II 111th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 805 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 2, 2009 Mr. Nelson of Florida (for himself and Mr. Martinez) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works A BILL To provide for a comprehensive study by the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences to assess the water management, needs, and conservation of the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River System.

1.

Study on the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River System

(a)

Definitions

In this section: (1)

ACF river system

The term ACF River System means the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River System. (2)

Council

The term Council means the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences. (3)

Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Army. (b)

National Research Council Study

Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall offer to enter into an agreement with the Council under which the Council shall conduct a comprehensive study of the water management, needs, and conservation of the ACF River System. (c)

Matters To be addressed

The study under subsection (b) shall include the following: (1)A summary of the existing body of scientific knowledge on— (A)the ecology, hydrology, geomorphology, and biogeochemistry of the Apalachicola River and the greater ACF River System; (B)the ecosystem services provided by the Apalachicola River; (C)the impact of variation in freshwater flow on the ecology of the river and downstream coastal ecosystems, including the Apalachicola Bay ecosystem; and (D)how to restore the natural hydraulic function of the ACF River System, including restoration of floodplains and wetlands. (2)An assessment of models that serve as the basis for the master manuals of the ACF River System. (3)An assessment of water availability, supply options, demand-management alternatives, and socioeconomic factors that influence uses in the ACF River System, including water quality, navigation, hydropower, recreation, in-stream ecology, and flood control. (4)An assessment of policies, regulations, and other factors that affect Federal water project operations. (5)Recommendations for an approach to determine water limits that recognize the needs of all water users along the ACF River System, including adequate in-stream flow requirements. (6)Recommendations for any additional measures to address the long-term watershed management needs of the ACF River System as the Council considers to be appropriate. (d)

Report

Not later than 2 years after entering into an agreement under subsection (b), the Council shall submit to the Secretary and Congress a report containing the findings of the study under subsection (b), including such recommendations as the Council considers to be appropriate. (e)

Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $1,200,000.