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119-hr-5735119th Congress

Coastal Infrastructure Improvement Act

Sponsored By: Representative Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4]

In Committee

Summary

Biomimetic coastal stabilization is the focus of this bill. It would direct the Secretary of the Army to create a six-year research and development program on stabilization and erosion control technology that prioritizes biomimetic, temporary, adjustable, removable, and reusable approaches and explores alternatives to hardened structures.

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  • Coastal communities: Would gain new, less-damaging options to protect estuaries, cliffs, beaches, dunes, and shorelines from coastal floods and erosion hazards.
  • Ecosystems and habitats: Would be supported by methods that mimic natural processes and reduce reliance on static hardened structures that disrupt habitat.
  • Federal and state agencies and researchers: The Army Corps' Engineer Research and Development Center would run the program, consult state coastal management programs, test solutions across diverse geographic locations, and would report to congressional committees within 60 days after the six-year period. The program would be subject to available appropriations.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Research to protect coastal communities

If enacted and funded, the Army’s research center would run a 6-year program on coastal erosion control. It would study methods that copy nature and can be adjusted, removed, or reused, including hybrid designs. It would look for alternatives to hard walls that can harm habitats and shift erosion to neighbors. It would track costs, upkeep, and how long solutions last in flood- and erosion-prone areas. Work would occur in diverse locations, with input from other agencies and states when needed. The Army would report results and next steps to Congress within 60 days after the 6-year period ends.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4]

NY • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2]

    NJ • R

    Sponsored 10/10/2025

  • Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3]

    NY • D

    Sponsored 12/15/2025

  • Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

    NY • R

    Sponsored 1/27/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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