§579f Budgetary Evaluation Metrics and Transparency; Public Participation

Summary

Starting in fiscal year 2020, when the President prepares the annual budget request for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Civil Works), the President must use the same method the Corps uses to estimate potential benefit‑to‑cost ratios during project planning and evaluation. The budget must also show the clear criteria and measures the President used to evaluate and choose which water resources projects to include. At least once a year, the Secretary, through each District, must give non‑Federal partners and other interested stakeholders information on proposed project budgets or major budget changes, hold several public meetings about those budgets, and offer chances for those partners to work with District staff to share information and, as much as possible, help develop ideas and take part in decisions so solutions fit together.