Nolan Applauds Addition of His Six Amendments & Policy Priorities to Water Resources Bill

WASHINGTON – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan today applauded the successful addition of his six amendments and top policy priorities to the successfully-passed Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) during the bill’s markup in the House Committee Transportation and Infrastructure. Nolan is the only Minnesotan on this House Committee.

“The successful addition of these priorities will support our ports, channels, locks, dams and other infrastructure, protecting and improving our waterway transportation system,” Nolan said. “I’m pleased to have worked with my colleagues to include so many important bipartisan initiatives for the Eighth District.”

Nolan also praised the committee’s use of “regular order” during the markup, a system under which members are able to openly offer ideas and suggestions to better come to a bipartisan agreement.

Nolan’s WRDA initiatives promote fair liability standards, nature-based solutions to water resources projects, use of American-made goods, fishery and ecosystem restoration, and harbor maintenance:

Ensuring that the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) completes a study examining their approach to liability when entering into project partnerships with states, municipalities, and non-profits (Non-Federal sponsors) to conduct water resources projects. Under current Corps operating practices, they enter into partnership agreements with Non-Federal sponsors where the Non-Federal sponsor is obligated to fulfill the Operation, Maintenance, Repair, Replacement, and Rehabilitation management of the project while the Corps oversees the process. Unfortunately in many states – including Minnesota – Non-Federal sponsors have complete liability for any damages that are at the fault of the Corps or its contractors, leaving the Corps with zero responsibility. Nolan’s measure promotes a fair, shared approach to liability.

Requiring the Corps to conduct a report to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on using natural and nature-based resources in water development projects, including flood risk reduction, coastal resiliency, and ecosystem restoration projects. Utilizing nature-based solutions promotes environmentally safe and cost-effective ways for the Corps to conduct these projects.

Requiring the Corps to annually report a record of foreign supplies and materials being used for Corps civil works projects, encouraging the use of American made goods and promoting businesses, creating good paying jobs, and boosting our nation’s economy.

Ensuring that funds from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) are being used towards projects eligible under the Great Lakes Fishery & Ecosystem Restoration Program (GLFER) to plan, implement, and evaluate projects supporting the restoration of the fishery, ecosystem, and beneficial uses of the Great Lakes, with 35 percent matching funds from nonfederal project sponsors.

Providing relief to Non-Federal sponsors before, during and after their role as partners in Corps water resource projects. Currently, there is no cap as to when Non-Federal sponsors are no longer obligated or liable to the project, even if a project is finished, defunded or terminated. Nolan’s initiative states that the obligations of Non-Federal sponsors will terminate a) no later than 50 years after completion of project construction or b) when projects purposes are achieved.

Taking the Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) out of the government’s General fund by 2027, returning it to its initial intent to go towards port maintenance, dredging and water infrastructure needs. Currently, 50% of that tax is going into the General fund, which doesn’t allow the tax to be used solely for its intended purpose – harbor maintenance.