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Yes: 496 • No: 19
118-s-4367118th CongressWALLET
Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024
Sponsored By: Senator Carper, Thomas R. [D-DE]
Became Law
Summary
Modernizes the Army Corps of Engineers and unlocks new federal infrastructure funding. WRDA 2024 tightens Corps transparency and public access, speeds and caps study timelines, expands tribal and non‑Federal participation, and retools economic development and GSA real‑property rules to push projects into construction faster.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
106 provisions identified: 83 benefits, 4 costs, 19 mixed.
New job training grants and aid
The law creates Workforce Training Grants to grow sector-based training. It also creates a one-per-state pilot. The federal share for state pilot awards cannot be more than 70%. If you join a pilot, you can get up to $11,000 for training. If you get a Pell Grant, your payment is lowered by your Pell amount. The pilot ends September 30, 2029.
Tighter rules for underused federal offices
The government sets standard ways to measure building use within 60 days and deploys badge and sensor checks within 180 days, with strong privacy limits. New office leases after 180 days must include yearly reports and a plan to return space if use stays below 60% for six months. Starting one year after enactment, buildings must average at least 60% use each year or face space cuts or consolidation. Agencies must tell their inspector general about very large spaces used under 20%, which triggers an investigation. GSA must notify Congress about project cost or scope changes over 5% and get approval to change more than 10%.
Lower local costs in DE, WV, OH, ND
For Delaware Inland Bays and Delaware Bay Coast work that helps disadvantaged communities, the local cost share is set at 10% (the Federal share is 90%). In Northern West Virginia, qualifying projects get a 90% Federal share and the cap rises to $150 million. In Ohio or North Dakota, the cap rises to $300 million and qualifying projects have a 10% local share.
Many major Corps projects authorized
The law authorizes many Corps of Engineers projects nationwide for navigation, flood risk reduction, and restoration. Each project lists expected federal and local costs. Examples include Akutan Harbor (federal estimate about $70.9 million) and Tampa Harbor (federal estimate about $520.4 million). These authorizations set cost shares and allow federal participation.
More Columbia River flood storage funding
The government will reserve 3,600,000 acre‑feet of flood storage each operating year at Hugh Keenleyside Dam in Canada. The law authorizes $37.6 million for FY2025 and the same amount, adjusted for inflation, for FY2026 and FY2027. Funds stay available until spent. An operating year runs August 1 through July 31. This authority ends on August 31, 2027.
More federal help for local water projects
The law funds new programs to help public water and wastewater projects in Washington, Kentucky and West Virginia, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and southeastern North Carolina. The federal share is usually 75% of costs, and can be 90% for projects that help economically disadvantaged communities. Land and easement credits can count toward the local share, up to 25% of total cost. Local owners must pay 100% of operation and maintenance. Total authorizations include $242 million for nine Washington counties, $75 million for KY/WV, $40 million for Oregon, $25 million for Pennsylvania, and $50 million for NC.
Permanent community revitalization grants, $150M yearly
The law makes the Community Revitalization pilot a permanent program. It removes the 20‑project cap. The program must post open calls on a public website and contact past proposers. Congress authorizes $150 million each year to run it.
Pilot to speed small Corps projects
The law starts a pilot for up to 25 small Corps projects to use alternative delivery. It can allow non‑federal partners to pay more than their usual share and use a return‑on‑federal‑investment test for some projects. It authorizes $50 million each year from 2025 through 2032. The pilot must start within 180 days of enactment, and no new projects can start under this authority after 10 years.
Targeted dollars for local water fixes
The law directs $100 million for water and wastewater work in Kings County, New York; $100 million for projects near the Mohawk River in listed counties; and $35 million for Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas. It also adds many named authorizations for water, sewer, stormwater, and restoration projects in specific communities nationwide. These funds can support stormwater control, drinking water, sewer overflow fixes, and related work.
Up to $320M for Everglades stormwater
The law allows up to $320 million to help design and build the North Feeder Stormwater Treatment Area in Florida. Work must follow the Chief of Engineers’ recommendation. Funds are subject to future appropriations.
EDA funding through 2029
The law funds Economic Development Administration programs for fiscal years 2025–2029. Examples: Public Works grants rise from $170 million in FY2025 to $270 million in FY2029. Workforce training gets $50 million each year. Coal communities get $75 million each year. Nuclear host communities get $35 million each year, plus $5 million per year for certain years. Many funds stay available until spent.
$1.8B shifted to states for roads
The law distributes $1.8 billion of contract authority to states based on each state’s FY2025 highway apportionment share. The money is treated like regular highway apportionments and is subject to obligation limits. Funds are available until September 30, 2028. This section is effective as of October 1, 2024.
Lower local cost shares for waterways
Starting October 1, 2024, the federal share for inland waterways construction rises to 75%, and local sponsors pay 25%. After construction, the Brandon Road project’s operation and maintenance is 90% federal for 10 years. For the Matagorda Ship Channel corrective action, the federal share is 90% for planning, design, and construction. For the Selma flood project, the federal share is 100%. If a past deferred‑payment deal used too much credit, the extra must reduce the project’s remaining principal or be returned to the local partner to use on another cost‑shared project.
Owners pay to remove abandoned boats
The Secretary may remove certain abandoned or covered vessels from navigable waters when it is in the public interest. For vessels not under U.S. control, the Coast Guard must first find the vessel is abandoned. The owner must pay the United States for removal, destruction, and disposal costs. The law authorizes $10 million each year for FY2025–FY2029 to help carry out removals.
Land protections on certain water projects
At Table Rock Lake, a licensed home or septic in place on enactment may stay until abandoned or it fails, and this carries to one later owner. For Lake O’ the Pines, the Army must report within 1 year on possible land or easement exchanges near tract LP‑E‑546‑1E. Along the lower Missouri River meander belt, the Corps can only buy riverward land or land for flood resiliency, must get the Governor’s approval, and cannot use eminent domain.
New Denali Housing Fund in Alaska
The law creates the Denali Housing Fund and authorizes $5 million each year for FY2025–FY2029. The Fund can lend up to 90% of planning or financing costs (usually interest‑free; for‑profit loans charge market rates). It can grant up to 90% of unrecoverable planning costs and site development grants up to 40% of construction and 10% of rehab value. In Alaska, “low‑income” is under 150% of the state poverty line; “moderate‑income” is under 250%.
Faster studies for floods and water
The law authorizes a broad study of the Ogallala Aquifer’s water supply and drought resilience. It requires a one‑year evaluation of linking two Louisiana hurricane projects and a final Buffalo Bayou report by December 31, 2025. The Corps must report within 18 months on cutting microplastic releases from its work. It must also study deauthorizing or removing a local dam in Worcester and report within 18 months.
More audits of Corps costs and tools
GAO will review Corps disaster spending from 2004–2023 and Harbor Maintenance Fund distributions. GAO will study how digital tools can speed work and lower lifecycle costs. GAO will review the accuracy of Corps project cost estimates. The Army must give GAO the list of covered ongoing projects within 30 days of enactment.
Better coastal maps and erosion planning
A national coastal mapping program now provides recurring maps and tools and must release hurricane data within two weeks for Category 3+ storms. The law also orders studies on concentrated 'hot spot' erosion at New Jersey coastal projects and allows design or schedule fixes. Mapping is authorized at $15 million per year.
Cheaper local share for ecosystem work
Aquatic ecosystem restoration can now include drought resilience, like wetland work and removing invasive species. For certain anadromous fish projects, non‑federal partners pay 15% of construction and provide needed lands and relocations. Funding caps rise to $15 million per project and $75 million program‑wide. For aquatic plant control under a separate authority, the non‑federal share drops from 50% to 35%.
Cleanup help for abandoned mine drainage
A pilot program pays 75% of design and construction costs for public treatment works that clean abandoned mine drainage in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. The law authorizes $50 million, available until spent. Projects with a liable party under certain laws are excluded. Local owners cover permits, cost overages, and all operation and maintenance.
Deadlines extended for water projects and plans
Several water program authorities now run to 2030. One program’s authorization rises from $40 million to $60 million. The Chattahoochee plan deadline moves from 2 to 4 years, and a related report deadline moves from 3 to 5 years. The expedited consideration window is extended through December 31, 2026.
Deeper channels and more dredged reuse
Harbors can be built and maintained to 55 feet, up from 50 feet. Several named channels and harbors are added for federal maintenance. The beneficial‑use program is now permanent, with a goal to use at least 70% of suitable dredged material; excess suitable material can go to local partners at no cost if they handle removal, transport, and liability. The inland dredge pilot favors projects that enable year‑round navigation, add freight capacity, and support container cargo.
Delaware coastal projects get 80% federal
The law groups certain Delaware coastal projects into one system and sets the federal share at 80% for each listed project. Local sponsors pay 20%. Managing the projects as one system can improve planning and reduce local costs.
Everglades storage reservoir moves forward
The law authorizes the North of Lake Okeechobee Storage Reservoir under the Everglades plan. The Secretary will carry it out based on the August 2024 review and may set conditions.
Faster Army Corps studies and decisions
The law tells the Army Corps to speed many named feasibility studies, reevaluations, and reports. If a study supports a project, the Corps can move straight to preconstruction planning and design. It also speeds work on Oceanside, California’s beach study, a Beaver Lake (Arkansas) water‑supply review, and gives priority reviews for Waco Lake (Texas) and dam safety at Garrison and Oahe.
Faster Nor’easter repairs for New York coasts
The Secretary can repair damaged federal storm reduction structures or public beaches in specified New York areas after a Nor’easter if function is impaired. Work can proceed without showing national economic development benefits when needed to protect life or property. For public beaches, local partners must join federal floodplain and flood insurance programs, and restored beaches cannot extend beyond the natural profile. This beach authority ends 10 years after enactment.
Faster reviews and lower local costs
The Army must speed paperwork for the Matagorda Ship Channel and some Texas studies. It must study flood resilience on the Upper Mississippi; the federal share is 75%. The Secretary must decide ability to pay for listed projects, which can cut local cost shares. The federal government will finish the Craig Harbor reevaluation at federal expense. The U.S. will keep maintaining the Lower Columbia and Willamette pile dikes.
Grants to build high-speed broadband
The law creates EDA grants for broadband planning, land, construction, and equipment. Public‑private partnerships and consortia can apply. For those projects, a public partner or eligible nonprofit must hold title to the property for its useful life. Developers who helped plan a project can still compete for contracts. The Secretary can credit the present value of allowable contributions toward the local share.
Missouri River projects must avoid harm
Before changing certain in‑river features on the Missouri River, the Army must study likely harms like higher flood levels, bank erosion, or navigation impacts. If harms are found, the Army must reduce them. This protects nearby homes, ports, and infrastructure.
More focus on drought and water supply
The Corps must prioritize water supply, conservation, and drought resilience in how it runs projects, without changing state water law or existing rights. Section 1135 projects can now fund drought resilience steps like water savings, sediment removal to restore storage, and native plantings. The per‑project limit rises to $15 million and the total program limit rises to $62 million. The soil moisture and snowpack monitoring program is extended through 2029.
More grants and faster broadband approvals
Grants for Public Works can now fund waste and recycling upgrades and boost resilience. Grant reviews can weigh rural needs, broadband access, job retention, tourism, and blue‑economy benefits. The Army must update its rules within 180 days to speed broadband outgrants on Corps lands, decide quickly on complete applications, and explain any denials while protecting natural resources.
More help for small and island harbors
The underserved harbor program can fund ecosystem restoration and cover marinas next to federal channels. It now includes island harbors that depend on passenger or freight service and runs through 2029, with no more than 10 marina or berthing projects. Remote or subsistence harbors in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa qualify if most goods are U.S.‑consumed or the community’s viability is at risk. Hawaii projects for coastal storm risk management are also eligible.
More money for flood and shore projects
The law raises several Corps funding caps. Small flood control totals rise to $90 million, with a $15 million project cap. Small river and harbor projects go up to $15 million. Storm and hurricane work rises to $62.5 million overall, and to $15 million per project. Sediment management now has a $15 million cap. Streambank and shoreline protection caps rise to $50 million and $15 million, and shore damage prevention rises to $15 million. The law also lets funds be used to prevent ice‑jam flood damage.
More studies and tools for flood risk
The Army may study river and coastal flooding in coastal Washington and plan protections. It will study Delaware Inland Bays restoration and report to Congress within 3 years. Named universities will do research that supports flood and water planning. The Corps must share draft models with partners within 30 days of request, and share final models and data with the public on request, subject to security and privacy limits. The Silver Jackets interagency flood‑risk program continues.
More support for tribal and underserved communities
A community counts as underserved for dam safety if it has under 50,000 people and income under 80% of the state median. Projects for underserved communities are exempt from a specific rehabilitation rule. The Tribal Partnership Program expands eligible tribal groups and projects and raises its cap to $28.5 million. The Corps may raise the Federal share up to 90% for projects that help economically disadvantaged communities, with a $10 million per‑year cap on the extra Federal share and a 7‑year limit on this authority.
More support for Tribal water projects
The law creates two Tribal pilots. One allows up to seven Tribal partnership activities in specific locations with annual reporting. The second lets Tribes carry out up to five authorized projects, with $15 million each year from 2024–2029. The Secretary must issue guidance within 120 days, set up the program within 180 days, and the authority ends December 31, 2029.
More tools and funding for Denali
The Denali Commission can now lease space and use interagency transfers, not just grants. The Commission’s funding authorization is $35 million each year for fiscal years 2025 through 2029.
New grants for urban stormwater projects
The law funds studies and projects to control and reuse stormwater, focusing on urban flood control and nature‑based features. The federal share for studies is 50% (first $100,000 fully federal). For construction, local sponsors pay 35% and all long‑term upkeep. Federal support for any single study or project is capped at $10 million. The program is funded at $50 million each year.
Northern Great Plains gets more funding
The Northern Great Plains Regional Authority is authorized at $40 million per year for fiscal years 2025 through 2029. This raises the authority’s annual funding for that period.
NY–NJ harbor flood study sped up
The Army must speed the New York and New Jersey Harbor flood study and focus on projects with the greatest public, ecological, and social benefits. It must consider nature‑based features, consult agencies, seek public comment, and report to Congress within 3 years. The Secretary may carry out qualifying projects under existing small‑project rules.
Safer dams and smarter reservoirs
The Army must use forecast‑informed reservoir operations when it updates reservoir manuals, if practical and funded. It must assess reservoirs in several regions and issue clear guidelines with Federal and State partners. The Army will keep and publish a national list of dams and low‑head dams with safety details and help resources. It will ask the National Academy of Sciences to study Upper Rio Grande reservoirs and recommend improvements.
South Louisiana flood and port actions
For Port Fourchon project requests, the Corps must check completeness within 30 days and finish its analysis and decision within 180 days or explain delays. The law orders a Larose to Golden Meadow study by June 30, 2025, with a report due 90 days later and $3 million authorized. It also lets the Corps credit past, qualifying interim flood work (after March 31, 1989) toward the local share of the Morganza to the Gulf project if the work is integral and compliant.
EDA disaster office and grant notices
The law creates an EDA Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience. It can hire temporary staff outside normal rules and convert them after 2 years of good service. The office must report to Congress each year starting July 1, 2026, and the hiring authority ends September 30, 2029. For EDA grants of $100,000 or more, EDA must notify Congress at least 3 business days before telling the recipient and post the notice within 60 days.
EDA priorities, faster reviews, transparency
Projects must fit EDA priorities like infrastructure, workforce, innovation, resilience, or manufacturing. If EDA uses a different priority, the Secretary must notify Congress in writing. Within 180 days, the Secretary reports how to speed environmental reviews, and issues a final rule within 2 years after that report. GAO must report by Sept. 30, 2026 on EDA and Regional Commission impacts, and within 2 years on rules that block small communities. EDA must publicly list rural grants and post construction award, completion, close‑out dates, costs, and expected jobs, and give Congress a 1‑year analysis comparing estimated vs. actual timelines.
More EDA aid for hard-hit communities
New grants help places hurt by coal contraction events, even if the harm happened within the last 25 years. Grants also help nuclear host communities where plants closed or are closing with spent fuel on site. Economic Adjustment grants now cover travel and tourism, agriculture, blue‑economy, steel industry dislocation, and industrial water shortages from drought or extreme heat. An area is “distressed” at 80% or less of national median income, with new workforce tests (≤90% labor force participation or 5%+ prime‑age job gap), and energy‑transition risk counts. EDA can focus field reps on coal communities.
More EDA help for planning and startups
EDA funds University Centers so every state gets services like technical help and moving ideas to market. Regional offices can name Technical Assistance Liaisons to help underresourced applicants and give feedback on denied requests. Planning grants can now cover project predevelopment, plan updates, and staffing to line up other funding and address broadband and extreme weather. New definitions like “capacity building” and “project predevelopment” clarify eligible activities. The brightfields program is refocused to support renewable energy projects on brownfields.
More federal help for local development
The law boosts federal support for local economic development. It authorizes $40 million each year for the Delta Regional Authority for fiscal years 2025–2029. It raises the Economic Development Administration’s maximum federal share from 50% to 60%. Very small places (under 10,000 people) that meet program rules may get up to 100% federal funding. Money from a Regional Commission can count toward the non-federal match.
More support for Tribal and Alaska projects
EDA creates an Office of Tribal Economic Development to help Tribes access federal aid, coordinate with agencies, and deliver a strategic plan within 1 year and every 3 years after. The office must keep a public outreach website. The Delta Regional Authority now explicitly includes Indian Tribes in its programs. The Denali Commission can use its funds to pay the local match for covered projects, lowering local costs.
Annual report on harbor maintenance money
Starting with the FY2026 President’s budget and every year after, the Secretary publishes a project‑by‑project report on harbor operation and maintenance costs. The report lists Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund deposits and spending, the budget request, and unmet needs. The first report also identifies transportation cost savings from reaching full channel width and depth. The reports are public.
States get unused TIFIA authority
On April 1, 2025, the government checks how much FY2025 TIFIA loan authority is still unused and gives 75% of that to States. On April 1, 2026, it does the same for FY2026. Each State’s share follows its regular highway apportionment. These amounts are subject to normal obligation limits and program rules. FY2025 amounts stay available through September 30, 2028; FY2026 amounts through September 30, 2029.
Aid targets income, jobs, and weather risks
Regional development plans must address how to reduce and adapt to the economic harm from extreme weather. Funding decisions now weigh per‑person income, labor force participation, and underemployment. Job retention counts along with job creation. Some grants are exempt when more than one plan applies in an area.
Smaller land rights on Corps projects
For water projects, the Corps must identify the minimum property interest needed and choose less than full ownership when it is enough. You must provide that minimum interest. For hurricane projects, a non‑perpetual easement is allowed if terms are met, but the Corps will warn that federal nourishment and repairs may stop if it expires. The Corps must shrink easement footprints at Upper St. Anthony Falls as much as practicable. A 2‑year rule applies to listed Florida nourishment projects starting at enactment.
More Corps help for local projects
If a local sponsor pays the Corps, the Corps can provide studies, engineering, technical help, and permitting help for non‑federal projects. The Corps can deny credit or reimbursement for work the sponsor alone required or for sponsor‑caused delays. The Corps must update guidance within 18 months and can amend prior agreements. Planning help now can include title research to find owners of abandoned structures.
Faster Corps delivery and dredging access
The Secretary must study alternative delivery methods within 1 year and update guidance after. Within 90 days, the Corps must issue guidance for emerging harbors and set up a way to take non‑Federal maintenance funds. Non‑Federal dredgers can use disposal sites when federal needs are protected; the Corps must decide within 90 days and charge fees to recover costs, reduced for improvements. The waiver of certain non‑Federal contract damage shares is extended to 2027.
Allow remote control at some dams
For six years after enactment, the Secretary may run some Corps navigation and hydropower facilities remotely instead of using some on‑site staff. Before doing so, the Secretary must notify Congress, address cyber and physical security, and show it increases availability and capacity. Remote operations must come from a public process that engaged workers and stakeholders.
Tighter oversight of water projects
The law creates a WRDA implementation team to resolve issues and keep agency actions aligned with Congress. It speeds deauthorizing old, inactive projects from before June 10, 2014, with a 90‑day public comment period and a final list. GAO must review indemnification clauses and perpetual local OMRR&R duties and report within one year.
Clearer, faster study rules and priorities
Before a study starts, local sponsors are told their roles and full long‑term costs. The Secretary can make up to 20 federal‑interest determinations per year (outside economically disadvantaged communities), with a $300,000 allowance paid from study funds, and work continues without a new investment decision. Studies have a $5,000,000 cost cap and a 4‑year target after the federal‑interest finding; studies already underway are not affected. More basins are eligible for watershed assessments, and Maui and certain U.S. territories get priority for follow‑on feasibility reports. For the D.C.–Maryland–Virginia water supply study, the federal share is 90%.
Levee repair help tied to improvement plans
To be eligible for federal levee repair after a disaster, a local sponsor must create a systemwide improvement plan in advance. The plan must list needed fixes, timelines, and who pays, and the Corps must approve it and see progress. The law also defines covered encroachments and limits when they count as deficiencies that need removal.
Pilot to boost water supply during droughts
In California, Nevada, and Arizona, the Corps may run some reservoirs for water supply during drought emergencies. It must use forecast‑informed operations when possible, and flood protection still comes first. Operations affect only the flood pool and stop when flood risks rise. The Corps can accept local funds and must report to Congress within two years.
Stricter dam funding rules and upkeep
A state’s annual federal dam safety allocation cannot be more than four times what the state commits that year. For dam rehabilitation, the non‑federal share must match the original construction share, including land and relocations. If the expected federal share of a rehab tops $60 million, amounts above that need specific approval from Congress. Dam owners getting rehab grants must promise to maintain the dam for its expected life.
Water storage pricing changes in OK and KS
At Copan Lake (OK), the non‑federal party must pay 110% of the city’s most recent per‑acre‑foot rate for the storage they seek. For listed Kansas water storage contracts, accrued interest changes from compound to simple interest until conversion to present use.
Faster federal building sales and notice
The Board can use innovative sale and lease methods to get better value for taxpayers, and its size and staffing rules are streamlined. The Board ends on December 31, 2026. Some information stays nonpublic until agencies and OMB agree it can be released, but Congress still receives it. The Board must give States, local governments, and Tribes 45 days’ notice before sending its third report on a property. Agencies may do analyses to prepare a property for sale at the Board’s request.
Better info for visitors and permitters
The Corps must keep public databases current on recreation sites, including open status and activities. Each year, within 30 days after the fiscal year ends, it must update its permit finder with the status of section 214‑funded permits. The Secretary may recognize Corps volunteers with non‑cash awards and must set a process.
Temporary relocation help for Norfolk residents
The Norfolk, Virginia coastal storm project is added to the Temporary Relocation Assistance Pilot. If your home is in the project area, you may qualify for temporary relocation help during construction. This change takes effect now.
Plan for encroachments at Thurmond Lake
The Secretary must prepare a plan for known encroachments near six former Cottage Site properties at J. Strom Thurmond Lake. Owners must be told within 30 days of discovery and can comment before the plan is finished. The Corps cannot force removal of listed encroachments unless Congress authorizes it.
Acequias planning costs now fully federal
For Acequias irrigation projects, the federal government now pays 100% of pre‑design planning costs. The program’s total authorization rises from $80 million to $90 million.
Payment deferral for Stockton Lake water storage
The Commission can choose the start date for Storage Space No. 2 between year 10 and year 15 of the contract. No payment is due for that storage until the chosen start date. After year 10, interest applies on the unpaid balance. The Federal government pays costs to raise the multipurpose pool, and water users’ payments cannot be raised due to required credits or reimbursements.
Agencies must report office space use
Within 1 year and then yearly, Federal agencies must report building occupancy and utilization. Reports must use a benchmark of 150 usable square feet per person and list any costs of excess capacity. Agencies must post reports on a public GSA website unless release would harm national security.
Build Corps facilities, repay revolving fund
The Corps may use available revolving fund money to design and build three facilities in Galveston, TX; Longview Lake, MO; and NAS Corpus Christi, TX. The fund must be reimbursed from programs that benefit from these buildings.
Clear, standard Corps real estate fees
The Army must create guidance to standardize how the Corps sets and updates real estate administrative fees. It must define what work is covered, how costs are estimated and tracked, and how fees are reviewed. Each district will post the fee lists and methods online.
Let locals fund studies and plans
Non‑Federal sponsors can prepare and submit authorized feasibility studies with clear Corps guidance, updated within 18 months. The Corps must set points of contact, timelines, and notify Congress when studies arrive. Credits to sponsors are capped at the Federal share, and $1 million per year is authorized to run this section. The Secretary may also accept funds to prepare or revise reservoir operational documents.
More briefings to Congress on water work
Within 30 days after a reinitiated Endangered Species Act consultation for the Missouri River ends, the Secretary must brief two committees. Within 60 days of enactment, the Secretary must brief on how WRDA 2022 section 8117 is being carried out. When a non‑Federal partner asks to renegotiate deferred payment terms, the Secretary must report the status to Congress and update it every quarter.
More invasive species monitoring
The Corps adds monitoring and contingency planning to its early detection work for invasive species. The Connecticut River Basin is added to the areas covered. This helps catch and plan for invasives sooner.
Recreation fees stay local, partners help
At least 80% of recreation fees collected at a project stay at that project, subject to future appropriations. The Corps can partner with non‑Federal public entities and private nonprofits to run developed recreation sites. Partners must be able to meet agreement terms, and they may collect and keep up to 100% of user fees if used for site operation and maintenance.
Review Lake Oahe land for Tribe
Within one year, the Secretary must report any Corps property at Lake Oahe, ND that is not needed for the project and may be transferred to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe for recreation. The report must consider Walker Bottom Marina, Fort Yates Boat Ramp, Cannonball District, and sites the Tribe identifies. If no land is available, the Secretary must list what was considered and explain why it is still needed.
Targeted transfers of federal property
The Secretary may convey specified federal properties and easements to named local recipients. Recipients must pay conveyance costs and hold the U.S. harmless for future activities. The Secretary may require reversion if the land is not used for the stated public purpose. For Salinas Dam, the property must meet dam safety rules before conveyance.
Wildlife reports and invasive species plan
Within 90 days and then yearly for 10 years, the Secretary must report Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow counts in Florida. Within 1 year and then yearly for 4 years, the Secretary must report on seagrass work in Florida stormwater treatment areas. Within 1 year, the Secretary must submit an assessment of invasive species work at Corps projects, with examples and recommendations.
Corps permit website must stay current
The Army must update the Corps permit website each year. Within 30 days after each fiscal year ends, the site must show the current status of permits with contributed funds. This improves transparency for projects on Corps lands and waters.
Alaska erosion and Lowell Creek updates
Alaska erosion work now covers river erosion along with coastal and ice damage. A Lowell Creek Tunnel project number changes from 20 to 25. These updates let planning and projects reflect current risks and needs.
Easier to work with the Corps
Each Corps district and division now lists a community project advisor and posts uniform project information online. After the annual report, the Secretary must notify proposers and the local Members of Congress within 30 days if a proposal is included. The Corps must standardize section 408 reviews and offer preapplication meetings on request. The cooperation authority threshold rises to $2.5 million and now clearly includes planning and design expertise.
Fairer cost‑benefit tests for islands
For 10 selected feasibility studies serving Hawaii, Alaska, and U.S. territories, the Secretary must compute a second benefit‑cost ratio using adjusted construction costs. The Army must show both ratios and tell Congress if a plan is dropped because the standard ratio is below 1.
Keep dredging and locks operating
The Army coordinates dredging on the Tennessee‑Tombigbee Waterway to keep navigation open. If the McFarland dredge is replaced, the new dredge stays in ready reserve, can test up to 70 days a year, and can be activated if private bids fail. The Secretary must also provide quick technical help on navigation impacts at Wilson Lock and Dam.
Lower local cost for some flood work
For critical restoration in the Lake Champlain watershed, the local share is 10% if the project benefits an economically disadvantaged community as defined by the Secretary. The same 10% local share applies to qualifying features of the Mamaroneck–Sheldrake Rivers project and to Kanawha River Basin projects recommended by the Secretary’s study that benefit disadvantaged communities. This lowers what local sponsors must pay for those project parts.
More areas eligible for shoreline help
The Connecticut shoreline and Vermont’s Winooski River tributary watershed are added to eligible protection locations. Five sites are added to the Corps Lakes Program: East Lake Tohopekaliga (FL), Dillon Lake (OH), Hillcrest Pond (PA), Falcon Lake (TX), and Lake Casa Blanca (TX). Communities and property owners at these sites can seek Corps help.
More funding to fight toxic algae
The harmful algal bloom program’s cap rises to $35 million. More groups can participate, and new sites are prioritized. The program focuses on nutrient cuts, nature‑based fixes, wetlands, monitoring, and useful reuse of removed blooms. The Secretary can partner with non‑Federal entities to use or sell successful technologies.
More funds for Las Vegas and Missouri levees
The Las Vegas project’s federal authorization rises from $40 million to $60 million. The Missouri River Levee System funding rises from $7 million to $65 million. This allows more federal money for those local projects.
Ongoing $25M a year for Upper Mississippi
Starting in fiscal year 2025, the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program receives $25 million each year. This supports ongoing river restoration work.
Post-wildfire watershed reviews in HI and NM
The Army must assess watersheds hit by the August 2023 Maui fires and near Belen, New Mexico after the April 2022 fires. The Army must report status to Congress within 18 months of enactment. These reviews support recovery planning and hazard reduction.
Restoring the Middle Rio Grande bosque
The law creates a program to plan and build wildfire prevention and restoration work in the Middle Rio Grande Bosque. Projects that help disadvantaged communities have a 10% local share. The program continues prior work and can include removing jetty jacks.
Set designs for San Antonio and Santiago
The San Antonio flood project must follow Alternative 7 from the 2014 report. The Santiago Creek Channel is treated as a separable part of the Santa Ana River project, and work must minimize harm to existing trees nearby. The Secretary must report to Congress within 90 days on status, land work, reimbursements, appraisals, and litigation settlements.
Stronger coastal and river study plans
New Jersey shore studies can include ecosystem restoration recommendations. San Francisco Bay studies add Contra Costa County and ocean shorelines, must consider sea level rise, natural features, dredged material use, and risks to disadvantaged communities and key systems. Western Lake Erie Basin studies now cover flood and storm risk, are treated as continuing the initial study, and projects from them can be carried out under section 212.
Tribal projects gain more support
Inter‑tribal consortiums are now eligible for Flood Control Act assistance. Permit‑processing funds can go to tribes and entities formed by tribes, and can support aquatic ecosystem restoration projects.
Use forecasts in reservoir rules
When the Corps updates water control manuals, it must consider forecast‑informed reservoir operations. This aims to improve flood and water‑supply management.
New Mid-Atlantic and New England commissions
The law creates a Mid‑Atlantic Regional Commission for all Delaware and certain Maryland and Pennsylvania counties. It also creates a Southern New England Regional Commission for all Rhode Island and Massachusetts counties and listed Connecticut counties.
Five‑year deadline on committee projects
For resolutions approved after enactment, a lease or project start must happen within 5 years. If not, the resolution expires.
Floodplain plans required for dam work aid
To get rehabilitation help, applicants must have a floodplain management plan. For dam removals, the plan must be in place before assistance and include outreach. For other projects, the plan must be ready within two years after the agreement and implemented within two years after construction. The Administrator gives criteria and may offer technical help.
Two local water projects deauthorized
Federal authorization ends for the East San Pedro Bay ecosystem restoration study in California. A described portion of the Bridgeport Harbor project in Connecticut is also deauthorized. Federal study or construction no longer applies to these pieces.
Changes to paying for local water projects
Federal authorization for listed Los Angeles County flood channels ends 18 months after enactment. The County Flood Control District must agree to operate and maintain them at no cost to the United States, while keeping public ownership. The law also aligns the Ediz Hook project’s maintenance cost share with a 1986 cost‑share rule, changing who pays ongoing costs.
Accredited training for corrosion work
Corrosion‑prevention activities must use programs offered or accredited by industry standard‑setters, or use industrial coatings programs that count under workforce training laws or registered apprenticeships. This raises credential standards and may raise provider or training costs.
Dam safety law section repealed
The law repeals Section 15 of the National Dam Safety Program Act. This change takes effect now and alters part of the dam safety program’s legal framework.
Delta Doctors program may charge fees
The Delta Regional Authority can collect, keep, and spend fees for the Delta Doctors program. This helps support operations, but participants may face program fees.
Willamette review must study no power option
The Secretary cannot finish the Willamette Basin operations review until an option that stops hydropower is prepared and analyzed. This forces a formal look at ending hydropower at those projects before the review is complete.
Ability‑to‑pay rules: process and limits
The Secretary must set procedures so local sponsors can show what they can afford and ask to reduce their cost share, using county income, local costs, and finances. The Secretary must report these decisions each year. But the ability‑to‑pay rule does not apply to projects whose costs exceed the national economic development plan threshold.
Navigation maintenance rules and costs updated
Pile dikes are treated like jetties or breakwaters for maintenance rules, even if they became disconnected due to lack of federal upkeep. For the Columbia River Channel, agreed replacement costs for a non‑federal cutter suction dredge can be counted in full operating costs if funds are available. For the West Bank and Vicinity hurricane project near New Orleans, the Corps must operate, maintain, repair, replace, and rehabilitate all features. Some older Harbor Maintenance rules are repealed.
Sales of several federal buildings
GSA must offer the Huntsville Courthouse/Post Office to the City within 60 days, at appraised fair market value; the City pays all conveyance costs, and credits tied to a listed parcel may offset cash. GSA must sell specified Leavenworth‑related property within 2 years, and the Wilbur J. Cohen Building within 2 years after vacancy; both sales ban foreign buyers by law definition. The Webster School property must be sold by Dec. 31, 2025. Net proceeds go to the Federal Buildings Fund.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Carper, Thomas R. [D-DE]
DE • D
Cosponsors
Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV]
WV • R
Sponsored 5/20/2024
Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ]
AZ • D
Sponsored 5/20/2024
Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND]
ND • R
Sponsored 5/20/2024
Roll Call Votes
senate vote • 12/18/2024
On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to S. 4367)
Yes: 97 • No: 1
house vote • 12/10/2024
On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended
Yes: 399 • No: 18