LEVEE Act

To direct the Secretary of the Army to carry out a program to convert temporary structures at risk of flood events into permanent features, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Local Expertise is Vital for Effective Embankments Act LEVEE Act 2. Establishing permanent features from emergency response measures (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Impacted community The term impacted community Flood Control Act of 1941 33 U.S.C. 701n (2) Permanent feature The term permanent feature (3) Small or disadvantaged community The term small or disadvantaged community (A) with a population of less than 10,000; or (B) that is— (i) financially disadvantaged; and (ii) at risk from repeat flooding events. (b) Evaluation of temporary structures Notwithstanding any other provision of law, on request of an impacted community, the Secretary shall evaluate whether the temporary structure warrants consideration for a permanent feature, in accordance with subsection (c). (c) Considerations In evaluating a temporary structure under subsection (b), the Secretary shall consider— (1) the likelihood that a similar structure will need to be constructed in the area in the future if the temporary structure, or a similar structure, is not made permanent; (2) the extent to which similar structures have been constructed in the area previously and removed; (3) the economic, safety, and environmental benefits and impacts of establishing a permanent feature in the watershed of the impacted community; (4) the extent of the modifications necessary to make the temporary structure a permanent feature; and (5) the costs of the modifications described in paragraph (4). (d) Conversion of temporary structures (1) In general After the Secretary completes an evaluation under subsection (b), if the Secretary determines that the temporary structure should become a permanent feature, or that a permanent feature would prevent damage similar to damage prevented by the temporary structure, and subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary shall begin the planning and design of the permanent feature in accordance with all applicable design and construction standards and legal requirements of the Secretary, including all applicable environmental laws. (2) Project cost (A) In general The Secretary may carry out the planning, design, and construction of a project described in paragraph (1) if the total construction cost of the project is not expected to exceed $25,000,000. (B) Large projects If the total construction cost of a project described in paragraph (1) is expected to be greater than $25,000,000, the Secretary— (i) shall submit to Congress a request to carry out the project in a manner similar to a Chief's Report; and (ii) may not carry out the project until Congress authorizes the construction of the project. (C) Demolition Demolition of a temporary structure under this section shall be subject to the cost-share requirement under paragraph (3), but the costs of that demolition shall not be included in the total construction cost of the project under subparagraphs (A) and (B). (3) Cost-share (A) In general The non-Federal share of the cost of carrying out a project under this section shall be not more than 35 percent. (B) Small or disadvantaged communities In the case of a project carried out under this section in an impacted community that is a small or disadvantaged community, the Federal share of the cost of such project may be up to 100 percent, based on the ability of the community to pay.

Summary: Local Expertise is Vital for Effective Embankments Act or the LEVEE Act This bill provides that, upon request of a community that has received emergency flood-fighting assistance involving the construction of a temporary structure, the U.S. Department of the Army shall evaluate whether the structure should be made permanent. If the Army makes such a determination, it (1) shall begin planning, design, and construction of a permanent feature if the total construction cost of the project is not expected to exceed $25 million; and (2) shall seek congressional authorization if construction cost is expected to be in excess of that amount.