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[Congressional Bills 106th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 1775 Reported in House (RH)]

                                                 Union Calendar No. 366
106th CONGRESS
  2d Session
                                H. R. 1775

                  [Report No. 106-561, Parts I and II]

   To catalyze restoration of estuary habitat through more efficient 
  financing of projects and enhanced coordination of Federal and non-
         Federal restoration programs, and for other purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                              May 12, 1999

 Mr. Gilchrest (for himself, Mrs. Tauscher, Mr. Forbes, Mr. Goss, Mr. 
   Bilbray, Mr. Shays, Mr. Cardin, Mr. Price of North Carolina, Mrs. 
    Morella, Mr. Saxton, Mr. Foley, Mr. Bentsen, Mr. McDermott, Mr. 
Metcalf, Mr. Smith of Washington, Mr. Greenwood, Mr. Inslee, Mr. Dicks, 
 Ms. DeLauro, Mrs. Lowey, Mr. English, Mrs. Kelly, Mr. Tauzin, and Mr. 
   Lampson) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the 
 Committee on Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by 
the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall 
           within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

                             April 4, 2000

 Reported from the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure with 
                              an amendment
 [Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed 
                               in italic]

                             April 4, 2000

Referral to the Committee on Resources extended for a period ending not 
                        later than June 9, 2000

                              June 9, 2000

Additional sponsors: Mr. Hoyer, Mr. Kennedy of Rhode Island, Mr. Cook, 
 Mr. John, Mr. Ackerman, Mr. Jones of North Carolina, Mr. Weygand, Mr. 
 Rothman, Mr. Davis of Florida, Mr. Meehan, Mr. Pallone, Mr. Fossella, 
   Mr. Ehlers, Mr. Wynn, Mrs. Johnson of Connecticut, Mr. Lazio, Mr. 
 Gejdenson, Mr. Green of Texas, Ms. Brown of Florida, Mr. Blumenauer, 
  Mr. Baird, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Delahunt, Ms. Woolsey, Ms. Eshoo, Ms. 
Pelosi, Mr. Tierney, Mr. Deutsch, Mr. Castle, Mr. Horn, Mr. Gilman, Mr. 
Franks of New Jersey, Mr. Cummings, Mr. Wexler, Mr. Canady of Florida, 
 Mr. Smith of New Jersey, Mr. Mica, Mr. LoBiondo, Mr. Diaz-Balart, Ms. 
 Velazquez, Mr. Bass, Mr. Payne, Mr. Hinchey, Mr. Nadler, Mr. Ganske, 
  Mr. Moran of Virginia, Mr. DeFazio, Mr. Taylor of Mississippi, Mr. 
Pascrell, Mr. Farr of California, Mr. Filner, Mr. Kuykendall, Mr. Wolf, 
   Mr. Cooksey, Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas, Mr. Waxman, Mr. 
   Cunningham, Mr. Lewis of California, Mr. Hoeffel, Mr. Hunter, Mr. 
Tancredo, Mr. Davis of Virginia, Mr. Romero-Barcelo, Mr. Callahan, Mr. 
Whitfield, Mr. Jefferson, Mrs. Napolitano, Mr. Vitter, Mr. McCrery, Mr. 
   Porter, Mr. Abercrombie, Mr. King, Mr. Ehrlich, Mrs. Fowler, Mr. 
 Frelinghuysen, Mrs. Roukema, Mr. Holden, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Allen, Mr. 
 Pastor, Mr. Kildee, Mr. Matsui, Mr. George Miller of California, Mr. 
Baldacci, Mr. Upton, Mr. Houghton, Mr. Ramstad, Mr. Baker, Mr. Lewis of 
    Kentucky, Mr. Traficant, Mr. Weldon of Florida, Mr. Thompson of 
 Mississippi, Mrs. Thurman, Mr. Lantos, Mr. Campbell, Ms. Lofgren, Ms. 
           Norton, Mr. Frank of Massachusetts, and Mr. Kind.

                              June 9, 2000

 Reported from the Committee on Resources with an amendment, committed 
  to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and 
                         ordered to be printed
 [Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed 
                           in boldface roman]
[For text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on May 12, 
                                 1999]

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL

 
   To catalyze restoration of estuary habitat through more efficient 
  financing of projects and enhanced coordination of Federal and non-
         Federal restoration programs, and for other purposes.

    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 Restoration Act of 2000''.

SEC. 2. PURPOSES.

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

SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act, the following definitions apply:
            (1) Council.--The term ``Council'' means the Estuary 
        Habitat Restoration 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 part of a river 
        or stream or other body of water that has an unimpaired 
        connection with the open sea and where the sea water is 
        measurably diluted with fresh water derived from land drainage. 
        The term also includes a fresh water estuary.
            (4) Estuary habitat.--
                    (A) In general.--The term ``estuary habitat'' means 
                the physical, biological, and chemical elements 
                associated with an estuary, including the complex of 
                physical and hydrologic features and living organisms 
                within the estuary and associated ecosystems.
                    (B) Included habitat.--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, river and stream banks under 
                tidal influence, and beds of submerged aquatic 
                vegetation.
            (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 section 4(b)(3), 
                        the cleanup of contamination related to the 
                        restoration of estuary habitat;
                            (iii) the control of nonnative and invasive 
                        species;
                            (iv) the reintroduction of native species; 
                        and
                            (v) other activities that improve estuary 
                        habitat.
            (6) Estuary habitat restoration project.--The term 
        ``estuary habitat restoration project'' means an estuary 
        habitat restoration activity under consideration or selected by 
        the Secretary, in accordance with this Act, to be carried out 
        or receive technical assistance under this Act.
            (7) Estuary habitat restoration strategy.--The term 
        ``estuary habitat restoration strategy'' means the estuary 
        habitat restoration strategy developed under section 7.
            (8) Estuary management or habitat restoration plan.--The 
        term ``estuary management or habitat restoration plan'' means 
        any plan for restoration of degraded estuary habitat that--
                    (A) was developed by, or in cooperation with, a 
                public body with the substantial participation of 
                appropriate public and private stakeholders; and
                    (B) reflects a community-based planning process.
            (9) Fresh water estuary.--The term ``fresh water estuary'' 
        means all or part of the mouth of a river or stream or other 
        body of water having unimpaired natural connection with the 
        Great Lakes and within which the Great Lakes water is 
        measurably diluted with water derived from land drainage.
            (10) Great lakes region.--The term ``Great Lakes region'' 
        means the region consisting of the States of Illinois, Indiana, 
        Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and 
        Wisconsin.
            (11) Gulf region.--The term ``Gulf region'' means the 
        region consisting of the States of Florida, Alabama, 
        Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.
            (12) Middle atlantic region.--The term ``Middle Atlantic 
        region'' means the region consisting of the States of New 
        Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia and the 
        District of Columbia.
            (13) Northeast region.--The term ``Northeast region'' means 
        the region consisting of the States of Maine, New Hampshire, 
        New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.
            (14) Northwest region.--The term ``Northwest region'' means 
        the region consisting of the States of Oregon, Washington, and 
        Alaska.
            (15) Regional council.--The term ``Regional Council'' means 
        a Regional Council of the Estuary Habitat Restoration Council 
        established by section 6.
            (16) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
        of the Army.
            (17) Southeast region.--The term ``Southeast region'' means 
        the region consisting of the States of North Carolina, South 
        Carolina, Georgia, and Florida and the territories of Puerto 
        Rico and the Virgin Islands.
            (18) Southwest region.--The term ``Southwest region'' means 
        the region consisting of the States of California and Hawaii 
        and the territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern 
        Mariana Islands.
            (19) State.--The term ``State'' means a State, the District 
        of Columbia, or a territory in the Gulf, Great Lakes, Middle 
        Atlantic, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, or Southwest Region.

SEC. 4. ESTUARY HABITAT RESTORATION PROGRAM.

    (a) Establishment.--There is established an estuary habitat 
restoration program under which the Secretary may carry out estuary 
habitat restoration projects in accordance with the requirements of 
this Act.
    (b) Selection of Projects.--
            (1) Factors to be taken into account.--In selecting estuary 
        habitat restoration projects to be carried out under this Act, 
        the Secretary shall, in consultation with the Council, take 
        into account the following factors:
                    (A) The recommendations of the Council.
                    (B) Whether the project meets the criteria 
                specified in the estuary habitat restoration strategy.
                    (C) The technical merit and feasibility of the 
                project.
                    (D) Whether the non-Federal interests proposing the 
                project provide satisfactory assurances that they will 
                have adequate personnel, funding, and authority to 
carry out and properly maintain the project.
                    (E) Whether the project will encourage increased 
                coordination and cooperation among Federal, State, and 
                local government agencies.
                    (F) Whether the project fosters public-private 
                partnerships and uses Federal resources to encourage 
                increased private sector involvement, including 
                consideration of the amount of private funds or in-kind 
                contributions for an estuary habitat restoration 
                activity.
                    (G) Whether the project includes a monitoring plan 
                that is consistent with standards for monitoring 
                developed under section 9 to ensure that short-term and 
                long-term restoration goals are achieved.
                    (H) Other factors that the Secretary determines to 
                be reasonable and necessary for consideration.
            (2) Priority.--In selecting estuary habitat restoration 
        projects to be carried out under this Act, the Secretary shall 
        give priority consideration to a project if, in addition to 
        meeting the selection criteria under paragraph (1)--
                    (A) the project is part of an estuary management or 
                habitat restoration plan; or
                    (B) the project occurs within a watershed in which 
                there is a program being carried out that addresses 
                sources of pollution and other activities that 
                otherwise would re-impair the restored habitat.
            (3) Excluded projects.--An estuary habitat restoration 
        project shall not be eligible to be carried out under this Act 
        if the project--
                    (A) constitutes mitigation required under any 
                Federal or State law for the adverse effects of an 
                activity regulated or otherwise governed by Federal or 
                State law; or
                    (B) constitutes restoration for natural resource 
                damages required under any Federal or State law.
    (c) Cost Sharing.--
            (1) Federal share.--The Federal share of the cost of an 
        estuary habitat restoration project carried out under this Act 
        shall not exceed 65 percent of such cost.
            (2) Non-federal share.--The non-Federal share of the cost 
        of an estuary habitat restoration project carried out under 
        this Act shall include lands, easements, rights-of-way, and 
        relocations and may include services, or any other form of in-
        kind contribution determined by the Secretary to be an 
        appropriate contribution equivalent to the monetary amount 
        required for the non-Federal share of the activity.
    (d) Interim Actions.--
            (1) In general.--Pending completion of the estuary habitat 
        restoration strategy to be developed under section 7, the 
        Secretary may take interim actions to carry out an estuary 
        habitat restoration activity.
            (2) Federal share.--The Federal share of the cost of an 
        estuary habitat restoration activity before the completion of 
        the estuary habitat restoration strategy shall not exceed 25 
        percent of such cost.
    (e) Cooperation of Non-Federal Partners.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary shall not select an estuary 
        habitat restoration project until a non-Federal interest has 
        entered into a written agreement with the Secretary in which 
        the non-Federal interest agrees to provide all lands, 
        easements, rights-of-way, and relocations and any other 
        elements the Secretary determines appropriate under subsection 
        (c)(2).
            (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 Act, the Secretary may, after 
        coordination with the appropriate State and local officials 
        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 the Secretary determines necessary.
    (f) Delegation of Project Implementation.--In carrying out this 
Act, the Secretary may delegate project implementation to another 
Federal department or agency on a reimbursable basis if the Secretary 
determines such delegation is appropriate.

SEC. 5. ESTABLISHMENT OF ESTUARY HABITAT RESTORATION COUNCIL.

    (a) Council.--There is established a council to be known as the 
``Estuary Habitat Restoration Council''.
    (b) Duties.--The Council shall be responsible for--
            (1) reviewing project proposals forwarded to the Council 
        from the Regional Councils and making recommendations 
        concerning such proposals in accordance with section 8(c);
            (2) developing a national strategy for restoration of 
        estuary habitat; and
            (3) periodically reviewing the effectiveness of the 
        national strategy in meeting the purposes of this Act and, as 
        necessary, updating the national strategy.
    (c) Membership.--The Council shall be composed of 13 members as 
follows:
            (1) The Secretary (or the Secretary's designee).
            (2) The Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere of the 
        Department of Commerce (or the Under Secretary's designee).
            (3) The Administrator of the Environmental Protection 
        Agency (or the Administrator's designee).
            (4) The Secretary of the Interior, acting through the 
        Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (or the 
        Secretary's designee).
            (5) The Secretary of Agriculture (or the Secretary's 
        designee).
            (6) The Secretary of Transportation (or the Secretary's 
        designee).
            (7) One representative from each of the 7 Regional 
        Councils, selected by the Regional Council and appointed by the 
        Secretary.
    (d) Appointment and Terms.--
            (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), 
        members of the Council under subsection (c)(7) shall be 
        appointed for a term of 3 years.
            (2) Initial members.--Of the members first appointed under 
        subsection (c)(7)--
                    (A) 3 shall be appointed for a term of 1 year;
                    (B) 2 shall be appointed for a term of 2 years; and
                    (C) 2 shall be appointed for a term of 3 years.
            (3) Vacancies.--Whenever a vacancy occurs among members of 
        the Council appointed under subsection (c)(7), the Secretary 
        shall appoint an individual in accordance with such subsection 
        to fill that vacancy for the remainder of the applicable term.
    (e) Prohibition of Compensation.--Members of the Council may not 
receive compensation for their service as members of the Council.
    (f) Chairperson.--The chairperson shall be elected by the Council 
from among its members for a 3-year term, except that the first elected 
chairperson may serve a term of fewer than 3 years.
    (g) Convening of Council.--
            (1) First meeting.--The Secretary shall convene the first 
        meeting of the Council not later than 60 days after the date of 
        enactment of this Act for the purpose of electing a 
        chairperson.
            (2) Additional meetings.--The chairperson shall convene 
        additional meetings of the Council as often as appropriate to 
        ensure that this Act is fully carried out, but not less often 
        than annually.
    (h) Council Procedures.--The Council shall establish procedures for 
voting, the conduct of meetings, and other matters, as necessary.
    (i) Public Participation.--Meetings of the Council shall be open to 
the public. The Council shall provide notice to the public of such 
meetings.
    (j) Coordinator.--The Secretary shall appoint a Coordinator who 
shall--
            (1) be educated and experienced in estuary protection, 
        restoration, and program management;
            (2) be responsible, with assistance from the Secretary, for 
        facilitating consideration of estuary habitat restoration 
        projects by the Council and Regional Councils and otherwise 
        assisting the Council and Regional Councils in carrying out 
        their responsibilities under this Act; and
            (3) be compensated with funds available under section 
        10(b).

SEC. 6. ESTABLISHMENT OF REGIONAL COUNCILS.

    (a) Regional Councils.--There are established 7 Regional Councils 
of the Estuary Habitat Restoration Council. Each Regional Council shall 
represent a different one of the following regions:
            (1) The Gulf region.
            (2) The Great Lakes region.
            (3) The Middle Atlantic region.
            (4) The Northeast region.
            (5) The Northwest region.
            (6) The Southeast region.
            (7) The Southwest region.
    (b) Membership.--The Governor of each State in the region 
represented by the Regional Council may appoint one representative to 
the Regional Council. The Regional Council also may include such other 
members as the Governors shall jointly designate.
    (c) Nonvoting Membership.--A Regional Council may appoint nonvoting 
members of the Regional Council from relevant agencies, programs, and 
organizations, including--
            (1) relevant State agencies and regional and field staff of 
        relevant Federal agencies; and
            (2) representatives of relevant coastal and estuary 
        programs, such as those developed under the Coastal Zone 
        Management Program or the National Estuary Program.
    (d) Chairperson.--A Regional Council shall select a chairperson 
from among its members.
    (e) Duties.--A Regional Council shall be responsible for--
            (1) developing a regional strategy that is consistent with 
        the national strategy for the review of project proposals 
        within the region;
            (2) establishing technical criteria for project proposals, 
        which are consistent with the goals and priorities of the 
        regional and national strategies;
            (3) soliciting, evaluating, and forwarding to the Council 
        proposals for estuary habitat restoration projects;
            (4) periodically reviewing the effectiveness of the 
        regional strategy toward meeting the goals and objectives of 
        the national strategy and recommending and implementing 
        improvements; and
            (5) selecting from among the voting membership a person to 
        represent the Regional Council on the Council.
    (f) Technical Support.--Technical support may be provided to a 
Regional Council by regional and field staff of the Corps of Engineers, 
the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, the United States Fish and Wildlife 
Service, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of 
Transportation. The Secretary shall coordinate the provision of such 
assistance.
    (g) Administrative Support Services.--Upon the request of a 
Regional Council, the Secretary may provide to the Regional Council the 
administrative support services necessary for the Regional Council to 
carry out its responsibilities under this Act.

SEC. 7. ESTUARY HABITAT RESTORATION STRATEGY.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Council, in consultation with State and other non-
Federal entities, including nonprofit entities, as appropriate, shall 
develop an estuary habitat restoration strategy designed to ensure a 
comprehensive approach to maximize benefits derived from estuary 
habitat restoration projects and to foster the coordination of Federal 
and non-Federal activities related to restoration of estuary habitat.
    (b) Integration of Estuary Habitat Restoration Plans, Programs, and 
Partnerships.--In developing the estuary habitat restoration strategy, 
the Council shall--
            (1) conduct a review of--
                    (A) estuary management or habitat restoration 
                plans; and
                    (B) Federal programs established under other laws 
                that authorize funding for estuary habitat restoration 
                activities;
            (2) develop a set of proposals to maximize the incentives 
        for the creation of new public-private partnerships to carry 
        out estuary habitat restoration projects and to use Federal 
        resources to encourage increased private sector involvement in 
        estuary habitat restoration activities; and
            (3) ensure that the estuary habitat restoration strategy is 
        developed and will be implemented in a manner that is 
        consistent with the estuary management or habitat restoration 
        plans.
    (c) Elements To Be Considered.--Consistent with the requirements of 
this section, the Council in the development of the estuary habitat 
restoration strategy, shall consider--
            (1) the contributions of estuary habitat to--
                    (A) providing healthy ecosystems in order to 
                support--
                            (i) wildlife, including endangered and 
                        threatened species, migratory birds, and 
                        resident species of an estuary watershed; and
                            (ii) fish and shellfish, including 
                        commercial and recreational fisheries;
                    (B) surface and ground water quality and quantity, 
                and flood control;
                    (C) outdoor recreation and other direct and 
                indirect values; and
                    (D) other areas of concern that the Council 
                determines to be appropriate for consideration;
            (2) 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
            (3) the most appropriate method for selecting a balance of 
        smaller and larger estuary habitat restoration projects.
    (d) Advice.--The Council shall seek the advice of experts in 
restoration of estuary habitat to assist in the development of an 
estuary habitat restoration strategy.
    (e) Public Review and Comment.--Before the Council adopts a final 
estuary habitat restoration strategy, the Secretary shall publish in 
the Federal Register a draft of the estuary habitat restoration 
strategy and provide an opportunity for public review and comment.
    (f) Periodic Revision.--Using data and information developed 
through project monitoring and management, and other relevant 
information, the Council may periodically review and update, as 
necessary, the estuary habitat restoration strategy.

SEC. 8. ESTUARY HABITAT RESTORATION PROJECT PROPOSALS.

    (a) In General.--A proposed estuary habitat restoration project 
shall originate from a non-Federal interest, including States or other 
non-Federal entities, consistent with State or local laws.
    (b) Review by Regional Councils.--
            (1) In general.--A non-Federal interest may submit a 
        proposed estuary habitat restoration project to the appropriate 
        Regional Council for review.
            (2) Technical assistance.--A Regional Council receiving a 
        proposal from a non-Federal interest under paragraph (1) shall 
        provide, as necessary, technical assistance to the non-Federal 
        interest to ensure that the proposal is complete.
            (3) Review.--A Regional Council shall select for each 
        fiscal year those proposals for estuary habitat restoration 
        projects that the Regional Council determines are eligible to 
        be carried out under this Act under the factors specified in 
        section 4(b)(1) and shall transmit such proposals to the 
        Council for further review.
    (c) Consideration by Council.--The Council shall review the 
proposed estuary habitat restoration projects transmitted to the 
Council by a Regional Council under subsection (b) and, based on the 
factors specified in section 4(b)(1), shall recommend to the Secretary 
a priority order for carrying out such projects. The Council's 
recommendation shall include a recommendation as to whether a project 
should be carried out by the Secretary or by another Federal department 
or agency under section 4(f).

SEC. 9. MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE OF ESTUARY HABITAT RESTORATION 
              PROJECTS.

    (a) Database of Restoration Project Information.--The Under 
Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere of the Department of Commerce, in 
consultation with the Secretary, shall develop and maintain an 
appropriate database of information concerning estuary habitat 
restoration projects carried out under this Act, including information 
on project techniques, project completion, monitoring data, and other 
relevant information.
    (b) Monitoring Data Standards.--The Under Secretary for Oceans and 
Atmosphere of the Department of Commerce, in consultation with the 
Secretary, shall develop standard data formats for monitoring projects, 
along with requirements for types of data collected and frequency of 
monitoring.
    (c) Report.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary, in consultation with the 
        Council, shall submit a report to Congress at the end of the 
        third and fifth fiscal years following the date of enactment of 
        this Act 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 carried 
                out 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. 10. FUNDING.

    (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--
            (1) Estuary habitat restoration projects.--There is 
        authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for estuary 
        habitat restoration projects--
                    (A) $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2001;
                    (B) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2002; and
                    (C) $75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2003 
                through 2005.
            Such amounts shall remain available until expended.
            (2) Monitoring.--There is authorized to be appropriated to 
        the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere of the Department 
        of Commerce for the acquisition, maintenance, and management of 
        monitoring data on restoration projects carried out under this 
        Act, $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2001 through 2005. 
        Such amounts shall remain available until expended.
    (b) Set-Aside for Administrative Expenses of the Council and 
Regional Councils.--Not to exceed 3 percent of the amounts appropriated 
for a fiscal year under subsection (a)(1) or $2,000,000, whichever is 
greater, may be used by the Secretary for administration and operation 
of the Council and Regional Councils.

SEC. 11. GENERAL PROVISIONS.

    (a) Estuary Habitat Restoration Mission.--The Secretary shall 
ensure that restoration of estuary habitat is included as a primary 
mission of the Corps of Engineers under section 306 of Water Resources 
Development Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2316).
    (b) Agency Consultation and Coordination.--In carrying out this 
Act, the Secretary shall, as necessary, consult with, cooperate with, 
and coordinate its activities with the activities of other Federal 
departments and agencies.
    (c) Cooperative Agreements; Memoranda of Understanding.--In 
carrying out this Act, the Secretary may--
            (1) enter into cooperative agreements with Federal, State, 
        and local government agencies and other entities; and
            (2) execute such memoranda of understanding as are 
        necessary to reflect the agreements.
    (d) Federal Agency Facilities and Personnel.--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 Council in carrying out its duties under this 
Act.
    (e) Application of Federal Advisory Committee Act.--The Council and 
Regional Councils shall not be considered advisory committees under the 
Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.).
    (f) Identification and Mapping of Dredged Material Disposal 
Sites.--In consultation with appropriate Federal and non-Federal public 
entities, the Secretary shall undertake, and update as warranted by 
changed conditions, surveys to identify and map sites appropriate for 
beneficial uses of dredged material for the protection, restoration, 
and creation of aquatic and ecologically related habitats, including 
wetlands, in order to further the purposes of this Act.
    (g) Study of Bioremediation Technology.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Environmental 
        Protection Agency, with the full participation of the estuarine 
        scientific community, shall begin a 2-year study on the 
        efficacy of bioremediation products.
            (2) Requirements.--The study shall--
                    (A) evaluate and assess bioremediation technology--
                            (i) on low-level petroleum hydrocarbon 
                        contamination from recreational boat bilges;
                            (ii) on low-level petroleum hydrocarbon 
                        contamination from stormwater discharges;
                            (iii) on nonpoint petroleum hydrocarbon 
                        discharges; and
                            (iv) as a first response tool for petroleum 
                        hydrocarbon spills; and
                    (B) recommend management actions to optimize the 
                return of a healthy and balanced ecosystem and make 
                improvements in the quality and character of estuarine 
                waters.

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

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

 SEC. 2. PURPOSES.

    The purposes of this Act are--
            (1) to establish an Estuary Restoration Council to 
        coordinate existing Federal estuary restoration programs and to 
        select estuary restoration projects for Federal assistance;
            (2) to develop a national estuary restoration strategy for 
        creating and maintaining effective estuary restoration 
        partnerships among public agencies at all levels of government 
        and to establish new partnerships between the public and 
        private sectors, including agricultural interests and estuary 
        users;
            (3) to provide Federal assistance for estuary restoration 
        projects and to promote efficient financing of such projects; 
        and
            (4) to develop and enhance monitoring and research 
        capabilities for estuary restoration projects to ensure that 
        such projects are based on sound science and to create a 
        national database of estuary restoration information.

SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

    For the purposes of this Act, the following definitions apply:
            (1) Council.--The term ``Council'' means the Estuary 
        Restoration Council established by section 4.
            (2) Estuary.--
                    (A) In general.--The term ``estuary'' has the 
                meaning given the terms ``estuarine zones'' and 
                ``estuary'' in section 104(n)(4) of the Federal Water 
                Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1254(n)(4)).
                    (B) Near coastal waters and wetlands of the great 
                lakes.--In addition to areas covered under subparagraph 
                (A), near coastal waters and wetlands of the Great 
                Lakes that are similar in form and function to 
                estuaries shall be eligible for assistance under this 
                Act.
            (3) Estuary restoration.--
                    (A) In general.--The term ``estuary restoration'' 
                means an activity that results in improving degraded 
                estuaries or creating 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 
                restoration'' includes--
                            (i) the reestablishment of the physical 
                        features, hydrology, chemistry, and biological 
                        components associated with an estuary;
                            (ii) except as provided in subparagraph 
                        (C), the cleanup of contamination related to 
                        the restoration an estuary;
                            (iii) the control of non-native and 
                        invasive species in the estuary;
                            (iv) the reintroduction of species native 
                        to the estuary, including through such means as 
                        planting or promoting natural succession;
                            (v) the construction of reefs to promote 
                        fish and shellfish production and to provide 
                        habitat for living resources; and
                            (vi) other activities that improve the 
                        quality of an estuary for human users, fish, 
                        wildlife, and other living resources.
                    (C) Excluded activities.--The term ``estuary 
                restoration'' does not include--
                            (i) an act that constitutes mitigation for 
                        the adverse effects of an activity regulated or 
                        otherwise required by Federal or State law; or
                            (ii) an act that constitutes restitution 
                        for natural resource damages required under any 
                        Federal or State law.
            (4) Project.--The term ``project'' means an estuary 
        restoration project under consideration or selected by the 
        Council under section 5 to receive financial, technical, or 
        another form of assistance.
            (5) Federal estuary management or habitat restoration 
        plan.--
                    (A) In general.--The term ``Federal estuary 
                management or habitat restoration plan'' means any 
                Federal plan for the restoration of an estuary or 
                degraded estuary habitat that was developed with the 
                substantial participation of appropriate public and 
                private stakeholders.
                    (B) Included plans and programs.--The term 
                ``Federal estuary management or habitat restoration 
                plan'' includes--
                            (i) a comprehensive conservation and 
                        management plan approved under section 320 of 
                        the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 
                        U.S.C. 1330);
                            (ii) a plan submitted under section 118 of 
                        the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 
                        U.S.C. 1268);
                            (iii) a management program containing 
                        estuary restoration components approved under 
the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1451 et seq.); and
                            (iv) the interstate management plan 
                        developed pursuant to the Chesapeake Bay 
                        Program under section 117 of the Federal Water 
                        Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1267).
            (6) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian tribe'' has the 
        meaning given such term by section 4 of the Indian Self-
        Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b).
            (7) Non-federal interest.--The term ``non-Federal 
        interest'' means a State, a political subdivision of a State, 
        an Indian tribe, or a regional or interstate agency.
            (8) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
        of the Army.
            (9) State.--The term ``State'' has the meaning given the 
        term ``coastal State'' under section 304(4) of the Coastal Zone 
        Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1453(4)), except that for the 
        purposes of this Act, such term shall include the District of 
        Columbia.
            (10) Under secretary.--The term ``Under Secretary'' means 
        the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere of the Department 
        of Commerce.

 SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF ESTUARY RESTORATION COUNCIL.

    (a) In General.--There is established an interagency council to be 
known as the Estuary Restoration Council.
    (b) Duties.--The Council shall--
            (1) develop and transmit to the Committee on Resources and 
        the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
        of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public 
        Works of the Senate a national strategy for estuary restoration 
        pursuant to section 5 and periodically review and update the 
        strategy;
            (2) determine the eligibility and priority of project 
        applications submitted under section 6;
            (3) provide advice in the development of the database and 
        monitoring standards under section 7; and
            (4) prepare and submit the report required under section 8.
    (c) Membership.--
            (1) In general.--The Council shall be composed of the 
        following members:
                    (A) The Secretary.
                    (B) The Under Secretary.
                    (C) The Administrator of the Environmental 
                Protection Agency.
                    (D) The Secretary of the Interior (acting through 
                the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife 
                Service).
                    (E) The Secretary of Agriculture.
            (2) Ex officio members.--The President may designate the 
        head of any other Federal agency to serve as an ex officio 
        member of the Council.
            (3) Chairperson and vice-chairperson.--The Secretary shall 
        serve as the chairperson of the Council. The Under Secretary 
        shall serve as the vice-chairperson of the Council.
    (d) Meetings.--The chair or vice-chair shall--
            (1) convene the first meeting of the Council not later than 
        90 days after the date of enactment of this Act; and
            (2) convene additional meetings, as often as appropriate 
        (but not less often than annually), to select projects, and 
        develop a priority order of such projects, for funding under 
        section 6.
    (e) Procedures.--
            (1) Quorum.--Three members of the Council shall constitute 
        a quorum.
            (2) Voting and meeting procedures.--The Council shall 
        establish procedures for voting and the conduct of meetings.
    (f) Advisory Board.--
            (1) In general.--The Council may establish an advisory 
        board (in this subsection referred to as the ``board'') to 
        provide advice and recommendations to the Council on the 
        strategy developed pursuant to section 5 and on the selection 
        and prioritization of projects submitted under section 6.
            (2) Members.--The Council shall appoint members of the 
        board representing diverse public and private interests. 
        Members of the board shall be selected such that the board 
        consists of--
                    (A) 2 members representing State agencies with 
                expertise in aquatic habitat restoration;
                    (B) 2 members representing local or regional 
                government agencies with expertise in aquatic habitat 
                restoration;
                    (C) 2 members with recognized academic scientific 
                expertise in aquatic habitat restoration;
                    (D) 2 members representing nongovernmental 
                organizations with expertise in aquatic habitat 
                restoration;
                    (E) 2 members representing estuary users;
                    (F) 1 member representing agricultural interests;
                    (G) 1 member representing Indian tribes; and
                    (H) 1 at-large member.
            (3) Terms.--
                    (A) In general.--Except as provided by subparagraph 
                (B), members of the board shall be appointed for a term 
                of 3 years.
                    (B) Initial members.--As designated by the 
                chairperson of the Council at the time of appointment, 
                of the members first appointed--
                            (i) 4 shall be appointed for a term of 1 
                        year; and
                            (ii) 4 shall be appointed for a term of 2 
                        years.
            (4) Vacancies.--Whenever a vacancy occurs among members of 
        the board, the Council shall appoint an appropriate individual 
        to fill that vacancy for the remainder of the applicable term.
            (5) Board leadership.--The board shall elect among its 
        members a chairperson of the board and a vice-chairperson of 
        the board to represent the board in matters related to its 
        duties under this Act.
            (6) Compensation.--Members of the board shall not be 
        construed to be employees of the United States, and may not 
        receive compensation for their service as members of the board, 
        except that while engaged in the performance of their duties 
        away from their homes or regular place of business, members of 
        the board may be allowed necessary travel expenses as 
        authorized by section 5703 of title 5, United States Code.

 SEC. 5. ESTUARY RESTORATION STRATEGY.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Council shall develop and transmit to the Committee on 
Resources and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public 
Works of the Senate an estuary restoration strategy designed to promote 
estuary restoration nationwide and improve coordination among existing 
Federal estuary restoration activities and between Federal and non-
Federal estuary restoration activities. Such strategy shall include 
proposals for--
            (1) 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 restoration projects;
            (2) using Federal resources to encourage increased private 
        sector involvement in estuary restoration activities;
            (3) ensuring that the strategy will be implemented in a 
        manner that is consistent with the requirements of Federal 
        estuary management or habitat restoration plans;
            (4) ensuring the long term conservation of lands and waters 
        restored, enhanced, or otherwise managed under this Act; and
            (5) ensuring an equitable geographic distribution of 
        projects funded under this Act.
    (b) Consideration of Existing Federal Plans, Programs, and 
Partnerships.--In developing the estuary restoration strategy, the 
Council shall conduct a review of--
            (1) Federal estuary management or habitat restoration 
        plans; and
            (2) Federal programs established under other laws that 
        provide funding for estuary or coastal wetland restoration 
        activities.
    (c) Public Participation.--The Council shall publish in the Federal 
Register a draft of the estuary restoration strategy and provide an 
opportunity for public review and comment. In developing the estuary 
restoration strategy, the Council shall seek advice from the advisory 
board established under section 4(f).
    (d) Periodic Revision.--Using data and information developed 
through project monitoring and management, and other relevant 
information, the Council may, as necessary, seek advice from the 
advisory board to periodically review and update the estuary 
restoration strategy. The Council shall transmit any updates of the 
estuary restoration strategy to Congress, after providing for 
appropriate public review and comment.

SEC. 6. ESTUARY RESTORATION PROJECTS.

    (a) In General.--The Council may provide assistance to non-Federal 
interests for carrying out estuary restoration projects that are 
consistent with this Act. In carrying out this section, the Council 
shall develop guidelines for reviewing and prioritizing estuary 
restoration projects. Such guidelines shall ensure a comprehensive 
approach to the selection and prioritization of estuary restoration 
projects.
    (b) Applications for Assistance.--A non-Federal interest may submit 
to the Council for consideration under subsection (c) an application 
for assistance in carrying out an estuary restoration project.
    (c) Selection of Projects.--
            (1) In general.--The Council shall review applications for 
        estuary restoration projects submitted under subsection (b). 
        Based on the criteria specified in paragraphs (2) and (3), the 
        Council shall determine the eligibility of each project 
and establish a priority order for carrying out such projects.
            (2) Selection criteria.--The Council may not select a 
        project for funding under this section unless--
                    (A) the project addresses restoration needs 
                identified in an approved Federal estuary management or 
                habitat restoration plan;
                    (B) the project promotes--
                            (i) the restoration of habitat for fish and 
                        wildlife, including shellfish, endangered and 
                        threatened species, migratory and resident 
                        birds, and commercial and sport fish species;
                            (ii) the improvement of surface and ground 
                        water quality and quantity; or
                            (iii) the restoration of physical features 
                        and hydrologic functions, including flood 
                        control;
                    (C) after the Council publishes the estuary 
                restoration strategy under section 5, the project is 
                consistent with the strategy;
                    (D) the project is cost effective, based on sound 
                science, and technically feasible;
                    (E) the non-Federal interest proposing the project 
                demonstrates that adequate personnel, funding, and 
                authority exists to carry out and properly maintain the 
                project;
                    (F) the State in which the non-Federal interest is 
                proposing the project has a dedicated source of funding 
                to acquire or restore habitat, natural areas, and open 
                spaces;
                    (G) the project will encourage the increased 
                coordination and cooperation of Federal, State, and 
                local government agencies;
                    (H) the project includes a monitoring plan to 
                ensure that short-term and long-term restoration goals 
                are achieved; and
                    (I) there is an effective program or plan within 
                the watershed of the project to ensure the long-term 
                conservation of lands and waters restored, enhanced, or 
                otherwise managed by the project.
            (3) Priority estuary restoration projects.--An estuary 
        restoration project shall be given a higher priority in receipt 
        of funding under this section if, in addition to meeting the 
        selection criteria specified in paragraph (2)--
                    (A) the non-Federal share of the total costs of the 
                project exceeds 50 percent; or
                    (B) the project includes pilot testing or a 
                demonstration of an innovative technology having the 
                potential for improved cost-effectiveness in estuary 
                restoration.
    (d) Non-Federal Interest.--The Council may, upon recommendation of 
the Governor of the State and in consultation with responsible 
officials from local political jurisdictions in which a project would 
occur, allow a nongovernmental organization to serve as the non-Federal 
interest.
    (e) Lead Federal Agency.--The Council shall designate a lead 
Council member for each estuary restoration project funded under this 
section. The lead Council member shall have primary responsibility for 
overseeing and assisting in project implementation.
    (f) Cost Sharing of Estuary Habitat Restoration Projects.--
            (1) Written agreement.--
                    (A) Construction costs.--The Council shall not 
                provide any assistance for an estuary restoration 
                project until all appropriate non-Federal interests 
                have entered into a written agreement with the lead 
                Federal agency designated under subsection (e) in which 
                the non-Federal interests agree to provide the required 
                non-Federal share of the cost of the project.
                    (B) Operation, maintenance, replacement, and 
                rehabilitation costs.--An agreement entered into under 
                this paragraph shall require that the non-Federal 
                interest pay 100 percent of any operation, maintenance, 
                replacement, and rehabilitation costs of the estuary 
                restoration project to the extent prescribed by the 
                Council.
            (2) Federal share.--
                    (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph 
                (B), the Federal share of the cost of an estuary 
                restoration project under this section shall not exceed 
                50 percent of the total cost of the project.
                    (B) Interim actions.--Pending completion of the 
                estuary restoration strategy under section 5, the 
                Federal share of the cost of an interim action to carry 
                out an estuary restoration project shall not exceed 25 
                percent of the cost of the interim action.
            (3) Non-federal share.--A non-Federal interest shall 
        provide at least 50 percent of the cost of any project carried 
        out under this section including provision of all lands, 
easements, rights-of-way, services, and relocations.

SEC. 7. MONITORING, RESEARCH, AND PEER REVIEW OF ESTUARY RESTORATION 
              PROJECTS.

    (a) National Clearinghouse of Estuary Restoration Project 
Information.--
            (1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall maintain a 
        database of information related to estuary restoration 
        projects, including projects funded under section 6. Such 
        database shall include information on project goals and 
        accomplishments, techniques used to restore habitat, costs of 
        project completion, monitoring data, and other information that 
        the Council determines to be relevant.
            (2) Monitoring data standards.--The Under Secretary, in 
        consultation with the Council, shall develop quality control 
        requirements and standard data formats for estuary restoration 
        monitoring data, along with requirements for types of data 
        collected and frequency of monitoring.
            (3) Coordination of data.--The Under Secretary shall 
        compile information pertaining to estuary restoration projects 
        from other Federal, State, and local sources provided that the 
        information meets the quality control requirements and data 
        standards established under this subsection.
            (4) Use of existing programs.--The Under Secretary shall 
        use existing programs within the National Oceanic and 
        Atmospheric Administration to create and maintain the database 
        required under this subsection.
            (5) Public availability.--The Under Secretary shall make 
        the information collected and maintained under this subsection 
        available to the public.
    (b) Estuary Restoration Research and Innovation.--The Under 
Secretary shall develop and enhance monitoring and research 
capabilities, through use of existing programs, including 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 science and innovative 
technologies.
    (c) Peer Review.--The Council shall establish a procedure for 
providing scientific peer review, coordinated through the National 
Estuary Research Reserve System established by section 315 of the 
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1461), of estuary 
restoration projects submitted under section 6.

SEC. 8. REPORT.

    (a) In General.--The Council shall biennially transmit to the 
States, the Committee on Resources and the Committee on Transportation 
and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, and the Committee 
on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report on the results 
of activities carried out under this Act.
    (b) Contents of Report.--A report transmitted under subsection (a) 
shall include--
            (1) the number of acres of estuary habitat restored under 
        this Act and the status of other acres in need of restoration;
            (2) descriptions of, and partners involved with, projects 
        selected, in progress, and completed under this Act;
            (3) information related to ongoing monitoring of projects 
        to ensure that short-term and long-term restoration goals are 
        achieved;
            (4) an estimate of the long-term success of varying 
        restoration techniques used in carrying out estuary restoration 
        projects;
            (5) a review of how the information described in paragraphs 
        (1) through (4) has been incorporated in the selection and 
        implementation of estuary habitat restoration projects;
            (6) a review of efforts made to maintain a database of 
        restoration projects; and
            (7) a review of the measures taken to provide the 
        information described in subparagraphs (1) through (4) to 
        persons with responsibility for restoring estuaries;

SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    (a) Authorization for Restoration Projects.--
            (1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated to 
        the Secretary to carry out estuary restoration projects under 
        this Act $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2002, 2003, and 
        2004. Such amounts shall remain available until expended.
            (2) Set-aside for administrative expenses of the council.--
        Of the amounts appropriated for a fiscal year under this 
        subsection, not more than $1,000,000 may be used by the 
        Secretary for administration and operation of the Council and 
        advisory board.
            (3) Distribution of appropriations for estuary restoration 
        activities.--The Secretary shall allocate funds made available 
        to carry out this Act to the members of the Council, based on 
        the need for the funds and such other factors as the Council 
        determines to be appropriate to carry out this Act.
    (b) Authorization for Monitoring Database.--There is authorized to 
be appropriated to the Under Secretary for the acquisition, 
maintenance, and management of monitoring data on restoration projects 
carried out under this Act $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2002, 
2003, and 2004. Such amounts shall remain available until expended.

SEC. 10. AGENCY CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION.

    (a) In General.--In carrying out this Act, the Council shall, as 
necessary, consult with, cooperate with, and coordinate its activities 
with the activities of other appropriate Federal agencies.
    (b) Cooperative Agreements; Memoranda of Understanding.--In 
carrying out this Act, the Council may enter into cooperative 
agreements and memoranda of understanding with Federal agencies and 
non-Federal interests.
    (c) Federal Agency Facilities and Personnel.--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 Council in carrying out its duties under this 
Act.
    (d) Reimbursement.--Federal agencies may accept reimbursement from 
the Council for providing services, facilities, and personnel under 
subsection (c).

                                                 Union Calendar No. 366

106th CONGRESS

  2d Session

                               H. R. 1775

                  [Report No. 106-561, Parts I and II]

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL

   To catalyze restoration of estuary habitat through more efficient 
  financing of projects and enhanced coordination of Federal and non-
         Federal restoration programs, and for other purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

                              June 9, 2000

 Reported from the Committee on Resources with an amendment, committed 
  to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and 
                         ordered to be printed
```