II 109th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 734 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 6, 2005 Mr. Vitter introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation A BILL To provide for agreements between Federal agencies to partner or transfer funds to accomplish erosion goals relating to the coastal area of Louisiana, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Together-Immediately Defeating Erosion Act of 2005 .

2.

Conservation, protection, and restoration programs

(a)

Purpose

The purpose of this Act is to encourage Federal agencies to carry out comprehensive, interagency projects relating to the conservation, protection, and restoration of the coastal area of the State of Louisiana. (b)

Use of funds

(1)

In general

Any funds authorized to be appropriated under section 3 shall be used in a manner that is consistent with a multi-agency, comprehensive conservation, protection, and restoration program for the coastal area of Louisiana. (2)

Secretary of commerce

The Secretary of Commerce, acting through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shall use funds authorized to be appropriated under section 3(a)— (A) to collect data relating to the coastal area of the State of Louisiana regarding— (i) environmental restoration; (ii) resource protection; and (iii) protection and recovery of fisheries; (B) to carry out a restoration project relating to the coastal area of the State of Louisiana, as the Secretary determines to be appropriate; or (C) to enter into an agreement with another Federal agency to partner or transfer funds to achieve the purpose described in subsection (a). (3)

Secretary of the interior

The Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Geological Survey, shall use funds authorized to be appropriated under section 3(b)— (A) to collect biological, ecological, environmental, geological, and geographical data relating to the coastal area of the State of Louisiana; (B) to monitor and analyze the data collected under subparagraph (A) or paragraph (2)(A); (C) to carry out any other appropriate activity, as determined by the Secretary, in accordance with subsection (a); or (D) to enter into an agreement with another Federal agency to partner or transfer funds to achieve the purpose described in subsection (a).

3.

Authorization of appropriations

(a)

Department of Commerce

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 2(b)(2) $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2016. (b)

Department of the Interior

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 2(b)(3) $32,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2016.