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This article explores funding mechanisms for various water resources restoration projects, focusing on actions taken by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under key legislation like the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) and the Water Resources Restoration Act (WRRA). It reviews historical projects, including the Kissimmee River Restoration and the Everglades Comprehensive Plan, while addressing challenges like authorization processes and cost-sharing agreements. This comprehensive overview underscores the importance of funding in restoring ecological integrity and managing the nation's water resources effectively.
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“Getting the Funding Right” Kim Koleos Juris Doctor , University of Florida
Navigation / Flood Control One time authorizations Projects are structural in nature Infrastructure in the form of water control structures - dams, levees, reservoirs, etc. Maintenance in the form of dredging channels and harbors Traditional Army Corps Projects Water Resources Development Act (WRDA)
Army Corps Involvement in Environmental Restoration • WRDA 1986 • est. cost-sharing formulas • ability to change existing structures to improve environmental quality • WRDA 1990 • Environmental Protection Mission • Contamination cleanup, dredged material disposal and hazardous waste management • WRDA 1996 • Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration added to the Corps’ Continuing Authorities Program • WRDA 2000 • Everglades Restoration (CERP)
Large-Scale Ecosystem Restoration Projects • Congress approves a Comprehensive Plan • Congress specifically authorizes individual projects developed under the Plan • Plans have multiple phases of restoration, with multiple set of projects • Diverse group of stakeholders • Use of Adaptive Management • Implementation of the Plan spans decades - 30 to 50 years • Problem: streamlining the authorization process, in order to enable the appropriations process
Water Resources Restoration Act (WRRA) • Purposes: • To ensure the coordinated enhancement, restoration and protection of natural water systems and water resources • To authorize all U.S. Army Corps restoration projects through passage of WRRA • To begin a 2-year cycle for the passage of WRRA • Utilized as a vehicle for the long-term restoration of the physical, chemical and biological integrity of the Nation’s water resources
Water Resources Restoration Act (cont.) • Prerequisites for Authorization under WRRA • Planning requirement • Restoration Plan for a single activity • Comprehensive Plan for activities that are interconnected • Cooperative Agreement • That non-federal entities will NOT take actions that will jeopardize restoration activities or adversely affect the water resources being restored • Statement of Financial Ability • The capacity to carry out cost-sharing responsibilities
Water Resources Restoration Act (cont.) • Cost-Sharing Agreements • case-by-case basis for both implementation and operation & management costs • Potential backlash? • Support? • Authorization of all restoration projects? • Potential projects to be included in WRRA?
