“Getting the Funding Right”

Kim Koleos Juris Doctor , University of Florida

Traditional Army Corps ProjectsWater Resources Development Act (WRDA)

• 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

Pre-Channelized Kissimmee River in 1961

Channelized Kissimmee River – 1962 to 1971

Kissimmee River Restoration – 1994 to 2011

• 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)

Army Corps Involvement in Environmental Restoration

• 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

Large-Scale Ecosystem Restoration Projects

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?

Everglades

Louisiana Coastal Area

Upper Mississippi River & Illinois Water-Way Restoration

Missouri River System

Great Lakes

South Bay Salt Pond Restoration - today

South Bay Salt Pond Restoration - future