§598c Easements for Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction Projects

Summary

The Secretary must, if a local non‑Federal partner asks, accept a temporary (nonperpetual) easement and start construction on a hurricane or storm damage reduction project that would normally need a permanent easement. This is allowed only if the action follows the Chief of Engineers’ report and the project partnership agreement. The Secretary must give formal notice that if the temporary easement ends and is not renewed, the Federal government will not be able to do required beach nourishment, do repairs or rehabilitation under section 701n, or provide other Federal help for the project. For projects authorized after January 4, 2025 that would require a permanent easement, the Chief of Engineers’ report must say so. At the request of the local partner, the Secretary should take only the smallest land rights needed. For the two‑year period starting January 4, 2025, the Secretary must carry out certain named Florida projects consistent with their initial construction and periodic nourishments, despite an older 1995 Corps memo; the law lists specific Florida beaches and segments that are covered. Congress says easements may not be longer than the project’s life and must be at least 50 years. Nothing here changes the requirements of section 2213(d) of this title.