§2282c Vertical Integration and Acceleration of Studies

Summary

Feasibility studies started by the Secretary after June 10, 2014 must, when possible, finish a final report within 4 years after the Secretary finds there is a Federal interest, cost no more than $5,000,000, and be reviewed at the same time by district, division, and headquarters staff of the Army Corps of Engineers. If the Secretary decides a study cannot meet those goals, the Secretary must, within 30 days, make a new schedule and cost estimate, tell the non‑Federal cost‑sharing partner the study is delayed, and tell the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee why the goals cannot be met. The Secretary may add up to 3 more years if the study is too complex. In judging complexity the Secretary must consider project size, scope, location, cost, use of new designs or construction, needs for major actions by other agencies, and any big public disagreements about the project’s effects or its costs and benefits. Each time complexity is found, the Secretary must tell the two congressional committees which factor(s) led to that decision. Within 90 days after a study starts, the Secretary must begin all required federal reviews, including the environmental review under section 1005, call a meeting of federal, tribal, and State agencies that may need to review or permit the project, and give those agencies the information they need to do timely reviews. No later than 18 months after June 10, 2014 the Secretary must report to those two committees and the public on the planning process, how many projects are in it, schedule delays, and any recommendations for more authority to speed studies. No later than 4 years after June 10, 2014 the Secretary must report to those committees and the public on each study covered by these rules, how long each took, and any recommendations, including whether the $5,000,000 cost limit should be changed to address inflation.