To direct the Corps of Engineers to develop a comprehensive plan for Lake Okeechobee and northern estuaries ecosystem restoration, and for other purposes.
Bill: H.R.7520 | Sponsor: Rep. Mast, Brian J. (R-FL)
Policy area: Environmental Protection

Summary:
This bill requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to develop a comprehensive plan for the purpose of restoring, preserving, and protecting Lake Okeechobee and the northern estuaries in Florida.

To direct the Corps of Engineers to develop a comprehensive plan for 
 Lake Okeechobee and northern estuaries ecosystem restoration, 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. LAKE OKEECHOBEE AND NORTHERN ESTUARIES ECOSYSTEM 
              RESTORATION, FLORIDA.

    (a) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Central and southern florida project.--The term 
        ``Central and Southern Florida Project'' has the meaning given 
        that term in section 601 of the Water Resources Development Act 
        of 2000.
            (2) Northern estuaries.--The term ``northern estuaries'' 
        means the Caloosahatchee Estuary, Charlotte Harbor, Indian 
        River Lagoon, Lake Worth Lagoon, and St. Lucie River Estuary.
            (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
        of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers.
            (4) South florida ecosystem.--
                    (A) In general.--The term ``South Florida 
                ecosystem'' means the area consisting of the land and 
                water within the boundary of the South Florida Water 
                Management District in effect on July 1, 1999.
                    (B) Inclusions.--The term ``South Florida 
                ecosystem'' includes--
                            (i) the Everglades;
                            (ii) the Florida Keys;
                            (iii) the contiguous near-shore coastal 
                        water of South Florida; and
                            (iv) Florida's Coral Reef.
            (5) Study area.--The term ``study area'' means Lake 
        Okeechobee and the northern estuaries, including all lands and 
        waters in the upstream watershed of those receiving bodies 
        within--
                    (A) the South Florida ecosystem; or
                    (B) the study area boundaries of the Indian River 
                Lagoon National Estuary Program and the Coastal and 
                Heartland Estuary Partnership, authorized pursuant to 
                section 320 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.
    (b) Comprehensive Plan.--
            (1) In general.--
                    (A) Development.--The Secretary shall develop, in 
                cooperation with the non-Federal sponsors of the 
                Central and Southern Florida project and any relevant 
                Federal, State, and Tribal agencies, a comprehensive 
                plan for the purpose of restoring, preserving, and 
                protecting Lake Okeechobee and the northern estuaries.
                    (B) Inclusions.--In carrying out subparagraph (A), 
                the Secretary shall ensure that the comprehensive plan 
                provides for the protection and improvement of water 
                quality within the study area through activities that 
                include--
                            (i) the elimination of harmful discharges 
                        from Lake Okeechobee;
                            (ii) the reduction and elimination of 
                        harmful algal blooms;
                            (iii) the restoration of hydrological 
                        connections and conditions;
                            (iv) the enhancement of habitat, emergent 
                        and submerged aquatic vegetation, and keystone 
                        species populations; and
                            (v) the dredging and beneficial reuse of 
                        harmful silt and muck deposits in Lake 
                        Okeechobee and the northern estuaries.
                    (C) Submission.--Not later than 3 years after the 
                date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall 
                submit to Congress--
                            (i) the comprehensive plan developed under 
                        this paragraph; and
                            (ii) a feasibility report and a 
                        programmatic environmental impact statement for 
                        any proposed Federal actions set forth in such 
                        plan.
                    (D) Interim reports.--Not later than 1 year after 
                the date of enactment of this Act, and annually 
                thereafter until the submission of the comprehensive 
                plan under subparagraph (C), the Secretary shall submit 
                to Congress an interim report on the development of the 
                comprehensive plan.
                    (E) Additional studies and analyses.--
                Notwithstanding the submission of a feasibility report 
                under subparagraph (C), the Secretary shall continue to 
                conduct such studies and analyses after the date of 
                such submission as are necessary for the purpose of 
                restoring, preserving, and protecting Lake Okeechobee 
                and the northern estuaries.
            (2) Water quality.--In carrying out this subsection, the 
        Secretary shall take into account the protection of water 
        quality, in consultation with the State of Florida and by 
        considering applicable State water quality standards.
            (3) Integration of other activities.--In carrying out this 
        subsection, the Secretary shall integrate the activities 
        included in the comprehensive plan with ongoing Federal, State, 
        and Tribal projects and activities, including--
                    (A) the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual and 
                any subsequent water control plan for Lake Okeechobee; 
                and
                    (B) the projects authorized under the Central and 
                Southern Florida project and the Comprehensive 
                Everglades Restoration Plan.
    (c) Justification.--Notwithstanding section 209 of the Flood 
Control Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 1962-2) or any other provision of law, 
in carrying out any activity included in the comprehensive plan 
developed under subsection (b), the Secretary may determine that--
            (1) the activity is justified by the environmental benefits 
        derived by Lake Okeechobee and the northern estuaries; and
            (2) no further economic justification for the activity is 
        required, if the Secretary determines that the activity is 
        cost-effective.
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