II 112th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 1197 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES June 15, 2011 Mr. Coats (for himself and Mr. Lugar) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works A BILL To provide for a feasibility study before carrying out any Federal action relating to the Chicago Area Water System.

1.

Definitions

In this Act: (1)

CAWS

The term CAWS means the Chicago Area Water System. (2)

Economic impact statement

The term economic impact statement means the economic impact statement described in section 2(b). (3)

Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers.

2.

Duty to assess the impact of Federal action on jobs and commercial activity

(a)

In general

Prior to any major Federal action, as determined by the Secretary, to prevent the introduction or establishment of a population of aquatic nuisance species between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River Basins that would impact the flow of commerce or commercial activity within the CAWS, the Secretary shall prepare an economic impact statement as described in subsection (b). (b)

Economic impact statement

(1)

Contents

An economic impact statement required under subsection (a) shall include a detailed statement by the Secretary relating to— (A)the impact of the proposed action on the flow of commerce and commercial activity; (B)the impact of the proposed action on jobs and job opportunities, including an assessment of the quantity of jobs that would be lost and gained as a result of the proposed action; (C)any adverse economic effects that could not be avoided if the proposal is implemented; (D)the alternatives to the proposed action, including a cost-benefit analysis of each alternative; (E)the relationship between any local short-term impacts on commerce or commercial activity and maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity and environmental values; and (F)any adverse impacts to public or private property that could result if the proposal is implemented, including damage relating to flooding or new water drainage patterns. (2)

Consultation

(A)

In general

Prior to preparing an economic impact statement, the Secretary shall consult with and obtain the comments of— (i)any Federal or State agency that has jurisdiction by law or special expertise with respect to any of the activities described in paragraph (1); (ii)communities affected by the proposed Federal action described in subsection (a); and (iii)any other stakeholders. (B)

Public participation

A copy of each statement and any comments or views obtained as a result of the consultation under subparagraph (A) shall— (i)be made available on a publicly accessible Internet site; and (ii)accompany the proposal described in subsection (a) through the applicable Federal agency review process. (3)

Combining environmental and economic impact statements

An economic impact statement under this Act may be combined with a detailed statement of environmental impacts required to be prepared under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).