[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 38 (Thursday, March 30, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2008-S2019]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          ESTUARY HABITAT RESTORATION PARTNERSHIP ACT OF 1999

  Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent 
that the Senate proceed to the consideration of Calendar No. 323, S. 
835.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Sessions). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.
  The clerk will report the bill by title.
  The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       A bill (S. 835) to encourage the restoration of estuary 
     habitat through more efficient project financing and enhanced 
     coordination of Federal and non-Federal restoration programs, 
     and for other purposes, which had been reported from the 
     Committee on Environment and Public Works, with an amendment, 
     as follows:

  (The part of the bill intended to be inserted is shown in italic.)

                                 S. 835

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Estuary Habitat Restoration 
     Partnership Act of 1999''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

       Congress finds that--
       (1) estuaries provide some of the most ecologically and 
     economically productive habitat for an extensive variety of 
     plants, fish, wildlife, and waterfowl;
       (2) the estuaries and coastal regions of the United States 
     are home to one-half the population of the United States and 
     provide essential habitat for 75 percent of the Nation's 
     commercial fish catch and 80 to 90 percent of its 
     recreational fish catch;
       (3) estuaries are gravely threatened by habitat alteration 
     and loss from pollution, development, and overuse;
       (4) successful restoration of estuaries demands the 
     coordination of Federal, State,

[[Page S2009]]

     and local estuary habitat restoration programs; and
       (5) the Federal, State, local, and private cooperation in 
     estuary habitat restoration activities in existence on the 
     date of enactment of this Act should be strengthened and new 
     public and public-private estuary habitat restoration 
     partnerships established.

     SEC. 3. PURPOSES.

       The purposes of this Act are--
       (1) to establish a voluntary program to restore 1,000,000 
     acres of estuary habitat by 2010;
       (2) to ensure coordination of Federal, State, and community 
     estuary habitat restoration programs, plans, and studies;
       (3) to establish effective estuary habitat restoration 
     partnerships among public agencies at all levels of 
     government and between the public and private sectors;
       (4) to promote efficient financing of estuary habitat 
     restoration activities; and
       (5) to develop and enhance monitoring and research 
     capabilities to ensure that restoration efforts are based on 
     sound scientific understanding.

     SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act:
       (1) Collaborative council.--The term ``Collaborative 
     Council'' means the interagency council established by 
     section 5.
       (2) Degraded estuary habitat.--The term ``degraded estuary 
     habitat'' means estuary habitat where natural ecological 
     functions have been impaired and normal beneficial uses have 
     been reduced.
       (3) Estuary.--The term ``estuary'' means--
       (A) a body of water in which fresh water from a river or 
     stream meets and mixes with salt water from the ocean, 
     including the area located in the Great Lakes Biogeographic 
     Region and designated as a National Estuarine Research 
     Reserve under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 
     U.S.C. 1451 et seq.) as of the date of enactment of this Act; 
     and
       (B) the physical, biological, and chemical elements 
     associated with such a body of water.
       (4) Estuary habitat.--
       (A) In general.--The term ``estuary habitat'' means the 
     complex of physical and hydrologic features and living 
     organisms within estuaries and associated ecosystems.
       (B) Inclusions.--The term ``estuary habitat'' includes salt 
     and fresh water coastal marshes, coastal forested wetlands 
     and other coastal wetlands, maritime forests, coastal 
     grasslands, tidal flats, natural shoreline areas, shellfish 
     beds, sea grass meadows, kelp beds, river deltas, and river 
     and stream banks under tidal influence.
       (5) Estuary habitat restoration activity.--
       (A) In general.--The term ``estuary habitat restoration 
     activity'' means an activity that results in improving 
     degraded estuary habitat (including both physical and 
     functional restoration), with the goal of attaining a self-
     sustaining system integrated into the surrounding landscape.
       (B) Included activities.--The term ``estuary habitat 
     restoration activity'' includes--
       (i) the reestablishment of physical features and biological 
     and hydrologic functions;
       (ii) except as provided in subparagraph (C)(ii), the 
     cleanup of contamination related to the restoration of 
     estuary habitat;
       (iii) the control of non-native and invasive species;
       (iv) the reintroduction of native species through planting 
     or natural succession; and
       (v) other activities that improve estuary habitat.
       (C) Excluded activities.--The term ``estuary habitat 
     restoration activity'' does not include--
       (i) an act that constitutes mitigation for the adverse 
     effects of an activity regulated or otherwise governed by 
     Federal or State law; or
       (ii) an act that constitutes restitution for natural 
     resource damages required under any Federal or State law.
       (6) Estuary habitat restoration project.--The term 
     ``estuary habitat restoration project'' means an estuary 
     habitat restoration activity under consideration or selected 
     by the Collaborative Council, in accordance with this Act, to 
     receive financial, technical, or another form of assistance.
       (7) Estuary habitat restoration strategy.--The term 
     ``estuary habitat restoration strategy'' means the estuary 
     habitat restoration strategy developed under section 6(a).
       (8) Federal estuary management or habitat restoration 
     plan.--The term ``Federal estuary management or habitat 
     restoration plan'' means any Federal plan for restoration of 
     degraded estuary habitat that--
       (A) was developed by a public body with the substantial 
     participation of appropriate public and private stakeholders; 
     and
       (B) reflects a community-based planning process.
       (9) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Army, or a designee.
       (10) Under secretary.--The term ``Under Secretary'' means 
     the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere of the 
     Department of Commerce, or a designee.

     SEC. 5. ESTABLISHMENT OF COLLABORATIVE COUNCIL.

       (a) Collaborative Council.--There is established an 
     interagency council to be known as the ``Estuary Habitat 
     Restoration Collaborative Council''.
       (b) Membership.--
       (1) In general.--The Collaborative Council shall be 
     composed of the Secretary, the Under Secretary, the 
     Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the 
     Secretary of the Interior (acting through the Director of the 
     United States Fish and Wildlife Service), or their designees.
       (2) Chairperson; lead agency.--The Secretary, or designee, 
     shall chair the Collaborative Council, and the Department of 
     the Army shall serve as the lead agency.
       (c) Convening of Collaborative Council.--The Secretary 
     shall--
       (1) convene the first meeting of the Collaborative Council 
     not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act; and
       (2) convene additional meetings as often as appropriate to 
     ensure that this Act is fully carried out, but not less often 
     than quarterly.
       (d) Collaborative Council Procedures.--
       (1) Quorum.--Three members of the Collaborative Council 
     shall constitute a quorum.
       (2) Voting and meeting procedures.--The Collaborative 
     Council shall establish procedures for voting and the conduct 
     of meetings by the Council.

     SEC. 6. DUTIES OF COLLABORATIVE COUNCIL.

       (a) Estuary Habitat Restoration Strategy.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Collaborative Council, in 
     consultation with non-Federal participants, including 
     nonprofit sectors, as appropriate, shall develop an estuary 
     habitat restoration strategy designed to ensure a 
     comprehensive approach to the selection and prioritization of 
     estuary habitat restoration projects and the coordination of 
     Federal and non-Federal activities related to restoration of 
     estuary habitat.
       (2) Integration of previously authorized estuary habitat 
     restoration plans, programs, and partnerships.--In developing 
     the estuary habitat restoration strategy, the Collaborative 
     Council shall--
       (A) conduct a review of--
       (i) Federal estuary management or habitat restoration 
     plans; and
       (ii) Federal programs established under other law that 
     provide funding for estuary habitat restoration activities;
       (B) develop a set of proposals for--
       (i) using programs established under this or any other Act 
     to maximize the incentives for the creation of new public-
     private partnerships to carry out estuary habitat restoration 
     projects; and
       (ii) using Federal resources to encourage increased private 
     sector involvement in estuary habitat restoration activities; 
     and
       (C) ensure that the estuary habitat restoration strategy is 
     developed and will be implemented in a manner that is 
     consistent with the findings and requirements of Federal 
     estuary management or habitat restoration plans.
       (3) Elements to be considered.--Consistent with the 
     requirements of this section, the Collaborative Council, in 
     the development of the estuary habitat restoration strategy, 
     shall consider--
       (A) the contributions of estuary habitat to--
       (i) wildlife, including endangered and threatened species, 
     migratory birds, and resident species of an estuary 
     watershed;
       (ii) fish and shellfish, including commercial and sport 
     fisheries;
       (iii) surface and ground water quality and quantity, and 
     flood control;
       (iv) outdoor recreation; and
       (v) other areas of concern that the Collaborative Council 
     determines to be appropriate for consideration;
       (B) the estimated historic losses, estimated current rate 
     of loss, and extent of the threat of future loss or 
     degradation of each type of estuary habitat; and
       (C) the most appropriate method for selecting a balance of 
     smaller and larger estuary habitat restoration projects.
       (4) Advice.--The Collaborative Council shall seek advice in 
     restoration of estuary habitat from experts in the private 
     and nonprofit sectors to assist in the development of an 
     estuary habitat restoration strategy.
       (5) Public review and comment.--Before adopting a final 
     estuary habitat restoration strategy, the Collaborative 
     Council shall publish in the Federal Register a draft of the 
     estuary habitat restoration strategy and provide an 
     opportunity for public review and comment.
       (b) Project Applications.--
       (1) In general.--An application for an estuary habitat 
     restoration project shall originate from a non-Federal 
     organization and shall require, when appropriate, the 
     approval of State or local agencies.
       (2) Factors to be taken into account.--In determining the 
     eligibility of an estuary habitat restoration project for 
     financial assistance under this Act, the Collaborative 
     Council shall consider the following:
       (A) Whether the proposed estuary habitat restoration 
     project meets the criteria specified in the estuary habitat 
     restoration strategy.
       (B) The technical merit and feasibility of the proposed 
     estuary habitat restoration project.
       (C) Whether the non-Federal persons proposing the estuary 
     habitat restoration project provide satisfactory assurances 
     that they will have adequate personnel, funding, and 
     authority to carry out and properly maintain the estuary 
     habitat restoration project.
       (D) Whether, in the State in which a proposed estuary 
     habitat restoration project is to be carried out, there is a 
     State dedicated source of funding for programs to acquire or

[[Page S2010]]

     restore estuary habitat, natural areas, and open spaces.
       (E) Whether the proposed estuary habitat restoration 
     project will encourage the increased coordination and 
     cooperation of Federal, State, and local government agencies.
       (F) The amount of private funds or in-kind contributions 
     for the estuary habitat restoration project.
       (G) Whether the proposed habitat restoration project 
     includes a monitoring plan to ensure that short-term and 
     long-term restoration goals are achieved.
       (H) Other factors that the Collaborative Council determines 
     to be reasonable and necessary for consideration.
       (3) Priority estuary habitat restoration projects.--An 
     estuary habitat restoration project shall be given a higher 
     priority in receipt of funding under this Act if, in addition 
     to meeting the selection criteria specified in this section--
       (A) the estuary habitat restoration project is part of an 
     approved Federal estuary management or habitat restoration 
     plan;
       (B) the non-Federal share with respect to the estuary 
     habitat restoration project exceeds 50 percent; or
       (C) there is a program within the watershed of the estuary 
     habitat restoration project that addresses sources of water 
     pollution that would otherwise re-impair the restored 
     habitat.
       (c) Interim Actions.--
       (1) In general.--Pending completion of the estuary habitat 
     restoration strategy developed under subsection (a), the 
     Collaborative Council may pay the Federal share of the cost 
     of an interim action to carry out an estuary habitat 
     restoration activity.
       (2) Federal share.--The Federal share shall not exceed 25 
     percent.
       (d) Cooperation of Non-Federal Partners.--
       (1) In general.--The Collaborative Council shall not select 
     an estuary habitat restoration project until a non-Federal 
     interest has entered into a written agreement with the 
     Secretary in which it agrees to provide the required non-
     Federal cooperation for the project.
       (2) Nonprofit entities.--Notwithstanding section 221 of the 
     Flood Control Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 1962d-5b(b)), for any 
     project undertaken under this section, the Secretary may, 
     after coordination with the official responsible for the 
     political jurisdiction in which a project would occur, allow 
     a nonprofit entity to serve as the non-Federal interest.
       (3) Maintenance and monitoring.--A cooperation agreement 
     entered into under paragraph (1) shall provide for 
     maintenance and monitoring of the estuary habitat restoration 
     project to the extent determined necessary by the 
     Collaborative Council.
       (e) Lead Collaborative Council Member.--The Collaborative 
     Council shall designate a lead Collaborative Council member 
     for each proposed estuary habitat restoration project. The 
     lead Collaborative Council member shall have primary 
     responsibility for overseeing and assisting others in 
     implementing the proposed project.
       (f) Agency Consultation and Coordination.--In carrying out 
     this section, the Collaborative Council shall, as the 
     Collaborative Council determines it to be necessary, consult 
     with, cooperate with, and coordinate its activities with the 
     activities of other appropriate Federal agencies.
       (g) Benefits and Costs of Estuary Habitat Restoration 
     Projects.--The Collaborative Council shall evaluate the 
     benefits and costs of estuary habitat restoration projects in 
     accordance with section 907 of the Water Resources 
     Development Act of 1986 (33 U.S.C. 2284).
       (h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to the Department of the Army for the 
     administration and operation of the Collaborative Council 
     $4,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2000 through 2004.

     SEC. 7. COST SHARING OF ESTUARY HABITAT RESTORATION PROJECTS.

       (a) In General.--No financial assistance in carrying out an 
     estuary habitat restoration project shall be available under 
     this Act from any Federal agency unless the non-Federal 
     applicant for assistance demonstrates that the estuary 
     habitat restoration project meets--
       (1) the requirements of this Act; and
       (2) any criteria established by the Collaborative Council 
     under this Act.
       (b) Federal Share.--The Federal share of the cost of an 
     estuary habitat restoration and protection project assisted 
     under this Act shall be not more than 65 percent.
       (c) Non-Federal Share.--The non-Federal share of the cost 
     of an estuary habitat restoration project may be provided in 
     the form of land, easements, rights-of-way, services, or any 
     other form of in-kind contribution determined by the 
     Collaborative Council to be an appropriate contribution 
     equivalent to the monetary amount required for the non-
     Federal share of the estuary habitat restoration project.
       (d) Allocation of Funds by States to Political 
     Subdivisions.--With the approval of the Secretary, a State 
     may allocate to any local government, area-wide agency 
     designated under section 204 of the Demonstration Cities and 
     Metropolitan Development Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 3334), 
     regional agency, or interstate agency, a portion of any funds 
     disbursed in accordance with this Act for the purpose of 
     carrying out an estuary habitat restoration project.

     SEC. 8. MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE OF ESTUARY HABITAT 
                   RESTORATION PROJECTS.

       (a) Database of Restoration Project Information.--The Under 
     Secretary shall maintain an appropriate database of 
     information concerning estuary habitat restoration projects 
     funded under this Act, including information on project 
     techniques, project completion, monitoring data, and other 
     relevant information.
       (b) Report.--
       (1) In general.--The Collaborative Council shall biennially 
     submit a report to the Committee on Environment and Public 
     Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on the results 
     of activities carried out under this Act.
       (2) Contents of report.--A report under paragraph (1) shall 
     include--
       (A) data on the number of acres of estuary habitat restored 
     under this Act, including the number of projects approved and 
     completed that comprise those acres;
       (B) the percentage of restored estuary habitat monitored 
     under a plan to ensure that short-term and long-term 
     restoration goals are achieved;
       (C) an estimate of the long-term success of varying 
     restoration techniques used in carrying out estuary habitat 
     restoration projects;
       (D) a review of how the information described in 
     subparagraphs (A) through (C) has been incorporated in the 
     selection and implementation of estuary habitat restoration 
     projects;
       (E) a review of efforts made to maintain an appropriate 
     database of restoration projects funded under this Act; and
       (F) a review of the measures taken to provide the 
     information described in subparagraphs (A) through (C) to 
     persons with responsibility for assisting in the restoration 
     of estuary habitat.

     SEC. 9. COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS; MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDING.

       In carrying out this Act, the Collaborative Council may--
       (1) enter into cooperative agreements with Federal, State, 
     and local government agencies and other persons and entities; 
     and
       (2) execute such memoranda of understanding as are 
     necessary to reflect the agreements.

     SEC. 10. DISTRIBUTION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR ESTUARY HABITAT 
                   RESTORATION ACTIVITIES.

       The Secretary shall allocate funds made available to carry 
     out this Act based on the need for the funds and such other 
     factors as are determined to be appropriate to carry out this 
     Act.

     SEC. 11. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       (a) Authorization of Appropriations Under Other Law.--Funds 
     authorized to be appropriated under section 908 of the Water 
     Resources Development Act of 1986 (33 U.S.C. 2285) and 
     section 206 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1996 
     (33 U.S.C. 2330) may be used by the Secretary in accordance 
     with this Act to assist States and other non-Federal persons 
     in carrying out estuary habitat restoration projects or 
     interim actions under section 6(c).
       (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out estuary 
     habitat restoration activities--
       (1) $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2000;
       (2) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2001; and
       (3) $75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2004.

     SEC. 12. NATIONAL ESTUARY PROGRAM.

       (a) Grants for Comprehensive Conservation and Management 
     Plans.--Section 320(g)(2) of the Federal Water Pollution 
     Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1330(g)(2)) is amended by inserting 
     ``and implementation'' after ``development''.
       (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 320(i) of the 
     Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1330(i)) is 
     amended by striking ``1987'' and all that follows through 
     ``1991'' and inserting the following: ``1987 through 1991, 
     such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 1992 through 
     1999, and $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2000 and 
     2001''.

     SEC. 13. GENERAL PROVISIONS.

       (a) Additional Authority for Army Corps of Engineers.--The 
     Secretary--
       (1) may carry out estuary habitat restoration projects in 
     accordance with this Act; and
       (2) shall give estuary habitat restoration projects the 
     same consideration as projects relating to irrigation, 
     navigation, or flood control.
       (b) Inapplicability of Certain Law.--Sections 203, 204, and 
     205 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 (33 U.S.C. 
     2231, 2232, 2233) shall not apply to an estuary habitat 
     restoration project selected in accordance with this Act.
       (c) Estuary Habitat Restoration Mission.--The Secretary 
     shall establish restoration of estuary habitat as a primary 
     mission of the Army Corps of Engineers.
       (d) Federal Agency Facilities and Personnel.--
       (1) In general.--Federal agencies may cooperate in carrying 
     out scientific and other programs necessary to carry out this 
     Act, and may provide facilities and personnel, for the 
     purpose of assisting the Collaborative Council in carrying 
     out its duties under this Act.
       (2) Reimbursement from collaborative council.--Federal 
     agencies may accept reimbursement from the Collaborative 
     Council for providing services, facilities, and personnel 
     under paragraph (1).

[[Page S2011]]

       (e) Administrative Expenses and Staffing.--Not later than 
     180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to 
     Congress and the Secretary an analysis of the extent to which 
     the Collaborative Council needs additional personnel and 
     administrative resources to fully carry out its duties under 
     this Act. The analysis shall include recommendations 
     regarding necessary additional funding.

  Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent 
that the committee amendment be withdrawn.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, the committee amendment is 
withdrawn.


                           Amendment No. 2904

                (Purpose: In the nature of a substitute)

  Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I send an amendment to the 
desk and ask for its immediate consideration.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
  The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:
  The Senator from New Hampshire (Mr. Smith) proposes an amendment 
numbered 2904.
  Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent 
that reading of the amendment be dispensed with.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  (The text of the amendment is printed in today's Record under 
``Amendments Submitted.'')
  Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I am very pleased that the 
Senate is taking up today an important piece of legislation that will 
enhance our ability to protect the Nation's most valuable shoreline 
habitats. This bill, S. 835, the Estuary Habitat Restoration 
Partnership Act, is a great tribute, I think, to not only our 
leadership in the Senate but also to our late colleague, Senator John 
Chafee. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and move it forward 
quickly, to get it into law.
  S. 835 is an example of environmental policy based on partnership and 
cooperation--not on this top-down mandate, overburdensome Federal 
regulation, but a partnership and a cooperative effort. It shows you, 
when you have a partnership and have a cooperative effort and don't try 
to impose regulations, what you can do. This bill is a good example of 
that. It promotes working together in a partnership situation with the 
States, with local programs, and with the private sector.
  This bill will make it possible to restore 1 million acres of habitat 
with almost no cost to the taxpayer. Environmental success is what this 
is, and it is the kind of environmental success that I am very proud to 
support. This bill is yet one more of the many legacies of our friend 
and late colleague, Senator John Chafee of Rhode Island. He was the 
principal sponsor and a longtime champion of the estuary system in this 
country.
  Last October, under his chairmanship, the Committee on Environment 
and Public Works reported out S. 835 by a voice vote. For the past 5 
months, his son, Senator Lincoln Chafee, has carried forward the effort 
in the Senate and helped me immensely to get where we are today with 
this legislation. I am grateful for his leadership. I know it was a 
special matter for him to lead on this issue and on this bill because 
of what his father had done on its behalf. So I am pleased to be a part 
of this effort, pleased as the chairman of the Environment and Public 
Works Committee to bring this matter to the Senate for final passage.
  To understand how important this act is for protecting the 
environment, one has to understand what estuaries are and how valuable 
they are to our society.
  An estuary is a bay, a gulf, a sound, or an inlet where fresh water 
from rivers and streams meet and mixes with saltwater from the ocean, 
or put simply, it is where the river meets the sea.
  Examples of estuaries are coastal marshes, coastal wetlands, maritime 
forests, sea grass, meadows, and river deltas.
  Estuaries represent some of the most environmentally and economically 
productive habitats in the entire world.
  Estuaries are critical for wildlife. Approximately 50 percent of the 
Nation's migratory songbirds are linked to coastal estuary habitat, 
while near 30 percent of North American waterfowl rely upon coastal 
estuary habitat for wintering grounds. Threatened and endangered 
species depend upon estuaries for their survival.
  Estuaries also play a major role in commercial and recreational 
fishing as well. Approximately 70 percent of the commercial fish catch, 
and 80 to 90 percent of recreational fish catch, depend in some way on 
estuaries. Obviously these fish swim up into those estuaries and spawn, 
and those small fish work their way back into the oceans.
  You may not realize it, but estuaries also contribute significantly 
to the quality of life that many of us enjoy as Americans. Over one-
half of the entire population of the United States lives near a coastal 
area.
  Traditionally, a great majority of Americans visit estuaries every 
year to swim, to fish, to hunt, to dive, to bike, to learn, or just to 
view the beauty of the marshes and the wildlife.
  For many States, this tourism provides enormous economic benefit, and 
it does in New Hampshire, as well as almost every State in the Union.
  In fact, the coastal recreation and tourism industry is the second 
largest employer in the Nation serving 180 million Americans each year.
  These many attributes of estuaries are especially important to me 
because of the rich coastline of New Hampshire. We only have 18 or 19 
miles of it, but it is rich. New Hampshire estuaries contribute to 
dynamic habitat, and they contribute to the beauty of the State as well 
as the economy. Recreational shell fishing alone in New Hampshire 
contributes an estimated $3 million annually to the State and local 
economy. New Hampshire is in the forefront of the national effort to 
identify and protect sensitive estuary habitats.
  The New Hampshire Great Bay, Little Bay and Hampton Harbor, and their 
tributary rivers joined the National Estuary Program in July 1995 as 
part of the New Hampshire Estuaries Project.
  The Great Bay estuary has a rich cultural history. Its beauty and 
resources attracted the Paleo Indians in the area nearly 6,000 years 
ago. It was also the site of a popular summer resort during the 1800s, 
as well as a shipyard.
  As a Senator from New Hampshire, I am proud to be involved in this 
historical and ecological resource, and to preserve it for future 
generations.
  What we do in environmental matters we should do not for the next 
election, and not for somebody's business bottom line, but for the next 
generation--for the generations of our grandchildren and their 
generations to come.
  That is why we make these decisions to preserve these estuaries so 
that 1,000 years from now our descendents can say: We can see an 
estuary because those guys stood up when it counted and they saved them 
for us.

  That is a great legacy.
  Unfortunately, though, many of the estuaries around the United 
States, including those in New Hampshire, have been harmed by excessive 
urbanization of surrounding areas. According to the EPA's National 
Water Quality Inventory, 38 percent of the surveyed estuary habitat is 
impaired. S. 835 is a tremendous step to establishing a much needed 
restoration program.
  What does S. 835 do? It does not duplicate any existing efforts, but 
instead it builds upon current restoration projects by establishing a 
community-driven, incentive-based program while expanding EPA's ability 
to provide grants for conservation management plans.
  It has a national strategy because a national strategy is vital in 
order to coordinate current and future restoration efforts among both 
Federal, State, and local programs. Sometimes estuaries have no State 
borders. They move across the borders of States and towns.
  We have a collaborative council to accomplish this goal. S. 835 
establishes this council. It is chaired by the Secretary of the Army 
with the participation of the Under Secretary for Oceans and 
Atmosphere, the Department of Commerce, the Administrator of EPA, and 
the Secretary of Interior.
  It will be authorized to distribute $315 million over 5 years to 
community groups to implement restoration projects.
  It establishes criteria to select projects; for example, quantity and 
quality of the habitat to be restored; criteria to minimize the Federal 
share; criteria to address sources of pollution that would otherwise 
again impair the

[[Page S2012]]

restored habitat; and, criteria that fosters the development of cost-
effective and innovative technologies.
  This bill encourages local communities and the private sector to 
develop partnerships to implement restoration activities. Decisions of 
how to restore these estuaries are made by the local communities.
  Another key feature of the bill is that it ensures accountability 
through ongoing monitoring and evaluation. NOAA maintains a database of 
restoration projects. Information and lessons learned from one project 
can be incorporated into other restoration projects.
  The council will publish the biannual report to Congress detailing 
the progress made under the act. It allows Congress and the public to 
know about the successes and failures of the projects and strategies 
under this section.
  S. 835 includes important provisions dealing with the National 
Estuaries Program, the Chesapeake Bay Region Program, and the Long 
Island Sound.
  I know that these provisions have been of particular importance to 
Senators Warner and Lieberman, and no doubt they will be addressing the 
importance of these programs on the floor very soon.
  However, I want to acknowledge the important role that the National 
Estuaries Program has played in raising national awareness on the value 
of these habitats.
  The National Estuaries Program, established in 1988, demonstrates 
what we can accomplish when the Federal Government, the State 
government, and the local government work together in partnership 
without all of the friction and without all the confrontation.
  Participation in the program is voluntary, and it emphasizes 
watershed planning and community involvement.
  I have met with so many people at the local and State level on so 
many of these environmental projects who are knowledgeable, smart, and 
well-educated people who know these issues very well. They don't need 
to be dictated to by the Federal Government.
  To date, 28 conservation plans under this program have been prepared 
for designated estuaries. I am pleased that New Hampshire is in the 
process of developing its own conservation plan.
  Unfortunately, though, the program does not have sufficient resources 
to adequately address all habitat restoration. Until now, in fact, only 
the development of a plan could be funded--not their implementation. S. 
835 will change that.
  This bill will increase the authorization for the program from $12 
million to $25 million annually for 2001 and 2002.
  Let me close by saying that there is overwhelmingly bipartisan 
support for this bill. It represents an approach to environmental 
policy that should be the basis for solving environmental problems by 
dealing with these issues through cooperation, not confrontation. And 
that is what this bill is all about.
  Decisions that affect local communities are to be made by local 
communities. They use taxpayer dollars wisely and effectively.
  This bill represents the sixth report by the Environment and Public 
Works Committee since I became its chairman just a few months ago.
  I include also the reauthorization of the National Fish and Wildlife 
Foundation Establishment Act, and a wetlands bill in Louisiana.
  It is only the sixth in what I hope will be a long line of good, 
solid, strong, bipartisan environmental bills.
  We all breathe the same air. We all like to drink clean water. We all 
like to walk the land and to have that land be clean and to enjoy the 
wildlife.
  I have never been able to figure out why Democrats perhaps would like 
to do that more than Republicans, or vice versa. This is nonpartisan. 
This is bipartisan.
  This is good legislation, and many of these initiatives were very 
important to our beloved former colleague, John Chafee.
  I thank Senator Baucus and my other committee colleagues, as well as 
Senators Lott and Daschle, for helping us to continue the tradition of 
bipartisan action on environmental matters. That is so much a part of 
the legacy of John Chafee.
  I urge my colleagues to support its passage.
  Mr. L. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I rise today in support of S. 835, the 
Estuary Habitat Restoration Partnership Act. Senator John H. Chafee was 
the sponsor of this bill; indeed, it was one of his top environmental 
priorities this Congress. Like the many supporters of this bill, I 
believe this legislation is needed to turn the tide and start restoring 
the valuable estuarine habitats that are literally disappearing along 
our Nation's coasts. I hope all of my colleagues in the House and 
Senate will join me in working towards its timely enactment.
  I would like to briefly discuss the importance of estuaries to the 
hundreds of different animals that live in or near these waterbodies. 
Estuaries are defined as waterbodies where the river's current meets 
the sea's tide. These waterbodies are truly unique areas where life 
thrives. The food chain begins in estuaries, and many of them produce 
more harvestable human food per acre than the best Mid-western 
farmland. An astonishing variety of life, including animals as diverse 
as lobsters, whooping cranes, manatees, salmon, otters, bald eagles, 
and sea turtles all depend on estuaries for their survival. The San 
Francisco Bay area alone is home to approximately 255 bird species, 81 
mammal species, 30 reptile species and 14 amphibian species. And we 
cannot forget the importance of estuaries to the human species. As you 
look around the country--some of our most beloved cities: Boston, New 
Orleans, San Francisco, New York, Seattle--are located alongside 
estuaries.
  While some may disagree, I would have to strongly argue that the most 
precious estuary is Narragansett Bay, located in my home State of Rhode 
Island. Rhode Island is ``the Ocean State;'' The anchor adorns our 
State flag; and we have an official State shell, the Quahog. And, we 
are known for our sailing, seafood and beaches. Tourism, fishing and 
other bay-related businesses fuel the regional economy. As a Rhode 
Islander, it is clear that our welfare depends on a clean, healthy, and 
productive bay.
  The bottom line is that we are not doing enough for these valuable 
resources. The combination of development and pollution in our coastal 
areas has resulted in a widespread decline in estuary habitat. 
Estuaries are national treasures, and they deserve a national effort to 
protect and restore them.
  The Estuary Habitat Restoration Partnership Act answers the growing 
challenge of estuary restoration. It sets a goal of restoring one 
million acres of estuary habitat by the year 2010. This bill emphasizes 
the crucial ingredients of successful habitat restoration projects: 
effective coordination among different levels of government; continued 
investment by public and private sector partners; and, most 
importantly, active participation by local communities.
  Some of the key provisions of the bill are: a $315 million 
authorization over 5 years for habitat restoration projects; creation 
of a council to help develop a national strategy for habitat 
restoration; and a cost-sharing requirement to help leverage Federal 
dollars. S. 835 also promotes ongoing restoration efforts by 
reauthorizing the Chesapeake Bay Program and the Long Island Sound 
Estuary Program.
  And, the bill makes a significant and necessary change in the EPA's 
National Estuary Program. Up until now, the 28 designated estuaries of 
national significance--including Narragansett Bay--could only use 
Federal funds to develop conservation and management plans. This bill 
amends the program to allow NEP grants to be used to implement the 
conservation measures included in those plans, and it doubles the 
authorization for the National Estuary Program. Indeed, a central theme 
of this legislation is the need to carry out projects within existing 
plans and get moving with on-the-ground restoration activities.
  Responding effectively to the growing threats to our bays, sounds and 
other coastal waters presents a tremendous challenge: Federal resources 
are scarce, the need is great, and the pressure on these areas is 
intensifying. Yet, I am encouraged by the enormous support--at the 
local, State and Federal levels--for taking action to arrest the 
deterioration of our estuaries, and to reverse the trend through 
restoration projects. And, these restoration

[[Page S2013]]

projects do work. Simply by storing the flow of saltwater to a marsh, 
or dredging a salt pond to its original depth, we allow nature a chance 
to revive and flourish.
  As the former Mayor of Warwick, RI, I have experienced first hand the 
complexity of restoring estuary habitat degraded by pollution. The City 
of Warwick surrounds Greenwich Bay, which contains some of the most 
productive shellfish beds in Rhode Island. In 1992, bacterial 
contamination closed the entire area to shell fishing. My city 
responded with the Greenwich Bay Initiative, an ongoing effort to 
restore the estuary. With help from the State, the Federal Government 
and the private sector, we rehabilitated sewer systems, installed 
marina pump-out stations, reduced agricultural runoff and acquired 
sensitive land for open space conservation.
  A lot of progress has been made towards restoring the health of the 
Greenwich Bay, but considerable work remains to be done. The challenge 
of estuary restoration is even greater at the national level. With the 
aid of the Estuary Habitat Restoration Partnership Act, we can revive 
our most precious and productive estuary resources. When you consider 
this bill, please remember that the beginnings of the food chain that 
sustain life on Earth dwell in the marshes and tidal pools that we seek 
to protect. I hope my colleagues will support this important bill.
  Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. President, I rise today to express how pleased I am 
that we will be passing S. 835, the Estuary Habitat Restoration 
Partnership Act of 1999. This legislation, introduced by our former 
colleague Sen. John Chafee, will reauthorize the National Estuary 
Program at $25 million annually and will allow these funds to be used 
to help implement and develop estuary management plans. It will also 
set a goal of restoring 1 million acres of estuary habitat over the 
next decade.
  I am proud to be a cosponsor of this important legislation because it 
will help us restore and protect our nation's estuaries. Too many of 
our estuaries are endangered by various forms of pollution or from 
overuse and development. In North Carolina, we are still dealing with 
the effects of last year's devastating hurricane season; the full 
effect on places like the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds are still being 
evaluated. This legislation will enable estuaries like the Albemarle 
and Pamlico Sounds to implement the restoration and management plans 
that were developed several years ago. This legislation will help make 
them healthier, more ecologically productive estuarine habitats.
  Estuaries are home to a remarkably diverse wildlife population, and 
they provide a ``safe haven'' for plant and animal species, many of 
which are endangered. They are essential habitats for many young fish 
species who need clean and healthy estuaries to spawn. They are also an 
important resting spot for many migratory bird species.
  Estuaries are critical not only to environmental health, but to 
economic health as well. They support commercial activities, such as 
shipping and fishing. They are a source of drinking water for coastal 
areas. They also provide recreation opportunities for residents and 
visitors who want to boat, fish, or birdwatch.
  In my state of North Carolina, our estuaries are of vital importance. 
North Carolina's estuarine system is the second largest in the 
continental United States, encompassing more than 2.2 million acres. 
Our coastal waters produce more than half the fish caught on the East 
Coast. North Carolina is also home to one of the last bay scallop 
fisheries in the United States. This industry depends upon submerged 
aquatic seagrasses that are extremely sensitive to pollution and they 
must be protected. Our estuary system is also home to large number of 
pelicans, who years ago were nearly extinct but have now rebounded 
dramatically in their restored habitat. Nearly ten percent of North 
Carolina's coastal estuaries have been designated as ``Outstanding 
Resource Waters'' by the state Environmental Management Commission. 
These waters are some of the most valuable in the state, indeed in the 
nation. I believe we must fight hard to protect them for the future. 
This legislation will help us do that.
  The National Estuary Program has enabled nearly thirty estuaries to 
develop restoration and management plans--including the Albemarle and 
Pamlico Sounds in North Carolina. This legislation is an important 
component to insuring the continued good health of these estuaries, and 
I am extremely pleased to see it pass the Senate.
  Finally, Mr. President, I'd like to say a few words about the man who 
introduced this legislation, our friend and colleague, Senator John 
Chafee. Senator Chafee was able to be a nonpartisan voice of reason on 
a great many issues. I miss him dearly. This legislation is a tribute 
to his perseverance and ability to develop legislation that we all 
recognize as a benefit to our nation as a whole. I thank him for his 
dedication, and I am pleased that Senator Lincoln Chafee is on hand for 
the passage of this important measure.
  I ask unanimous consent that my statement be placed in the Record 
following the remarks of Senator Chafee on this legislation.
  Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, I rise in strong support of S. 835, the 
Estuary Habitat Restoration Partnership Act of 1999. This legislation 
is absolutely vital to the future health of our nation's estuaries, 
including our largest and most productive estuary--the Chesapeake Bay, 
and Maryland's Coastal Bays, and I am proud to be an original co-
sponsor of this measure.
  H.L. Mencken once called the Chesapeake Bay a ``great outdoor protein 
factory,'' a description which, perhaps more than any other, 
underscores the critical importance of protecting and restoring 
estuarine ecosystems. Estuaries provide habitat to more than three-
quarters of the fish and shellfish harvested in the United States. They 
are home to thousands of species of plants and animals, including many 
endangered and threatened species. They support millions of American 
jobs and play a vital role in the quality of life that our citizens 
enjoy. But the health and productivity of our estuaries are being 
degraded or destroyed by the tremendous increase in shoreline 
population and development, increasing point and non-point source 
pollution and other activities. It is estimated that, over the past 
century, some estuaries have lost up to 90 percent of their original 
habitat.
  The Estuary Habitat Restoration Partnership Act seeks to reverse 
these trends by setting the goal of restoring 1 million acres of 
estuarine habitat by the year 2010. It authorizes federal funding 
totaling $315 million over the next 5 years for the U.S. Army Corps of 
Engineers, in cooperation with NOAA, EPA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, to carry out estuary habitat restoration projects and provides 
incentives for local communities to participate in creative 
partnerships. It also reauthorizes the National Estuary Program and, 
for the first time, enables EPA to provide grants to implement 
conservation and management plans as well as design the plans.
  Also incorporated in this measure is S. 492, the Chesapeake Bay 
Restoration Act (CBRA), which I introduced together with Senators 
Warner, Robb, Mikulski and Santorum to reauthorize and enhance EPA's 
Chesapeake Bay Program. Mr. President, the Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) 
was established in 1983 with the signing of the Chesapeake Bay 
Agreement which formally bound the Federal Government and the States to 
work together to restore and protect the Bay. It is the oldest EPA 
geographic program and the first estuary in the nation to be targeted 
for restoration as a single ecosystem. EPA's participation in the CBP 
was formally authorized in the Water Quality Act of 1987. The Act 
authorized $3 million annually to support the activities of the 
Agency's Chesapeake Bay Program Office in Annapolis, Maryland which 
coordinates Federal and State efforts to restore and protect the Bay 
and $10 million annually for matching Interstate Development grants.
  The Chesapeake Bay Program has evolved considerably in the years 
since it was first established and has become a model for other 
estuaries around the country and around the world. The Bay Program has 
pioneered a wide range of pollution control initiatives, including 
biological nutrient removal technology implemented at 42 wastewater 
treatment facilities; various agricultural nonpoint source controls, 
such as nutrient management and integrated pesticide management being 
implemented

[[Page S2014]]

on nearly two million acres of agricultural land; and implementation of 
a basinwide ban on phosphate detergents and a national ban on 
tributylin. The Bay Program has also been a leader in establishing a 
large volunteer monitoring program; creating a sophisticated computer 
modeling program; identifying atmospheric deposition of nitrogen as a 
significant pollution source for east coast estuaries; conducting an 
extensive habitat restoration program including the opening of hundreds 
of miles of prime spawning habitat to migratory fish through the 
construction of fish passages; and the restoration of submerged aquatic 
vegetation to support the filtering of nutrients as well as habitat for 
the Bay's living resources. The CBP has also spawned landmark state 
legislation such as nutrient management of farms, growth management and 
forest conservation and critical area protection.

  The 1987 Chesapeake Bay Agreement expanded initial restoration 
efforts by targeting nutrient overenrichment as the Bay's major 
problem, and establishing the goal to reduce by 40%, nutrients flowing 
into the Bay by 2000. The pact included 28 other specific commitments 
to address key issues in living resources, water quality, population 
growth and development, public information and public access. The 1992 
Amendments to the Agreement moved the Program upriver, committing the 
40% nutrient reduction goal to the ten major tributaries to the Bay, as 
well as committing to retain the 40% nutrient reductions as a permanent 
cap to be extended beyond 2000.
  There are signs that the general degradation of Chesapeake Bay has 
ebbed, and actual restoration has begun. However, numerous problems 
remain. Rapid population growth and development are expected in the 
areas of the Bay watershed closest to its waters. Loadings of nitrogen 
and sediments to the Bay remain high. Toxic sediment and water column 
contaminants are a problem in specific regions of concern and some 
other Chesapeake Bay locations. Of great concern are recent outbreaks 
of Pfiesteria-like organisms and the occurrence of lesions from other 
sources on striped bass and other commercial and recreationally 
important finfish in the Bay. Important food chain species and 
populations of forage fish are also declining.
  In order to address these problems and continue restoration efforts, 
the CBRA reauthorizes and increases funding for EPA's Chesapeake Bay 
Program from the current level of approximately $20 million to $30 
million a year. It encourages and assists Chesapeake Bay Agreement 
signatories in meeting nutrient reduction, water quality, toxics 
reduction and prevention and habitat restoration goals, and requires 
that federal facilities within the watershed comply with nutrient 
reduction and other Agreement goals. The legislation also creates a new 
small watersheds program designed to help local groups preserve and 
restore stream corridors. The initiative would make ``seed grants'' and 
technical assistance available to local governments, nonprofit 
organizations and citizens' groups involved in river and stream-
restoration projects. It is my hope that the legislation will enable 
the Chesapeake Bay Program to continue its leadership and technology 
transfer to other groups participating in the National Estuary Program, 
particularly in the areas of nutrient reduction through new 
technologies, such as biological nutrient removal; air deposition of 
nitrogen to estuarine and coastal waters; computer modeling; and 
environmental indicators with an emphasis on measuring improvements to 
living resources.
  Mr. President, in my judgement, the provisions contained in S. 835, 
will pay significant dividends in the years ahead by helping to 
preserve and enhance our nation's estuaries, while at the same time 
improving the quality of life for our citizens. I want to commend the 
Chairman and ranking member of the Committee, Senators Smith and 
Baucus, for moving this legislation to the Senate floor. In my 
judgement, the legislation is a real tribute and fitting legacy to the 
former Chairman of the Committee and author of the legislation, John 
Chafee. I also want to express my appreciation to the co-sponsors of 
the Chesapeake Bay bill, Senators Warner, Mikulski, Robb and Santorum 
for their assistance. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting 
this measure.
  Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I rise today in support of the Estuary 
Habitat Restoration Partnership Act, S. 835. When our late colleague, 
Senator John Chafee, introduced this bill, he did so because he 
understood the tremendous importance of estuaries to our national 
economy and environment. At the same time, Senator Chafee was concerned 
about the considerable challenges the nation's estuaries face, such as 
habitat loss, concentration of upstream pollutants, and coastal 
development. S. 835 would enable us to move forward as a nation in 
addressing those challenges, and I am proud to be a cosponsor of this 
bill.
  Mr. President, I am particularly happy to be here today because this 
legislation, if passed, would have a real impact on the estuary nearest 
and dearest to my own heart, the Long Island Sound. Title 3 of the bill 
reauthorizes the Long Island Sound Office through 2005 and 
significantly increases the funding authorization. Last fall, with the 
Connecticut and New York delegations, I introduced S. 1632 to 
reauthorize the Office and provide significant new funding to implement 
critical conservation and restoration projects which will directly 
improve the health of the Sound. I am grateful to my colleagues for 
including that reauthorization in the Estuary Habitat Restoration 
Partnership Act.
  Having grown up on the coast of Connecticut, I am well aware of the 
importance of Long Island Sound to the region's economic health and 
quality of life. Water-quality-dependent activities such as commercial 
and recreational fishing, boating, and swimming contribute an estimated 
$5 billion to the regional economy each year. The Sound is the leading 
producer of oysters along the east coast. In addition, despite the many 
industrial facilities and residential developments along its shoreline, 
the Sound is recognized nationally for its distinctive habitat types, 
including tidal wetlands, tidal flats, beaches, dunes, bluffs, rocky 
tidal areas, eelgrass, kelp beds, and natural and artificial reefs.
  However, the Sound does experience many of the same challenges as 
other estuaries--residential, commercial, and industrial development 
have increased pollution and removed or altered habitat, and excess 
nutrients have resulted in low levels of dissolved oxygen in the waters 
of the Sound.
  The Long Island Sound estuary program predated the National Estuary 
Program (NEP). As early as 1985, Congress recognized Long Island Sound 
as a national treasure when it appropriated funding for the Long Island 
Sound Study to research, monitor, and assess the water quality of the 
Sound. When the National Estuary Program was created in 1987, the Long 
Island Sound became a charter member. In the intervening years, Federal 
and state government, business, labor, environmental groups, and local 
communities in Connecticut and New York have come together to make a 
significant commitment to cleaning up the Sound. More recently, in 
1994, the Governors of Connecticut and New York and the Administrator 
of the EPA jointly adopted the Long Island Sound Comprehensive 
Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) which incorporated the results 
of the Long Island Sound Study. Since 1985, Federal, state, and private 
funds have been well spent on researching the existing conditions of 
the Sound and identifying conservation and restoration needs.
  These efforts bode well for the health of the Long Island Sound; 
however, much work remains to be done. Last fall, the Long Island Sound 
lobster fishery experienced a severe die-off, with losses in some ports 
as high as 90 percent. Preliminary research suggests that a combination 
of environmental stresses may have caused this dramatic collapse.
  The time has come to move from identifying to implementing the 
conservation and restoration projects which will directly improve the 
water quality and habitat of the Long Island Sound. The Estuary Habitat 
Restoration Partnership Act would help make this possible by leveraging 
on-the-ground restoration work with Federal funding and by creating 
market-based incentives for the private sector to work with community-
based organizations and local governments on restoration efforts. This 
is an important

[[Page S2015]]

bill for my state and our country, and I look forward to seeing it pass 
this body.
  Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. I ask unanimous consent the amendment be 
agreed to, the bill be read the third time and passed, the motion to 
reconsider be laid upon the table, and that any additional statements 
be printed in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The amendment (No. 2904) was agreed to.
  The bill (S. 835), as amended, was read a third time and passed, as 
follows:
       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Estuary 
     Habitat and Chesapeake Bay Restoration Act of 2000''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.

                  TITLE I--ESTUARY HABITAT RESTORATION

Sec. 101. Short title.
Sec. 102. Findings.
Sec. 103. Purposes.
Sec. 104. Definitions.
Sec. 105. Establishment of Collaborative Council.
Sec. 106. Duties of Collaborative Council.
Sec. 107. Cost sharing of estuary habitat restoration projects.
Sec. 108. Monitoring and maintenance of estuary habitat restoration 
              projects.
Sec. 109. Cooperative agreements; memoranda of understanding.
Sec. 110. Distribution of appropriations for estuary habitat 
              restoration activities.
Sec. 111. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 112. National estuary program.
Sec. 113. General provisions.

                  TITLE II--CHESAPEAKE BAY RESTORATION

Sec. 201. Short title.
Sec. 202. Findings and purposes.
Sec. 203. Chesapeake Bay restoration.

                      TITLE III--LONG ISLAND SOUND

Sec. 301. Reauthorization.
                  TITLE I--ESTUARY HABITAT RESTORATION

     SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``Estuary Habitat 
     Restoration Partnership Act of 2000''.

     SEC. 102. FINDINGS.

       Congress finds that--
       (1) estuaries provide some of the most ecologically and 
     economically productive habitat for an extensive variety of 
     plants, fish, wildlife, and waterfowl;
       (2) the estuaries and coastal regions of the United States 
     are home to one-half the population of the United States and 
     provide essential habitat for 75 percent of the commercial 
     fish and 80 to 90 percent of the recreational fish catches of 
     the United States;
       (3) estuaries are gravely threatened by habitat alteration 
     and loss from pollution, development, and overuse;
       (4) successful restoration of estuaries demands the 
     coordination of Federal, State, and local estuary habitat 
     restoration programs; and
       (5) the Federal, State, local, and private cooperation in 
     estuary habitat restoration activities in existence on the 
     date of enactment of this Act should be strengthened and new 
     public and public-private estuary habitat restoration 
     partnerships established.

     SEC. 103. PURPOSES.

       The purposes of this Act are--
       (1) to establish a voluntary program to restore 1,000,000 
     acres of estuary habitat by 2010;
       (2) to ensure coordination of Federal, State, and community 
     estuary habitat restoration programs, plans, and studies;
       (3) to establish effective estuary habitat restoration 
     partnerships among public agencies at all levels of 
     government and between the public and private sectors;
       (4) to promote efficient financing of estuary habitat 
     restoration activities; and
       (5) to develop and enhance monitoring and research 
     capabilities, through use of the environmental technology 
     innovation program associated with the National Estuarine 
     Research Reserve System (established by section 315 of the 
     Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1461)), to 
     ensure that restoration efforts are based on sound scientific 
     understanding and innovative technologies.

     SEC. 104. DEFINITIONS.

       In this title:
       (1) Collaborative council.--The term ``Collaborative 
     Council'' means the interagency council established by 
     section 105.
       (2) Degraded estuary habitat.--The term ``degraded estuary 
     habitat'' means estuary habitat where natural ecological 
     functions have been impaired and normal beneficial uses have 
     been reduced.
       (3) Estuary.--The term ``estuary'' means--
       (A) a body of water in which fresh water from a river or 
     stream meets and mixes with salt water from the ocean, 
     including the area located in the Great Lakes Biogeographic 
     Region and designated as a National Estuarine Research 
     Reserve under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 
     U.S.C. 1451 et seq.) as of the date of enactment of this Act; 
     and
       (B) the physical, biological, and chemical elements 
     associated with such a body of water.
       (4) Estuary habitat.--
       (A) In general.--The term ``estuary habitat'' means the 
     complex of physical and hydrologic features and living 
     organisms within estuaries and associated ecosystems.
       (B) Inclusions.--The term ``estuary habitat'' includes salt 
     and fresh water coastal marshes, coastal forested wetlands 
     and other coastal wetlands, maritime forests, coastal 
     grasslands, tidal flats, natural shoreline areas, shellfish 
     beds, sea grass meadows, kelp beds, river deltas, and river 
     and stream banks under tidal influence.
       (5) Estuary habitat restoration activity.--
       (A) In general.--The term ``estuary habitat restoration 
     activity'' means an activity that results in improving 
     degraded estuary habitat (including both physical and 
     functional restoration), with the goal of attaining a self-
     sustaining system integrated into the surrounding landscape.
       (B) Included activities.--The term ``estuary habitat 
     restoration activity'' includes--
       (i) the reestablishment of physical features and biological 
     and hydrologic functions;
       (ii) except as provided in subparagraph (C)(ii), the 
     cleanup of contamination related to the restoration of 
     estuary habitat;
       (iii) the control of non-native and invasive species;
       (iv) the reintroduction of native species through planting 
     or natural succession; and
       (v) other activities that improve estuary habitat.
       (C) Excluded activities.--The term ``estuary habitat 
     restoration activity'' does not include--
       (i) an act that constitutes mitigation for the adverse 
     effects of an activity regulated or otherwise governed by 
     Federal or State law; or
       (ii) an act that constitutes restitution for natural 
     resource damages required under any Federal or State law.
       (6) Estuary habitat restoration project.--The term 
     ``estuary habitat restoration project'' means an estuary 
     habitat restoration activity under consideration or selected 
     by the Collaborative Council, in accordance with this title, 
     to receive financial, technical, or another form of 
     assistance.
       (7) Estuary habitat restoration strategy.--The term 
     ``estuary habitat restoration strategy'' means the estuary 
     habitat restoration strategy developed under section 106(a).
       (8) Federal estuary management or habitat restoration 
     plan.--The term ``Federal estuary management or habitat 
     restoration plan'' means any Federal plan for restoration of 
     degraded estuary habitat that--
       (A) was developed by a public body with the substantial 
     participation of appropriate public and private stakeholders; 
     and
       (B) reflects a community-based planning process.
       (9) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Army, or a designee.
       (10) Under secretary.--The term ``Under Secretary'' means 
     the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere of the 
     Department of Commerce, or a designee.

     SEC. 105. ESTABLISHMENT OF COLLABORATIVE COUNCIL.

       (a) Collaborative Council.--There is established an 
     interagency council to be known as the ``Estuary Habitat 
     Restoration Collaborative Council''.
       (b) Membership.--
       (1) In general.--The Collaborative Council shall be 
     composed of the Secretary, the Under Secretary, the 
     Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the 
     Secretary of the Interior (acting through the Director of the 
     United States Fish and Wildlife Service), or their designees.
       (2) Chairperson; lead agency.--The Secretary, or designee, 
     shall chair the Collaborative Council, and the Department of 
     the Army shall serve as the lead agency.
       (c) Convening of Collaborative Council.--The Secretary 
     shall--
       (1) convene the first meeting of the Collaborative Council 
     not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act; and
       (2) convene additional meetings as often as appropriate to 
     ensure that this title is fully carried out, but not less 
     often than quarterly.
       (d) Collaborative Council Procedures.--
       (1) Quorum.--Three members of the Collaborative Council 
     shall constitute a quorum.
       (2) Voting and meeting procedures.--The Collaborative 
     Council shall establish procedures for voting and the conduct 
     of meetings by the Council.

     SEC. 106. DUTIES OF COLLABORATIVE COUNCIL.

       (a) Estuary Habitat Restoration Strategy.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Collaborative Council, in 
     consultation with non-Federal participants, including 
     nonprofit sectors, as appropriate, shall develop an estuary 
     habitat restoration strategy designed to ensure a 
     comprehensive approach to the selection and prioritization of 
     estuary habitat restoration projects and the coordination of 
     Federal and non-Federal activities related to restoration of 
     estuary habitat.
       (2) Integration of previously authorized estuary habitat 
     restoration plans, programs, and partnerships.--In developing

[[Page S2016]]

     the estuary habitat restoration strategy, the Collaborative 
     Council shall--
       (A) conduct a review of--
       (i) Federal estuary management or habitat restoration 
     plans; and
       (ii) Federal programs established under other law that 
     provide funding for estuary habitat restoration activities;
       (B) develop a set of proposals for--
       (i) using programs established under this Act or any other 
     Act to maximize the incentives for the creation of new 
     public-private partnerships to carry out estuary habitat 
     restoration projects; and
       (ii) using Federal resources to encourage increased private 
     sector involvement in estuary habitat restoration activities; 
     and
       (C) ensure that the estuary habitat restoration strategy is 
     developed and will be implemented in a manner that is 
     consistent with the findings and requirements of Federal 
     estuary management or habitat restoration plans.
       (3) Elements to be considered.--Consistent with the 
     requirements of this section, the Collaborative Council, in 
     the development of the estuary habitat restoration strategy, 
     shall consider--
       (A) the contributions of estuary habitat to--
       (i) wildlife, including endangered and threatened species, 
     migratory birds, and resident species of an estuary 
     watershed;
       (ii) fish and shellfish, including commercial and sport 
     fisheries;
       (iii) surface and ground water quality and quantity, and 
     flood control;
       (iv) outdoor recreation; and
       (v) other areas of concern that the Collaborative Council 
     determines to be appropriate for consideration;
       (B) the estimated historic losses, estimated current rate 
     of loss, and extent of the threat of future loss or 
     degradation of each type of estuary habitat; and
       (C) the most appropriate method for selecting a balance of 
     smaller and larger estuary habitat restoration projects.
       (4) Advice.--The Collaborative Council shall seek advice in 
     restoration of estuary habitat from experts in the private 
     and nonprofit sectors to assist in the development of an 
     estuary habitat restoration strategy.
       (5) Public review and comment.--Before adopting a final 
     estuary habitat restoration strategy, the Collaborative 
     Council shall publish in the Federal Register a draft of the 
     estuary habitat restoration strategy and provide an 
     opportunity for public review and comment.
       (b) Project Applications.--
       (1) In general.--An application for an estuary habitat 
     restoration project shall originate from a non-Federal 
     organization and shall require, when appropriate, the 
     approval of State or local agencies.
       (2) Factors to be taken into account.--In determining the 
     eligibility of an estuary habitat restoration project for 
     financial assistance under this title, the Collaborative 
     Council shall consider the following:
       (A) Whether the proposed estuary habitat restoration 
     project meets the criteria specified in the estuary habitat 
     restoration strategy.
       (B) The technical merit and feasibility of the proposed 
     estuary habitat restoration project.
       (C) Whether the non-Federal persons proposing the estuary 
     habitat restoration project provide satisfactory assurances 
     that they will have adequate personnel, funding, and 
     authority to carry out and properly maintain the estuary 
     habitat restoration project.
       (D) Whether, in the State in which a proposed estuary 
     habitat restoration project is to be carried out, there is a 
     State dedicated source of funding for programs to acquire or 
     restore estuary habitat, natural areas, and open spaces.
       (E) Whether the proposed estuary habitat restoration 
     project will encourage the increased coordination and 
     cooperation of Federal, State, and local government agencies.
       (F) The amount of private funds or in-kind contributions 
     for the estuary habitat restoration project.
       (G) Whether the proposed habitat restoration project 
     includes a monitoring plan to ensure that short-term and 
     long-term restoration goals are achieved.
       (H) Other factors that the Collaborative Council determines 
     to be reasonable and necessary for consideration.
       (3) Priority estuary habitat restoration projects.--An 
     estuary habitat restoration project shall be given a higher 
     priority in receipt of funding under this title if, in 
     addition to meeting the selection criteria specified in this 
     section--
       (A) the estuary habitat restoration project is part of an 
     approved Federal estuary management or habitat restoration 
     plan;
       (B) the non-Federal share with respect to the estuary 
     habitat restoration project exceeds 50 percent;
       (C) there is a program within the watershed of the estuary 
     habitat restoration project that addresses sources of water 
     pollution that would otherwise re-impair the restored 
     habitat; or
       (D) the estuary habitat restoration project includes--
       (i) pilot testing; or
       (ii) a demonstration of an innovative technology having 
     potential for improved cost-effectiveness in restoring--

       (I) the estuary that is the subject of the project; or
       (II) any other estuary.

       (c) Interim Actions.--
       (1) In general.--Pending completion of the estuary habitat 
     restoration strategy developed under subsection (a), the 
     Collaborative Council may pay the Federal share of the cost 
     of an interim action to carry out an estuary habitat 
     restoration activity.
       (2) Federal share.--The Federal share shall not exceed 25 
     percent.
       (d) Cooperation of Non-Federal Partners.--
       (1) In general.--The Collaborative Council shall not select 
     an estuary habitat restoration project until a non-Federal 
     interest has entered into a written agreement with the 
     Secretary in which it agrees to provide the required non-
     Federal cooperation for the project.
       (2) Nonprofit entities.--Notwithstanding section 221(b) of 
     the Flood Control Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 1962d-5b), for any 
     project undertaken under this section, the Secretary may, 
     after coordination with the official responsible for the 
     political jurisdiction in which a project would occur, allow 
     a nonprofit entity to serve as the non-Federal interest.
       (3) Maintenance and monitoring.--A cooperation agreement 
     entered into under paragraph (1) shall provide for 
     maintenance and monitoring of the estuary habitat restoration 
     project to the extent determined necessary by the 
     Collaborative Council.
       (e) Lead Collaborative Council Member.--The Collaborative 
     Council shall designate a lead Collaborative Council member 
     for each proposed estuary habitat restoration project. The 
     lead Collaborative Council member shall have primary 
     responsibility for overseeing and assisting others in 
     implementing the proposed project.
       (f) Agency Consultation and Coordination.--In carrying out 
     this section, the Collaborative Council shall, as the 
     Collaborative Council determines it to be necessary, consult 
     with, cooperate with, and coordinate its activities with the 
     activities of other appropriate Federal agencies.
       (g) Benefits and Costs of Estuary Habitat Restoration 
     Projects.--The Collaborative Council shall evaluate the 
     benefits and costs of estuary habitat restoration projects in 
     accordance with section 907 of the Water Resources 
     Development Act of 1986 (33 U.S.C. 2284).
       (h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to the Department of the Army for the 
     administration and operation of the Collaborative Council 
     $4,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2001 through 2005.

     SEC. 107. COST SHARING OF ESTUARY HABITAT RESTORATION 
                   PROJECTS.

       (a) In General.--No financial assistance in carrying out an 
     estuary habitat restoration project shall be available under 
     this title from any Federal agency unless the non-Federal 
     applicant for assistance demonstrates that the estuary 
     habitat restoration project meets--
       (1) the requirements of this title; and
       (2) any criteria established by the Collaborative Council 
     under this title.
       (b) Federal Share.--The Federal share of the cost of an 
     estuary habitat restoration and protection project assisted 
     under this title shall be not more than 65 percent.
       (c) Non-Federal Share.--The non-Federal share of the cost 
     of an estuary habitat restoration project may be provided in 
     the form of land, easements, rights-of-way, services, or any 
     other form of in-kind contribution determined by the 
     Collaborative Council to be an appropriate contribution 
     equivalent to the monetary amount required for the non-
     Federal share of the estuary habitat restoration project.
       (d) Allocation of Funds by States to Political 
     Subdivisions.--With the approval of the Secretary, a State 
     may allocate to any local government, area-wide agency 
     designated under section 204 of the Demonstration Cities and 
     Metropolitan Development Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 3334), 
     regional agency, or interstate agency, a portion of any funds 
     disbursed in accordance with this title for the purpose of 
     carrying out an estuary habitat restoration project.
       (e) Innovative Technology Costs.--The Federal share of the 
     incremental additional cost of including in a project pilot 
     testing or a demonstration of an innovative technology 
     described in section 106(b)(3)(D) shall be 100 percent.

     SEC. 108. MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE OF ESTUARY HABITAT 
                   RESTORATION PROJECTS.

       (a) Database of Restoration Project Information.--The Under 
     Secretary shall maintain an appropriate database of 
     information concerning estuary habitat restoration projects 
     funded under this title, including information on project 
     techniques, project completion, monitoring data, and other 
     relevant information.
       (b) Report.--
       (1) In general.--The Collaborative Council shall biennially 
     submit a report to the Committee on Environment and Public 
     Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on the results 
     of activities carried out under this title.
       (2) Contents of report.--A report under paragraph (1) shall 
     include--
       (A) data on the number of acres of estuary habitat restored 
     under this title, including the number of projects approved 
     and completed that comprise those acres;
       (B) the percentage of restored estuary habitat monitored 
     under a plan to ensure that short-term and long-term 
     restoration goals are achieved;

[[Page S2017]]

       (C) an estimate of the long-term success of varying 
     restoration techniques used in carrying out estuary habitat 
     restoration projects;
       (D) a review of how the information described in 
     subparagraphs (A) through (C) has been incorporated in the 
     selection and implementation of estuary habitat restoration 
     projects;
       (E) a review of efforts made to maintain an appropriate 
     database of restoration projects funded under this title; and
       (F) a review of the measures taken to provide the 
     information described in subparagraphs (A) through (C) to 
     persons with responsibility for assisting in the restoration 
     of estuary habitat.

     SEC. 109. COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS; MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDING.

       In carrying out this title, the Collaborative Council may--
       (1) enter into cooperative agreements with Federal, State, 
     and local government agencies and other persons and entities; 
     and
       (2) execute such memoranda of understanding as are 
     necessary to reflect the agreements.

     SEC. 110. DISTRIBUTION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR ESTUARY HABITAT 
                   RESTORATION ACTIVITIES.

       The Secretary shall allocate funds made available to carry 
     out this title based on the need for the funds and such other 
     factors as are determined to be appropriate to carry out this 
     title.

     SEC. 111. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       (a) Authorization of Appropriations Under Other Law.--Funds 
     authorized to be appropriated under section 908 of the Water 
     Resources Development Act of 1986 (33 U.S.C. 2285) and 
     section 206 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1996 
     (33 U.S.C. 2330) may be used by the Secretary in accordance 
     with this title to assist States and other non-Federal 
     persons in carrying out estuary habitat restoration projects 
     or interim actions under section 106(c).
       (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out estuary 
     habitat restoration activities--
       (1) $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2001;
       (2) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2002; and
       (3) $75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2003 through 2005.

     SEC. 112. NATIONAL ESTUARY PROGRAM.

       (a) Grants for Comprehensive Conservation and Management 
     Plans.--Section 320(g)(2) of the Federal Water Pollution 
     Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1330(g)(2)) is amended by inserting 
     ``and implementation'' after ``development''.
       (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 320(i) of the 
     Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1330(i)) is 
     amended by striking ``1987'' and all that follows through 
     ``1991'' and inserting the following: ``1987 through 1991, 
     such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 1992 through 
     2000, and $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2001 and 
     2002''.

     SEC. 113. GENERAL PROVISIONS.

       (a) Additional Authority for Army Corps of Engineers.--The 
     Secretary--
       (1) may carry out estuary habitat restoration projects in 
     accordance with this title; and
       (2) shall give estuary habitat restoration projects the 
     same consideration as projects relating to irrigation, 
     navigation, or flood control.
       (b) Inapplicability of Certain Law.--Sections 203, 204, and 
     205 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 (33 U.S.C. 
     2231, 2232, 2233) shall not apply to an estuary habitat 
     restoration project selected in accordance with this title.
       (c) Estuary Habitat Restoration Mission.--The Secretary 
     shall establish restoration of estuary habitat as a primary 
     mission of the Army Corps of Engineers.
       (d) Federal Agency Facilities and Personnel.--
       (1) In general.--Federal agencies may cooperate in carrying 
     out scientific and other programs necessary to carry out this 
     title, and may provide facilities and personnel, for the 
     purpose of assisting the Collaborative Council in carrying 
     out its duties under this title.
       (2) Reimbursement from collaborative council.--Federal 
     agencies may accept reimbursement from the Collaborative 
     Council for providing services, facilities, and personnel 
     under paragraph (1).
       (e) Administrative Expenses and Staffing.--Not later than 
     180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to 
     Congress and the Secretary an analysis of the extent to which 
     the Collaborative Council needs additional personnel and 
     administrative resources to fully carry out its duties under 
     this title. The analysis shall include recommendations 
     regarding necessary additional funding.
                  TITLE II--CHESAPEAKE BAY RESTORATION

     SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``Chesapeake Bay Restoration 
     Act of 2000''.

     SEC. 202. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
       (1) the Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure and a 
     resource of worldwide significance;
       (2) over many years, the productivity and water quality of 
     the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed were diminished by 
     pollution, excessive sedimentation, shoreline erosion, the 
     impacts of population growth and development in the 
     Chesapeake Bay watershed, and other factors;
       (3) the Federal Government (acting through the 
     Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency), the 
     Governor of the State of Maryland, the Governor of the 
     Commonwealth of Virginia, the Governor of the Commonwealth of 
     Pennsylvania, the Chairperson of the Chesapeake Bay 
     Commission, and the Mayor of the District of Columbia, as 
     Chesapeake Bay Agreement signatories, have committed to a 
     comprehensive cooperative program to achieve improved water 
     quality and improvements in the productivity of living 
     resources of the Bay;
       (4) the cooperative program described in paragraph (3) 
     serves as a national and international model for the 
     management of estuaries; and
       (5) there is a need to expand Federal support for 
     monitoring, management, and restoration activities in the 
     Chesapeake Bay and the tributaries of the Bay in order to 
     meet and further the original and subsequent goals and 
     commitments of the Chesapeake Bay Program.
       (b) Purposes.--The purposes of this title are--
       (1) to expand and strengthen cooperative efforts to restore 
     and protect the Chesapeake Bay; and
       (2) to achieve the goals established in the Chesapeake Bay 
     Agreement.

     SEC. 203. CHESAPEAKE BAY RESTORATION.

       The Federal Water Pollution Control Act is amended by 
     striking section 117 (33 U.S.C. 1267) and inserting the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 117. CHESAPEAKE BAY.

       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Administrative cost.--The term `administrative cost' 
     means the cost of salaries and fringe benefits incurred in 
     administering a grant under this section.
       ``(2) Chesapeake bay agreement.--The term `Chesapeake Bay 
     Agreement' means the formal, voluntary agreements executed to 
     achieve the goal of restoring and protecting the Chesapeake 
     Bay ecosystem and the living resources of the Chesapeake Bay 
     ecosystem and signed by the Chesapeake Executive Council.
       ``(3) Chesapeake bay ecosystem.--The term `Chesapeake Bay 
     ecosystem' means the ecosystem of the Chesapeake Bay and its 
     watershed.
       ``(4) Chesapeake bay program.--The term `Chesapeake Bay 
     Program' means the program directed by the Chesapeake 
     Executive Council in accordance with the Chesapeake Bay 
     Agreement.
       ``(5) Chesapeake executive council.--The term `Chesapeake 
     Executive Council' means the signatories to the Chesapeake 
     Bay Agreement.
       ``(6) Signatory jurisdiction.--The term `signatory 
     jurisdiction' means a jurisdiction of a signatory to the 
     Chesapeake Bay Agreement.
       ``(b) Continuation of Chesapeake Bay Program.--
       ``(1) In general.--In cooperation with the Chesapeake 
     Executive Council (and as a member of the Council), the 
     Administrator shall continue the Chesapeake Bay Program.
       ``(2) Program office.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Administrator shall maintain in the 
     Environmental Protection Agency a Chesapeake Bay Program 
     Office.
       ``(B) Function.--The Chesapeake Bay Program Office shall 
     provide support to the Chesapeake Executive Council by--
       ``(i) implementing and coordinating science, research, 
     modeling, support services, monitoring, data collection, and 
     other activities that support the Chesapeake Bay Program;
       ``(ii) developing and making available, through 
     publications, technical assistance, and other appropriate 
     means, information pertaining to the environmental quality 
     and living resources of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem;
       ``(iii) in cooperation with appropriate Federal, State, and 
     local authorities, assisting the signatories to the 
     Chesapeake Bay Agreement in developing and implementing 
     specific action plans to carry out the responsibilities of 
     the signatories to the Chesapeake Bay Agreement;
       ``(iv) coordinating the actions of the Environmental 
     Protection Agency with the actions of the appropriate 
     officials of other Federal agencies and State and local 
     authorities in developing strategies to--

       ``(I) improve the water quality and living resources in the 
     Chesapeake Bay ecosystem; and
       ``(II) obtain the support of the appropriate officials of 
     the agencies and authorities in achieving the objectives of 
     the Chesapeake Bay Agreement; and

       ``(v) implementing outreach programs for public 
     information, education, and participation to foster 
     stewardship of the resources of the Chesapeake Bay.
       ``(c) Interagency Agreements.--The Administrator may enter 
     into an interagency agreement with a Federal agency to carry 
     out this section.
       ``(d) Technical Assistance and Assistance Grants.--
       ``(1) In general.--In cooperation with the Chesapeake 
     Executive Council, the Administrator may provide technical 
     assistance, and assistance grants, to nonprofit 
     organizations, State and local governments, colleges, 
     universities, and interstate agencies to carry out this 
     section, subject to such terms and conditions as the 
     Administrator considers appropriate.
       ``(2) Federal share.--

[[Page S2018]]

       ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), 
     the Federal share of an assistance grant provided under 
     paragraph (1) shall be determined by the Administrator in 
     accordance with guidance issued by the Administrator.
       ``(B) Small watershed grants program.--The Federal share of 
     an assistance grant provided under paragraph (1) to carry out 
     an implementing activity under subsection (g)(2) shall not 
     exceed 75 percent of eligible project costs, as determined by 
     the Administrator.
       ``(3) Non-federal share.--An assistance grant under 
     paragraph (1) shall be provided on the condition that non-
     Federal sources provide the remainder of eligible project 
     costs, as determined by the Administrator.
       ``(4) Administrative costs.--Administrative costs shall not 
     exceed 10 percent of the annual grant award.
       ``(e) Implementation and Monitoring Grants.--
       ``(1) In general.--If a signatory jurisdiction has approved 
     and committed to implement all or substantially all aspects 
     of the Chesapeake Bay Agreement, on the request of the chief 
     executive of the jurisdiction, the Administrator--
       ``(A) shall make a grant to the jurisdiction for the 
     purpose of implementing the management mechanisms established 
     under the Chesapeake Bay Agreement, subject to such terms and 
     conditions as the Administrator considers appropriate; and
       ``(B) may make a grant to a signatory jurisdiction for the 
     purpose of monitoring the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.
       ``(2) Proposals.--
       ``(A) In general.--A signatory jurisdiction described in 
     paragraph (1) may apply for a grant under this subsection for 
     a fiscal year by submitting to the Administrator a 
     comprehensive proposal to implement management mechanisms 
     established under the Chesapeake Bay Agreement.
       ``(B) Contents.--A proposal under subparagraph (A) shall 
     include--
       ``(i) a description of proposed management mechanisms that 
     the jurisdiction commits to take within a specified time 
     period, such as reducing or preventing pollution in the 
     Chesapeake Bay and its watershed or meeting applicable water 
     quality standards or established goals and objectives under 
     the Chesapeake Bay Agreement; and
       ``(ii) the estimated cost of the actions proposed to be 
     taken during the fiscal year.
       ``(3) Approval.--If the Administrator finds that the 
     proposal is consistent with the Chesapeake Bay Agreement and 
     the national goals established under section 101(a), the 
     Administrator may approve the proposal for a grant award.
       ``(4) Federal share.--The Federal share of an 
     implementation grant under this subsection shall not exceed 
     50 percent of the cost of implementing the management 
     mechanisms during the fiscal year.
       ``(5) Non-federal share.--An implementation grant under 
     this subsection shall be made on the condition that non-
     Federal sources provide the remainder of the costs of 
     implementing the management mechanisms during the fiscal 
     year.
       ``(6) Administrative costs.--Administrative costs shall not 
     exceed 10 percent of the annual grant award.
       ``(7) Reporting.--On or before October 1 of each fiscal 
     year, the Administrator shall make available to the public a 
     document that lists and describes, in the greatest 
     practicable degree of detail--
       ``(A) all projects and activities funded for the fiscal 
     year;
       ``(B) the goals and objectives of projects funded for the 
     previous fiscal year; and
       ``(C) the net benefits of projects funded for previous 
     fiscal years.
       ``(f) Federal Facilities and Budget Coordination.--
       ``(1) Subwatershed planning and restoration.--A Federal 
     agency that owns or operates a facility (as defined by the 
     Administrator) within the Chesapeake Bay watershed shall 
     participate in regional and subwatershed planning and 
     restoration programs.
       ``(2) Compliance with agreement.--The head of each Federal 
     agency that owns or occupies real property in the Chesapeake 
     Bay watershed shall ensure that the property, and actions 
     taken by the agency with respect to the property, comply with 
     the Chesapeake Bay Agreement, the Federal Agencies Chesapeake 
     Ecosystem Unified Plan, and any subsequent agreements and 
     plans.
       ``(3) Budget coordination.--
       ``(A) In general.--As part of the annual budget submission 
     of each Federal agency with projects or grants related to 
     restoration, planning, monitoring, or scientific 
     investigation of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem, the head of 
     the agency shall submit to the President a report that 
     describes plans for the expenditure of the funds under this 
     section.
       ``(B) Disclosure to the council.--The head of each agency 
     referred to in subparagraph (A) shall disclose the report 
     under that subparagraph with the Chesapeake Executive Council 
     as appropriate.
       ``(g) Chesapeake Bay Program.--
       ``(1) Management strategies.--The Administrator, in 
     coordination with other members of the Chesapeake Executive 
     Council, shall ensure that management plans are developed and 
     implementation is begun by signatories to the Chesapeake Bay 
     Agreement to achieve and maintain--
       ``(A) the nutrient goals of the Chesapeake Bay Agreement 
     for the quantity of nitrogen and phosphorus entering the 
     Chesapeake Bay and its watershed;
       ``(B) the water quality requirements necessary to restore 
     living resources in the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem;
       ``(C) the Chesapeake Bay Basinwide Toxins Reduction and 
     Prevention Strategy goal of reducing or eliminating the input 
     of chemical contaminants from all controllable sources to 
     levels that result in no toxic or bioaccumulative impact on 
     the living resources of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem or on 
     human health;
       ``(D) habitat restoration, protection, and enhancement 
     goals established by Chesapeake Bay Agreement signatories for 
     wetlands, riparian forests, and other types of habitat 
     associated with the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem; and
       ``(E) the restoration, protection, and enhancement goals 
     established by the Chesapeake Bay Agreement signatories for 
     living resources associated with the Chesapeake Bay 
     ecosystem.
       ``(2) Small watershed grants program.--The Administrator, 
     in cooperation with the Chesapeake Executive Council, shall--
       ``(A) establish a small watershed grants program as part of 
     the Chesapeake Bay Program; and
       ``(B) offer technical assistance and assistance grants 
     under subsection (d) to local governments and nonprofit 
     organizations and individuals in the Chesapeake Bay region to 
     implement--
       ``(i) cooperative tributary basin strategies that address 
     the water quality and living resource needs in the Chesapeake 
     Bay ecosystem; and
       ``(ii) locally based protection and restoration programs or 
     projects within a watershed that complement the tributary 
     basin strategies.
       ``(h) Study of Chesapeake Bay Program.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than April 22, 2001, and every 
     5 years thereafter, the Administrator, in coordination with 
     the Chesapeake Executive Council, shall complete a study and 
     submit to Congress a comprehensive report on the results of 
     the study.
       ``(2) Requirements.--The study and report shall--
       ``(A) assess the state of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem;
       ``(B) assess the appropriateness of commitments and goals 
     of the Chesapeake Bay Program and the management strategies 
     established under the Chesapeake Bay Agreement for improving 
     the state of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem;
       ``(C) assess the effectiveness of management strategies 
     being implemented on the date of enactment of this subsection 
     and the extent to which the priority needs are being met;
       ``(D) make recommendations for the improved management of 
     the Chesapeake Bay Program either by strengthening strategies 
     being implemented on the date of enactment of this subsection 
     or by adopting new strategies; and
       ``(E) be presented in such a format as to be readily 
     transferable to and usable by other watershed restoration 
     programs.
       ``(i) Special Study of Living Resource Response.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator shall 
     commence a 5-year special study with full participation of 
     the scientific community of the Chesapeake Bay to establish 
     and expand understanding of the response of the living 
     resources of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem to improvements in 
     water quality that have resulted from investments made 
     through the Chesapeake Bay Program.
       ``(2) Requirements.--The study shall--
       ``(A) determine the current status and trends of living 
     resources, including grasses, benthos, phytoplankton, 
     zooplankton, fish, and shellfish;
       ``(B) establish to the extent practicable the rates of 
     recovery of the living resources in response to improved 
     water quality condition;
       ``(C) evaluate and assess interactions of species, with 
     particular attention to the impact of changes within and 
     among trophic levels; and
       ``(D) recommend management actions to optimize the return 
     of a healthy and balanced ecosystem in response to 
     improvements in the quality and character of the waters of 
     the Chesapeake Bay.
       ``(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this section $30,000,000 for 
     each of fiscal years 2001 through 2006.''.
                      TITLE III--LONG ISLAND SOUND

     SEC. 301. REAUTHORIZATION.

       Section 119(e) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act 
     (33 U.S.C. 1269(e)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``1991 through 2001'' and 
     inserting ``2001 through 2006''; and
       (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``not to exceed 
     $3,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1991 through 2001'' 
     and inserting ``not to exceed $10,000,000 for each of fiscal 
     years 2001 through 2006''.

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