How HR 5250 changes current law

Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill expands the Emergency Watershed Program by allowing the Secretary to implement measures for increased watershed protection and modifies financial assistance levels for rehabilitation projects in limited resource areas.

• 16 U.S.C. 2203

  (c) Level of Restoration.--In carrying out this section, the Secretary may undertake measures that increase the level of protection above that which would be necessary to address the immediate impairment of the watershed if the Secretary determines that such restoration is in the best interest of the long-term health and the protection of the watershed from repetitive impairments.

  This addition allows for enhancements to watershed protection beyond immediate needs.

• 16 U.S.C. 1012(b)(2)

  The amount of Federal funds that may be made available under this subsection to a local organization for construction of a particular rehabilitation project shall be equal to 65 percent of the total rehabilitation costs, but not to exceed 100 percent of actual construction costs incurred in the rehabilitation. → (2) Amount of assistance; limitations.--(A) In general.--The amount of Federal funds that may be made available under this subsection to a local organization for construction of a particular rehabilitation project shall be equal to 65 percent of the total rehabilitation costs, but not to exceed 100 percent of actual construction costs incurred in the rehabilitation. (B) Limited resource areas.--Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the Secretary may contribute up to 90 percent of the total rehabilitation costs to a local organization for construction of a particular rehabilitation project that serves a limited resource area, as determined by the Secretary, but not to exceed 100 percent of actual construction costs incurred in the rehabilitation. (C) Costs of resource rights and permits.--The local organization shall be responsible for the costs of water, mineral, and other resource rights and all Federal, State, and local permits.

  This change introduces a higher federal funding limit for rehabilitation projects in limited resource areas.