Us Code § 2255a - High water-low water preparedness
Full text of Us Code United States Code § 2255a — High water-low water preparedness, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 2255a. High water-low water preparedness
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Bypass
The term "bypass" means an alternate water route adjacent to a lock and dam on a Federal inland waterway system that can be used for commercial navigation during high water conditions.
(2) Emergency condition
The term "emergency condition" means—
(A) unsafe conditions on a Federal inland waterway system that prevent the operation of commercial vessels, resulting from a major change in water level or flows;
(B) an obstruction in a Federal inland waterway system, including silt, sediment, rock formation, or a shallow channel;
(C) an impaired or inoperable Federal lock and dam; or
(D) any other condition determined appropriate by the Secretary.
(b) Emergency determination
The Secretary, in consultation with the District Commanders responsible for maintaining any Federal inland waterway system, the users of the waterway system, and the Coast Guard, may make a determination that an emergency condition exists on the waterway system.
(c) Emergency mitigation project
(1) In general
Subject to paragraph (2) and the availability of appropriations, and in accordance with all applicable Federal requirements, the Secretary may carry out an emergency mitigation project on a Federal inland waterway system with respect to which the Secretary has determined that an emergency condition exists under subsection (b), or on a bypass of such system, to remedy that emergency condition.
(2) Deadline
An emergency mitigation project under paragraph (1) shall—
(A) be initiated by not later than 60 days after the date on which the Secretary makes the applicable determination under subsection (b); and
(B) to the maximum extent practicable, be completed by not later than 1 year after the date on which the Secretary makes such determination.
(d) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2024, to remain available until expended.
(Pub. L. 116–260, div. AA, title I, §151, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2657.)
Editorial Notes
Codification
Section was enacted as part of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020, and not as part of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 which comprises this chapter.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
"Secretary" Defined
Secretary means the Secretary of the Army, see section 2 of div. AA of Pub. L. 116–260, set out as a note under section 2201 of this title.
SUBCHAPTER IV—WATER RESOURCES STUDIES
About This Section
33 U.S.C. § 2255a is part of Title 33 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.
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