§1962d–21 John Glenn Great Lakes Basin Program

Summary

The Secretary must study the Great Lakes and make a strategic plan for Corps of Engineers projects there. A report with that plan is due no later than 3 years after August 17, 1999, and then every 2 years. The plan must describe projects for navigation, environmental restoration, water level work, technical and planning help to states, sediment management, flood and erosion control, and other Corps work. It must also say what limits the Corps’ current authorities and whether new or changed authorities are needed. Up to $1,000,000 is authorized for fiscal years 2000 through 2003 to do this work. The Secretary must also quickly ask federal agencies (within 90 days after August 17, 1999) to list any Great Lakes water and ecosystem data they have, including ground and surface water, tributary changes, biological links to water movement, weather effects on water levels, and other related data. Within 18 months after August 17, 1999, the Secretary must collect those lists, check for gaps and inconsistencies, and send a report with recommendations and needed resources to Congress, the International Joint Commission, and the Great Lakes States, after consulting states, tribes, other agencies, and asking Canadian governments for information. Also within 18 months the Secretary must report on the economic benefits of recreational boating, working with the Great Lakes States and using existing studies where possible. The Secretary must encourage public input and work with states, tribal governments, and Canadian governments, may help states make consistent interstate water-use guidelines, and may accept non-Federal funds to cover up to 25% of the costs for the inventory, boating report, cooperation, and technical help. Non-Federal partners may provide up to 100% of their share as in-kind services or materials.