Corps of Engineers shall report on the impacts of construction on the Missouri River intended to increase the population of endangered pallid sturgeon on the authorized purposes of the Missouri River Mainstem Reservoir System and on the sturgeon population. Additional such construction on the river is prohibited until the report is submitted.

(Sec. 138) Interior must publish information on real property in which the Corps of Engineers holds an interest.

(Sec. 139) The Corps of Engineers shall: (1) undertake research on the management and eradication of aquatic invasive species, including Asian carp and zebra mussels; (2) implement a five-year harmful algal bloom technology development demonstration under the Aquatic Nuisance Research Program; and (3) enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Environmental Protection Agency to facilitate ecosystem restoration activities at the South Fork of the South Branch of the Chicago River (commonly known as Bubbly Creek).

(Sec. 142) WRDA 1990 is amended to include activities related to the operation and maintenance of navigation (currently, limited to hydroelectric power generating) facilities at Corps of Engineers water resources projects among inherently governmental functions.

(Sec. 143) WRDA 1976 is amended to provide that the 15 additional years that Interior may extend beach nourishment at the request of a nonfederal interest begins upon initiation of construction of congressionally authorized nourishment.

(Sec. 144) The bill amends the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 to require that post-disaster watershed assessments, for certain major disasters declared in U.S. territories, be conducted at full federal expense unless the President determines that the territory has the ability to pay its share of the cost of an assessment without the use of nonfederal funds or loans.

(Sec. 145) The Corps of Engineers shall report on the structure and operations plan for the Old River control structure in Louisiana authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1954.

(Sec. 146) The Corps of Engineers may carry out a pilot program to award dredging contracts with a duration of up to five years for the operation and maintenance of harbors and inland harbors if the Corps determines that the contract provides cost savings compared to the awarding of such work on an annual basis.

(Sec. 147) In carrying out a disposition study for a project of the Corps of Engineers, the Corps shall consider modifications that would improve the overall quality of the environment in the public interest, including removal of the project.

(Sec. 149) The Corps of Engineers shall make efforts: (1) to address disproportionate and adverse health or environmental effects of the Corps' activities on a community of color, low-income community, rural community, or a tribal and indigenous community; (2) to provide guidance and technical assistance to such communities to increase understanding of the Corps' project planning and management activities, regulations, and policies; (3) to promote the meaningful involvement of communities of color in the Corps' project development and implementation, enforcement efforts, and other activities; and (4) to cooperate with state, tribal, and local governments with respect to these activities.

(Sec. 150) The Corps of Engineers shall prioritize the operation and maintenance of existing infrastructure, improve its reliability, and, as necessary, improve its resilience to cyber-related threats.

(Sec. 151) WRDA 2000 is amended to specify additional circumstances under which Interior may provide credit toward the nonfederal cost share for work performed in connection with a study, preconstruction engineering and design, or construction necessary for implementation of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. The bill authorizes credit if: (1) the credit is provided for work carried out before the date of the partnership agreement between Interior and the nonfederal sponsor; or (2) the credit is provided for work carried out by the nonfederal sponsor in the implementation of an authorized project implementation report, as defined in an agreement.

(Sec. 153) The Corps of Engineers may: (1) consider recreational boat traffic levels and related economic benefits in making funding determinations with respect to the operation and maintenance of locks on the Allegheny River in Pennsylvania, and (2) provide assistance to municipalities with a water supply that is adversely affected by construction carried out by the Corps.

(Sec. 155) The Corps of Engineers shall submit to Congress a report on the potential opportunity for integrating noise abatement and noise mitigation technologies and practices into improvements and operations in harbors and inland harbors.

(Sec. 156) In requiring or acquiring an interest in land, the Corps of Engineers shall prefer the minimum interest in real property necessary to support a project or action. In determining the proper interest in land, the Corps shall first consider a temporary easement estate or other interest designed to reduce the overall cost, reduce the time, and minimize conflict with property owners related to such action or project.

(Sec. 158) The Corps of Engineers may carry out emergency repair or restoration work that does not produce benefits greater than cost if: (1) the nonfederal sponsor agrees to pay an amount sufficient to make the remaining costs of the project equal to the estimated value of the benefits, (2) the Corps determines the damage to the structure was not the result of negligent operation and maintenance, and (3) repair of the project could benefit other Corps project missions.

(Sec. 159) The GAO shall submit to Congress a study on the compliance of projects and properties constructed or renovated by the Corps of Engineers with stormwater runoff requirements.

(Sec. 161) The Corps of Engineers shall expedite dredged material management plans initiated in or after FY2018 in order that studies make maximum use of existing information, studies, and innovative dredged material management practices, and avoid any redundant information collection and studies.

(Sec. 162) WRDA 2007 is amended to provide that, with respect to the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal Dispersal Barriers Project, Illinois, the operation and maintenance of a project authorized to be carried out pursuant to the feasibility study shall be carried out at 80% federal expense and 20% nonfederal expense.

(Sec. 164) The Corps of Engineers shall carry out expeditiously projects already authorized to reduce the risk of future floods and hurricanes in Texas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

(Sec. 165) Any project or facility of the Corps of Engineers studied for disposition for which a final report by the Directorate of Civil Works has been completed shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be included in the future work plan of the Corps.

(Sec. 166) After any flood event requiring operation or activation of any floodway or backwater feature within the Mississippi River and Tributaries Project through natural overtopping of a federal levee or artificial crevassing of a federal levee to relieve pressure on the levees elsewhere in the system, the Corps of Engineers shall expeditiously reset and restore the damaged floodway's levees.

(Sec. 167) For each project classified as class III (high priority, conditionally unsafe) under the Dam Safety Action Classification of the Corps of Engineers for which the Corps has assumed responsibility for maintenance, the Corps shall assess the anticipated effects of the Corps continuing to be responsible for the maintenance of the project for 15 years or ceasing responsibility for maintenance, including the benefits or costs to the state and local community.

(Sec. 168) This bill authorizes the Corps of Engineers to receive and expend funds from an owner of a nonfederal reservoir to formulate, review, or revise reservoir operational documents. The reservoir must have been constructed at least in part with federal funds provided for the use of storage for flood risk management or navigation.

(Sec. 169) The bill increases the limit on funding for small projects under the storm and hurricane restoration and impact minimization program.

TITLE II--STUDIES

(Sec. 201) The Corps of Engineers may conduct feasibility studies for specified projects nationwide.

(Sec. 202) The Corps of Engineers may carry out studies to determine the feasibility of habitat restoration for each of the eight reaches identified as priorities in the report titled "Lower Mississippi River Resource Assessment; Final Assessment In Response to Section 402 of WRDA 2000" and dated July 2015.

The Corps may carry out studies to determine the feasibility of a project for ecosystem restoration and flood risk management in specified areas of Illinois and Missouri.

(Sec. 203) The Corps of Engineers shall: (1) expedite specified studies and reports, including feasibility studies for projects nationwide which may proceed directly to preconstruction planning, engineering, and design if the Corps determines that the project is justified in a completed report; (2) by the end of 2019, expedite and complete the dredging of Plymouth Harbor, Massachusetts; (3) complete a final feasibility report for the Great Lakes Mississippi River Interbasin Study Brandon Road Study by the original deadline of February 2019; and (4) expeditiously carry out flood and storm damage reduction studies to reduce the risk of damage from future floods and hurricanes in the Houston and Coastal Texas areas.

TITLE III--DEAUTHORIZATIONS, MODIFICATIONS, AND RELATED PROVISIONS

(Sec. 301) The Corps of Engineers must develop an interim deauthorization list that identifies: (1) each water resources development project, or separable element of a project, authorized for construction before November 8, 2007, for which planning, design, or construction was not initiated, or for which planning, design, or construction was initiated but for which no funds were obligated for planning, design, or construction during the current fiscal year or any of the six preceding fiscal years; (2) each project or separable element identified and included on a list to Congress for deauthorization pursuant to WRDA 1986; and (3) any project or separable element for which the nonfederal sponsor submits a request for inclusion on the deauthorization list.

The Corps shall prepare a proposed final deauthorization list of projects and separable elements of projects that have, in the aggregate, an estimated federal cost to complete that is at least $3.15 billion. After 180 days, items on the final deauthorization list are deauthorized unless Congress passes a joint resolution disapproving the list.

(Sec. 302) A water resources development project, or separable element of such a project, authorized for construction by this bill shall not be authorized after 10 years unless: (1) funds have been obligated for construction or a post-authorization study, or (2) the authorization contained in this bill has been modified by a subsequent Act of Congress.

(Sec. 304) The bill deauthorizes a portion of the project for navigation, Milwaukee Harbor, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, consisting of the navigation channel within the Menomonee River that extends from the 16th Street Bridge upstream to the upper limit of the authorized navigation channel.

(Sec. 305) This bill deauthorizes the portion of a dredging project for navigation at Bridgeport Harbor, Connecticut, that is upstream of the Congress Street Bridge on the Pequonnock River, thereby allowing the bridge to be replaced with a fixed (not movable) bridge.

(Sec. 306) The Corps of Engineers may make specified conveyances to Cheatham County, Tennessee, and to the city of Nashville.

(Sec. 307) The bill deauthorizes the portions of the project for raising and improving existing levees of Clatsop County Diking District No. 13, in Clatsop County, Oregon, referred to as Christensen No. 1 Dike No. 42 and Christensen No. 2 Levee No. 43.

(Sec. 308) The Corps of Engineers shall submit a report on the total estimated value of in-kind contributions made by the nonfederal interest with respect to specified actions, as described in the final report of the Directorate of Civil Works on the Central and Southern Florida Project, Kissimmee River Restoration Project, dated April 27, 2018.

(Sec. 309) This bill deauthorizes a portion of the channel improvement project, Lytle and Cajon Creeks, that was authorized as part of the Santa Ana River, California, project.

(Sec. 310) The project for flood damage reduction, Yuba River Basin, California, authorized by WRDA 1999 is modified to allow a nonfederal interest to construct a new levee to connect the existing levee with high ground.

(Sec. 311) Portions of a project for navigation, Boston Harbor, Massachusetts, are no longer authorized.

(Sec. 312) Projects and separable elements of projects identified in the FY2017 report submitted to Congress on December 15, 2016, shall not be deauthorized unless such projects and separable elements meet specified requirements of WRDA 2016.

(Sec. 313) The bill amends WRDA 2000 to increase funding limits for Puget Sound Nearshore Ecosystem Restoration.

(Sec. 314) The Corps of Engineers shall convey specified parcels of real property to the city of Bainbridge, Georgia.

(Sec. 315) The Corps of Engineers shall expedite completion of a project for flood risk management, Cedar River, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

(Sec. 316) The Corps of Engineers may repair or replace any bridge it owns and operates that is: (1) located in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Vermont; and (2) necessary for evacuation during an extreme weather event.

(Sec. 317) Upon conveyance by the Port of Whitman County to the United States of specified land owned by the Port of Whitman County, Washington, the Corps of Engineers shall convey to the Port of Whitman County all interest of the United States in and to federal land situated in Whitman County, Washington, contained within Tract D of Little Goose Lock and Dam.

(Sec. 318) In carrying out the project for navigation, Hampton Harbor, New Hampshire, under the River and Harbor Act of 1960, the Corps of Engineers shall use existing authorities to mitigate severe shoaling.

(Sec. 319) The Corps of Engineers shall expedite the project for navigation for Portsmouth Harbor and the Piscataqua River authorized by the River and Harbor Act of 1962.

TITLE IV--WATER RESOURCES INFRASTRUCTURE

(Sec. 401) The bill authorizes specified projects in Texas, New York, Hawaii, Florida, Georgia, and Kentucky, including projects for navigation, flood risk management, and hurricane and storm damage risk reduction.

Recorded votes 2

Newest first. Open one to see how every member voted.

Roll callQuestionResultDate
House 238Passed408–2Jun 6, 2018
House 237Failed180–227Jun 6, 2018

Cosponsors 32

Members who signed on, in the order they did. Signatures ran from May 18, 2018 to Jun 1, 2018; 3 are original cosponsors, there from the day it was introduced.

SeatCosponsorSigned on
R-LAGarret GravesOriginalMay 18, 2018
D-CAGrace F. NapolitanoOriginalMay 18, 2018
D-ORPeter A. DeFazioOriginalMay 18, 2018
R-GAA. Drew Ferguson IVJun 1, 2018
D-CAAlan S. LowenthalJun 1, 2018
R-OHBob GibbsJun 1, 2018
D-MIBrenda L. LawrenceJun 1, 2018
D-ILCheri BustosJun 1, 2018
D-ILDaniel LipinskiJun 1, 2018
R-NCDavid RouzerJun 1, 2018
D-NJDonald M. Payne, Jr.Jun 1, 2018
R-CADuncan HunterJun 1, 2018
D-TXEddie Bernice JohnsonJun 1, 2018
D-DCEleanor Holmes NortonJun 1, 2018
D-MDElijah E. CummingsJun 1, 2018

Committees 1

Where it was sent and what each committee and subcommittee did with it, in order.

ChamberCommitteeWhat it did
HouseTransportation and Infrastructure Committee
Referred May 18, 2018Markup May 23, 2018Reported Jun 1, 2018
Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee
Referred May 21, 2018Discharged May 23, 2018

Actions 84

Everything that happened, newest first.

  1. Jun 26, 2018Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 488.
  2. Jun 11, 2018Received in the Senate.
  3. Jun 6, 2018Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 918. (consideration: CR H4798-4815; text: CR H4804-4813)
  4. Jun 6, 2018Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. The resolution provides for consideration of the Senate amendment to H.R. 3249 in addition to providing for consideration of H.R. 8 and H.R. 5895. Each measure will be debatable for 1 hour. For H.R. 8, the resolution makes in order only those amendments printed in part A of the report. For H.R. 5895, the resolution makes in order only those amendments printed in part B of the report.
  5. Jun 6, 2018House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 918 and Rule XVIII.

In the Congressional Record 6

Days the Record’s own index lists this bill, newest first, with the pages and the members it names. Pages starting H are the House, S the Senate, E Extensions of Remarks.

WhereIn the RecordMembersDate
SenateDebate and remarks S5676Bill Nelson D-FLAug 16, 2018
SenateDebate and remarks S4902, S4920Amendments S4917Amy Klobuchar D-MN (amendment), Bill Nelson D-FL, Marco Rubio R-FLJul 11, 2018
SenateAmendments S4879Tina Smith D-MN (amendment)Jul 10, 2018
HouseDebate and remarks H4859Chellie Pingree D-ME, Terri A. Sewell D-ALJun 7, 2018
HouseDebate and remarks H4785–H4792, H4793, H4798–H4846Text printed H4785, H4804–H4813Amendments H4791, H4793, H4813, H4815, H4816, H4817, H4818, H4819, H4820, H4821, H4822, H4823, H4824, H4825, H4826, H4827, H4828, H4829, H4830, H4831, H4832, H4833, H4834, H4835, H4836, H4837, H4838, H4839, H4840, H4841, H4842Motions H4843Recorded votes H4791, H4792, H4844, H4845consideration (H. Res. 918), previous questionenactVelazquez motion to recommit (restore and increase resiliency of public infrastructure in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and continental U.S. damaged as a result of hurricanes)Cost estimates H4798–H4800Declaratory Statements H4850Adrian Smith R-NE (amendment), Al Green D-TX, Ben Ray Luján D-NM (amendment), Bill Shuster R-PA (amendment), Bob Gibbs R-OH (amendment), Brenda L. Lawrence D-MI, Brian Babin R-TX (amendment), Brian J. Mast R-FL (amendment), Carol Shea-Porter D-NH (amendment), Cathy McMorris Rodgers R-WA (amendment), Clay Higgins R-LA (amendment), Daniel T. Kildee D-MI, Darren Soto D-FL (amendment), David P. Joyce R-OH (amendment), David Rouzer R-NC, Denny Heck D-WA (amendment), Don Young R-AK (amendment), Doug LaMalfa R-CA, Eddie Bernice Johnson D-TX, Edward R. Royce R-CA (amendment), Elizabeth H. Esty D-CT (amendment), Erik Paulsen R-MN (amendment), Garret Graves R-LA, Gene Green D-TX, Grace F. Napolitano D-CA, Gregory W. Meeks D-NY (amendment), Gwen Moore D-WI (amendment), James P. McGovern D-MA (amendment), Jason Lewis R-MN (amendment), Jeff Denham R-CA (amendment), Jenniffer González-Colón R-PR (amendment), Jim Costa D-CA (amendment), John Abney Culberson R-TX (amendment), Kurt Schrader D-OR (amendment), Leonard Lance R-NJ (amendment), Mark Meadows R-NC (amendment), Mark Sanford R-SC (amendment), Mike Bost R-IL (amendment), Mike Kelly R-PA (amendment), Nydia M. Velázquez D-NY (motion), Paul Mitchell I-MI, Pete Olson R-TX (amendment), Pete Sessions R-TX, Peter A. DeFazio D-OR, Peter Welch D-VT, Pramila Jayapal D-WA (amendment), Raja Krishnamoorthi D-IL (amendment), Randy K. Weber, Sr. R-TX (amendment), Richard M. Nolan D-MN (amendment), Rick Larsen D-WA (amendment), Rob Woodall R-GA, Rod Blum R-IA (amendment), Rodney Davis R-IL (amendment), Sam Graves R-MO, Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. D-GA (amendment), Seth Moulton D-MA (amendment), Stevan Pearce R-NM (amendment), Tulsi Gabbard D-HI, William R. Keating D-MA (amendment)Jun 6, 2018

Research

What has been written about this bill: committee reports, cost estimates, the sponsor’s authority statement, printed hearings and the Congressional Research Service’s work.

Committee report

Congressional Budget Office cost estimates 2

  1. Jul 11, 2018Direct spending and revenue effects of H.R. 8, the America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018As posted on the website of the Committee on Environment and Public Works on July 9, 2018, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute
  2. Jun 4, 2018H.R. 8, Water Resources Development Act of 2018As reported by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on June 1, 2018

Constitutional authority

Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following: Article I, Section 8 of the United States Constitution, specifically Clause 1 (related to general Welfare of the United States), and Clause 3 (related to regulation of Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with Indian tribes). Mr. KING of Iowa. H.R. 5750. Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following: Article I, Section 8, Clause 4 of United States Constitution

The sponsor’s statement, as printed in the Congressional Record, vol. 164, no. 82, May 18, 2018, page H4242.

Printed hearings 4

Hearings whose printed record names this bill, newest first: hearings on it, and wider hearings where it came up.

NumberHearingCommitteeHeld
Serial No. 115-54BUILDING A 21ST-CENTURY INFRASTRUCTURE FOR AMERICA: WATER RESOURCES PROJECTS AND POLICY, PART 234 pagesTransportation and Infrastructure CommitteeSep 7, 2018
—THE OPIOID CRISIS: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FAMILY FIRST PREVENTION SERVICES ACT (FFPSA)220 pagesWays and Means CommitteeJul 24, 2018
Serial No. 115-108DOE MODERNIZATION: LEGISLATION ADDRESSING CYBERSECURITY AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE187 pagesEnergy and Commerce CommitteeMar 14, 2018
Serial No. 115-62POWERING AMERICA: CONSUMER-ORIENTED PERSPECTIVES ON IMPROVING THE NATION'S ELECTRICITY MARKETS116 pagesEnergy and Commerce CommitteeOct 5, 2017

CRS reports 5

Congressional Research Service work that CRS links to this bill or the law it became, newest first.

About this bill 1

Products that name it in their title: its number, its law number or one of its short titles.

Also cite it 4

Products on other subjects that cite it, usually among other measures.

Amendments 53

Amendments offered to this bill.

AmendmentDescriptionOffered byStatus
HAmdt 661An amendment numbered 1 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to make technical changes to the bill, as well as additional provisions relating to Corps of Engineers projects and reports. Additionally, it addresses a direct spending issue in sec. 306.Bill Shuster R-PAOn agreeing to the Shuster amendment (A001) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 662An amendment numbered 6 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to direct the Secretary to provide technical assistance on construction to a state agency that is carrying out congressionally authorized projects.Bill Shuster R-PAOn agreeing to the Shuster amendment (A002) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 663An amendment numbered 3 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to amend language to ensure all factors are considered in order for the mitigation bank to provide sufficient financial assurances.Bob Gibbs R-OHBy unanimous consent, the Gibbs amendment was withdrawn.
HAmdt 664An amendment numbered 2 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to direct the Secretary to expand the areas of consideration to include water storage.Darren Soto D-FLOn agreeing to the Soto amendment (A004) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 665An amendment numbered 4 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to add flexibility in Section 120 so that future projects can also qualify for the pilot program.Edward R. Royce R-CAOn agreeing to the Royce (CA) amendment (A005) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 666An amendment numbered 5 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to authorize Army Corps to give technical assistance to regional coalitions as they prepare for water resources development projects with potential connections to Army Corps projects or properties.Edward R. Royce R-CAOn agreeing to the Royce (CA) amendment (A006) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 667An amendment numbered 7 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to extend authority of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to enter into cost recovery agreements for evaluation and processing of permits.Jeff Denham R-CAOn agreeing to the Denham amendment (A007) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 668An amendment numbered 8 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to add t o a National Academy of Sciences report consideration of an analysis on whether the Corps considers cumulative benefits of locally developed projects, including Master Plans, and if the Corps uses these benefits for purposes of benefit-cost analysis for potential projects within such Master Plans.Elizabeth H. Esty D-CTOn agreeing to the Esty (CT) amendment (A008) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 669An amendment numbered 9 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to add universities to the list of entities that the Secretary of the Army Corps should consider when submitting a report to Congress on the use of innovative materials in water resource development projects.Darren Soto D-FLOn agreeing to the Soto amendment (A009) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 670An amendment numbered 10 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to require the Comptroller of the United States to provide recommendations to improve the capacity and preparedness of the Corp of Engineers workforce.Raja Krishnamoorthi D-ILOn agreeing to the Krishnamoorthi amendment (A010) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 671An amendment numbered 11 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to add to a GAO study consideration of how changes to the navigation industry workforce with which the Army Corps of Engineers collaborates may affect safety and operations within the navigation industry.Pramila Jayapal D-WAOn agreeing to the Jayapal amendment (A011) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 672An amendment numbered 12 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to direct the GAO to specifically consider trough bars, coastal wetlands and barrier coral reefs for their study on the feasibility of projects for flood risk management, hurricane and storm damage reduction, and ecosystem restoration.Darren Soto D-FLOn agreeing to the Soto amendment (A012) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 673An amendment numbered 13 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to ensure timely payback for advanced funds paid for by a non-federal sponsor.Mark Sanford R-SCOn agreeing to the Sanford amendment (A013) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 674An amendment numbered 14 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to require the Secretary to conduct a study of the status of the project for flood damage reduction and environmental restoration for the Muddy River authorized by WRDA 2000. The Secretary is required to submit a report to Congress describing the study and reasons for deauthorizing the project.Richard M. Nolan D-MNOn agreeing to the Nolan amendment (A014) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 675An amendment numbered 15 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to require the Corps to take steps to better engage with and meaningfully consult with communities of color, low-income communities, tribes, and rural communities.Gwen Moore D-WIOn agreeing to the Moore amendment (A015) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 676An amendment numbered 16 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to prioritize the operation, maintenance, and improvement of existing infrastructure.Mark Meadows R-NCOn agreeing to the Meadows amendment (A016) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 677An amendment numbered 17 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to clarify the Secretary's authority under WRDA 2000 to provide credit for Comprehensive Everglades Restoration in-kind work completed during design or construction, including work after a partnership agreement is signed. The Secretary and non-Federal sponsor must agree to the terms and conditions for in-kind work not expressly defined in the partnership agreement and the Secretary must determine the work is integral to the project.Brian J. Mast R-FLOn agreeing to the Mast amendment (A017) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 678An amendment numbered 18 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to require the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to pay back the Federal cost share for projects carried out under section 593 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1999 in the next fiscal year.Stevan Pearce R-NMOn agreeing to the Pearce amendment (A018) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 679An amendment numbered 19 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to state that in regards to WRDA funding determinations, the Corps of Engineers may consider operation and maintenance of the locks on Allegheny River for purposes of recreational boat traffic levels and related economic benefits.Mike Kelly R-PAOn agreeing to the Kelly (PA) amendment (A019) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 680An amendment numbered 20 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to provide the Army Corps of Engineers with the authority to help mitigate any detrimental impacts to municipal water supply resulting from a Corps construction project.Kurt Schrader D-OROn agreeing to the Schrader amendment (A020) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 681An amendment numbered 21 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to request from the Army Corps of Engineers a report to Congress on the potential opportunity for integrating noise abatement and noise mitigation technologies and practices into improvements and operations in harbors and inland harbors.Pramila Jayapal D-WAOn agreeing to the Jayapal amendment (A021) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 682An amendment numbered 22 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to direct the Secretary to prefer acquiring the minimum interest necessary in real property needed to support a project or action. Requires consideration of the use of a temporary easement estate or other interests designed to reduce overall costs, reduce project time, and minimize conflict with property owners related to such project or action.Clay Higgins R-LAOn agreeing to the Higgins (LA) amendment (A022) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 683An amendment numbered 23 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to express the sense of Congress stating the importance and benefits of projects to improve 2-way traffic safety on high volume, deep draft navigation channels.Brian Babin R-TXOn agreeing to the Babin amendment (A023) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 684An amendment numbered 24 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to permit a non-federal flood control project sponsor to pay, or contribute to, the difference between the cost of repairing a damaged flood control project and its projected economic benefits.Mike Bost R-ILOn agreeing to the Bost amendment (A024) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 685An amendment numbered 25 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to direct GAO to conduct a study on USACE's ability to comply with Federal stormwater runoff requirements.Denny Heck D-WAOn agreeing to the Heck amendment (A025) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 686An amendment numbered 26 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to express the sense of Congress that the Corps of Engineers should consider urgently and favorably projects and proposals pending before them for flood control, dam repair, beach erosion, harbor navigation in Puerto Rico, as well as for repair and mitigation required by natural disasters in 2017-2018; and that the Secretary should advance the project for ecosystem restoration at Caño Martin Peña, San Juan, Puerto Rico.Jenniffer González-Colón R-PROn agreeing to the Gonzalez-Colon (PR) amendment (A026) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 687An amendment numbered 27 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to instruct the Secretary to expedite the DMMP process in order that studies reach completion within two years of their initiation and shall make maximum use of existing information and studies and avoid all redundant information collection and studies for purposes of Dredged Material Management Plans initiated in fiscal year 2018 and afterward.Bob Gibbs R-OHOn agreeing to the Gibbs amendment (A027) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 688An amendment numbered 29 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to clarifiy that operation and maintenance of any project authorized under the Chief's Report for the Brandon Road Study is done at an 80/20 Federal/non-Federal cost share. Also requires the Corps, following construction of any project authorized under the Chief's Report for the Brandon Road Study, to consult with the governor of the state where the project is located and seek Congressional approval prior to implementing any additional technologies at the project. Also, it adds to the list of feasibility studies in the base bill the USACE must expedite completion of the Great Lakes Mississippi River Interbasin Study Brandon Road Study.Rodney Davis R-ILOn agreeing to the Davis, Rodney amendment (A028) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 689An amendment numbered 30 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to direct the secretary to expedite reports for the navigation project for San Juan Harbor, Puerto Rico, per the study authorized by resolution of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on September 20, 2006.Jenniffer González-Colón R-PROn agreeing to the Gonzalez-Colon (PR) amendment (A029) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 690An amendment numbered 31 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to direct the Secretary to expedite the completion of a feasibility study for the Warren Glen Dam Removal Project in the Musconetcong River, New Jersey.Leonard Lance R-NJOn agreeing to the Lance amendment (A030) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 691An amendment numbered 32 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to authorize the expansion of the Abiquiu Reservoir.Ben Ray Luján D-NMOn agreeing to the Lujan, Ben Ray amendment (A031) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 692An amendment numbered 33 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to increase the per project funding cap for Section 544 Puget Sound and Adjacent Waters Restoration (PSAW) to $10 million--which is consistent with Section 206 Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration projects and raises the overall authorization level for PSAW.Rick Larsen D-WAOn agreeing to the Larsen (WA) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 693An amendment numbered 34 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to direct the Army Corps to expedite and complete dredging in Plymouth Harbor, Massachusetts as authorized.William R. Keating D-MAOn agreeing to the Keating amendment (A033) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 694An amendment numbered 35 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to require the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to complete its Chief's Report for the Brandon Road Study by February 2019.David P. Joyce R-OHOn agreeing to the Joyce (OH) amendment (A034) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 695An amendment numbered 36 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to convey three parcels of land, known as the Earle May Recreational Area, from the Army Corps of Engineers to the City of Bainbridge.Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. D-GAOn agreeing to the Bishop (GA) amendment (A035) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 696An amendment numbered 37 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to expedite the completion of the Cedar River flood risk management project authorized in 2014.Rod Blum R-IAOn agreeing to the Blum amendment (A036) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 697An amendment numbered 38 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to grant the Army Corps the authority to repair or replace bridges in New England that serve as emergency evacuation routes.William R. Keating D-MAOn agreeing to the Keating amendment (A037) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 698An amendment numbered 39 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to authorize a land transfer between the Port of Whitman and the Army Corps of Engineers.Cathy McMorris Rodgers R-WAOn agreeing to the McMorris Rodgers amendment (A038) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 699An amendment numbered 40 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to direct the Secretary to use existing authority to mitigate severe shoaling at Hampton Harbor, New Hampshire.Carol Shea-Porter D-NHOn agreeing to the Shea-Porter amendment (A039) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 700An amendment numbered 41 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to direct the Secretary to expedite the navigation project for Portsmouth Harbor and the Piscataqua River.Carol Shea-Porter D-NHOn agreeing to the Shea-Porter amendment (A040) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 701An amendment numbered 41 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to encourage the Secretary to consider reasonable alternative agreements between state or local entities, private partners, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineering to dispose of dredged material.Jason Lewis R-MNOn agreeing to the Lewis (MN) amendment (A041) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 702An amendment numbered 43 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to look to expedite already authorized U.S. Army Corp of Engineers projects in the declared disaster areas of Texas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.Pete Olson R-TXOn agreeing to the Olson amendment (A042) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 703An amendment numbered 44 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to require the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to carry out flood and storm damage reduction studies expeditiously in order to reduce the risk of damage from future floods and hurricanes in the Houston and Coastal Texas areas.John Abney Culberson R-TXOn agreeing to the Culberson amendment Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 704An amendment numbered 45 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to enhance the Levee Safety Action Classification (LSAC) risk categorization tool, developed internally by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It also supplements current duties by ensuring that individual levee system LSAC ratings are transparent.Randy K. Weber, Sr. R-TXBy unanimous consent, the Weber (TX) amendment was withdrawn.
HAmdt 705An amendment numbered 46 printed in Part A in House Report 115-711 to expedite the Army Corps of Engineers reformulation project in certain Sandy Superstorm affected areas of Queens, NY.Gregory W. Meeks D-NYOn agreeing to the Meeks amendment (A045) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 706An amendment numbered 47 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to require the Army Corps of Engineers to include in future workplans, to the maximum extent practicable, any project or facility for disposition for which the Corps has a final report from the Director of Civil Works.Kurt Schrader D-OROn agreeing to the Schrader amendment (A046) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 707An amendment numbered 48 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to ensure prompt restoration and rebuilding in the event of an activation of any floodway or backwater feature within the Mississippi Rivers and Tributaries system.Jason Smith R-MOOn agreeing to the Smith (MO) amendment (A047) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 708An amendment numbered 49 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to Requires the Secretary to conduct an assessment of dams classified as Class III under the Dam Safety Action Classification of the Corps of Engineers. This amendment requires the Secretary to provide a report to Congress describing anticipated impacts on the local communities if the Secretary no longer assumes responsibility of the Class III dam, or what the effects would be if the Secretary continues to assume responsibility of the dams over a period of 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act.Don Young R-AKOn agreeing to the Young (AK) amendment (A048) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 709An amendment numbered 50 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to authorize the Army Corps to accept contributed funds from the owners of non-federal Section 7 reservoirs for the purpose of reviewing/revising operational documents, including flood control manuals and rule curves.Jim Costa D-CAOn agreeing to the Costa amendment (A049) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 710An amendment numbered 51 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to direct the Secretary, to the maximum extent practicable, to endeavor to provide information to all adjoining residential property stakeholders, next to property which the Army Corps of Engineers holds an interest.Darren Soto D-FLOn agreeing to the Soto amendment (A050) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 711An amendment numbered 52 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to expedite the completion of a disposition study and requires the Secretary to report on the feasibility of preserving and uenhancing recreational opportunities and the health of the ecosystem of Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam.Erik Paulsen R-MNOn agreeing to the Paulsen amendment (A051) Agreed to by voice vote.
HAmdt 712An amendment numbered 53 printed in Part A of House Report 115-711 to add at the end of title I the following section entitled: Corps of Engineers Continuing Authorities Program.Seth Moulton D-MAOn agreeing to the Moulton amendment (A052) Agreed to by voice vote.
SA 3393No description on fileTina Smith D-MNSenate amendment submitted

Related bills 8

Companion bills and other measures the record links to this one.

Titles 4

Every title it has carried, official and short, at each stage.

Official Title as Introduced
To provide for improvements to the rivers and harbors of the United States, to provide for the conservation and development of water and related resources, and for other purposes.
Short Titles as Introduced
Water Resources Development Act of 2018
Short Titles as Reported to House
Water Resources Development Act of 2018
Short Titles as Passed House
Water Resources Development Act of 2018

Subjects

Assigned by the Library of Congress. Policy area: Water Resources Development.

Text 4

Each version as it was printed, newest first.

  1. Jun 26, 2018Placed on Calendar Senate
  2. Jun 6, 2018Engrossed in House
  3. Jun 1, 2018Reported in House
  4. May 18, 2018Introduced in House

Support LegiList

This page is free, carries no paywall, and is built and maintained by one person. If the record here is useful to you, a few dollars keeps it going.

Processed by Stripe in a separate window. LegiList never sees card details.

Everything here is as published by Congress: the summary is the Congressional Research Service's, the action wording is the clerks', and the subjects are the Library of Congress's. How far it got is read from the actions themselves, taking the most recent one of each kind, so a bill that failed a vote and later passed is shown as having passed. Records come from this bill on Congress.gov and govinfo.gov; cost estimates are the Congressional Budget Office's, and the hearings are the printed hearings GovInfo publishes, which can appear months after the hearing.