GLIN==> Fw: What is in WRDA for the Great Lakes ? (UNCLASSIFIED)

A few weeks ago, the Water Resource Development Act (WRDA) of 2007 was enacted through a veto override by Congress. WRDA provides new and amended authorities to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for water resources projects and studies.

Attached is a detailed summary of the items in WRDA 2007 that are of interest to the Great Lakes, which include:

- Asian Carp Barrier ? authority to complete permanent barrier and retrofit the demonstration barrier as a single project operated at federal cost

- Great Lakes Fishery & Ecosystem Restoration ? amends authority for $100 million of projects to restore fishery habitat and beneficial uses

- Great Lakes Remedial Action Plans ? reauthorizes program to provide technical assistance to RAP planning and design

- Great Lakes Tributary Model ? reauthorizes program to develop watershed models to assist planning of soil conservation and pollution prevention

- John Glenn Great Lakes Basin Program ? amends authority for studies on basinwide strategic and emerging issues

- Sault Saint Marie, MI ? authorizes construction of a replacement lock at the Soo at full federal cost

In addition to these regional programs, WRDA 2007 includes authorities for 85 local and sub-regional projects and studies for Great Lakes communities. These projects have a variety of outputs, such as flood damage reduction, navigation, shore protection, sewer improvements, and ecosystem restoration.

It must be emphasized that WRDA only provides the authority to do projects or studies. Funding for projects must also be provided through the annual Energy & Water Appropriations.

To see the full language of WRDA 2007 (HR 1495), go to:

http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=110_cong_bills&docid=f:h1495enr.txt.pdf

For more information, contact:

Jan Miller, USACE Great Lakes Center

(312) 353-6354

jan.a.miller@usace.army.mil