Federal RuleAug 21
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DOL Rewrites Disability Rules for 'Merit-Based Opportunity' Push
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119-s-5151119th Congress
MRRRI Act
Sponsored By: Senator Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI]
Introduced
Summary
A coordinated restoration and resilience program for the Mississippi River Corridor that would fund projects, set science priorities, and align federal, state, Tribal, and local efforts to reduce pollution, restore habitat, and lower flood risk. It would create a new EPA-based program office led by a director and Tribal liaison to plan, fund, and track large-scale restoration across the Corridor.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Agency reports and non‑supplant rule
If enacted, relevant Federal agency heads would have to send annual reports to the EPA Administrator about their MRRRI activities. Agencies would have to try to identify new projects that support MRRRI goals and must ensure MRRRI funds supplement and do not replace their existing funding. Agencies would be asked to maintain or increase their base funding for Mississippi River work.
Deadlines for goals and plan
If enacted, the bill would require the MRRRI Director to set measurable goals within 1 year. The Director would produce an action plan within 2 years. The plan would list existing Federal, State, Tribal, and regional programs, set multi-year objectives, and include monitoring and timelines. The Director would update the goals and plan at least every 5 years and seek public and Tribal input.
EPA program office and budget line
If enacted, the bill would require EPA to create a Mississippi River National Program Office in a Mississippi River State. EPA would appoint a Director with river management and technical experience and include a separate MRRRI line item and budget justification in each annual budget request to Congress.
Mississippi River science forum
If enacted, the bill would require the US Geological Survey to host a Mississippi River science forum within 1 year. The USGS would send a report within 270 days after the forum and publish a public science plan within 2 years of the forum. The science plan would set priorities, metrics, and research needs and be updated at least every 5 years with public input.
New Mississippi River research centers
If enacted, the bill would direct the Department of the Interior and USGS to create three Mississippi River research centers: one national USGS center and two regional university-hosted centers for the upper and lower river. The centers would research focus areas, advise on monitoring and impacts, and work with Federal and non-Federal partners.
What projects can get money
If enacted, MRRRI funds would be limited to projects that address at least one program focus area and carry out at least one listed action. Eligible actions include restoring wetlands and habitats, removing or changing dams and levees to restore hydrology, protecting land by purchase or easement, using dredged sediment for habitat, relocating or elevating flood‑prone buildings, improving soil health and water retention, and reducing nonpoint pollution. Projects must be compatible with Corps navigation and disaster‑risk infrastructure where applicable.
Grant rules, Tribal share, and limits
If enacted, the bill would let the MRRRI Director transfer funds to agencies and award grants to states, tribes, local governments, nonprofits, universities, and individuals. For most non‑Federal projects, federal funding would cover up to 80% of costs; Tribal governments and some listed projects could get 100% federal share. The Director must transfer at least 5% of MRRRI funds to the Bureau of Indian Affairs for Tribal grants. The bill would also bar using MRRRI funds for water projects already getting State revolving fund or WIFIA assistance.
Project priorities and small set‑aside
If enacted, the MRRRI Director would pick projects to ensure fair geographic distribution, measurable environmental outcomes, and benefits at local and corridor scales. The Director would favor projects that can start quickly and leverage other funds. The bill would allow up to 5% of annual MRRRI funds, after the action plan exists, for eligible projects not in the plan and would prioritize those that reduce or respond to natural disasters. The Director must also ensure projects do not harm Corps navigation or disaster‑risk infrastructure.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI]
WI • D
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov