Digital Inclusion Research Forum

  • 10/12/2023 12:00 AM - 10/13/2023 12:00 AM
  • Author: Tina Dykstra
  • Number of views: 422
  • 0 Comments

Digital Inclusion Research Forum

Dallas Fed

Oct. 12-13

Click here to register

Overview

The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) serves as the primary vehicle through which Congress authorizes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works projects and establishes policy frameworks for water resource development nationwide. Enacted on a biennial schedule, WRDAs provide congressional authorization for USACE to conduct feasibility studies, construct flood risk reduction projects, improve navigation infrastructure, restore aquatic ecosystems, and assist with environmental infrastructure development.
Since the enactment of WRDA 1986, Congress has used these omnibus authorization bills to both create new USACE authorities and refine existing programs based on evolving national priorities and lessons learned from program implementation. Recent WRDAs have addressed critical issues including drought resilience, water supply development, infrastructure modernization, and support for economically disadvantaged communities.
The most recent legislation, the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA 2024, P.L. 118-272), continued Congress's bipartisan commitment to strengthening America's water infrastructure by authorizing new construction projects, modifying existing authorities, and establishing updated policy guidance for USACE operations. WRDA 2024 also authorized five new regional environmental infrastructure programs, each incorporating flexible delivery mechanisms that allow federal assistance to be provided through grants or reimbursements to nonfederal sponsors.
Authorization through WRDA is typically a prerequisite for USACE activities to receive federal appropriations through the annual Energy and Water Development appropriations process. This two-step framework—authorization followed by appropriation—ensures congressional oversight of both program scope and funding levels.
Section 219 of WRDA 1992, as amended, represents one of USACE's most geographically expansive environmental infrastructure assistance authorities. Originally enacted to authorize design assistance for 18 specific projects, Section 219 has been amended by subsequent Congresses to authorize both design and construction assistance for water-related environmental infrastructure in hundreds of municipalities, counties, and states across the nation.
The Congressional Research Service has identified over 600 environmental infrastructure assistance authorities with cumulative authorizations of appropriations totaling approximately $18.1 billion. Section 219 authorities constitute the majority of these geographically specific project authorizations, covering at least 46 states, the District of Columbia, and four U.S. territories.
Section 219 projects address critical community needs including wastewater treatment facilities, water supply and distribution systems, stormwater management infrastructure, surface water protection, and environmental restoration. These projects support public health, environmental quality, and economic development in communities that have secured congressional authorization for USACE assistance.
Congress has continued to expand Section 219 in recent legislation. WRDA 2022 added 132 new Section 219 authorities and amended 24 existing authorities. WRDA 2024 authorized an additional 193 new Section 219 authorities and amended 53 existing authorities, providing a combined $5.4 billion increase in authorization of appropriations. WRDA 2024 also established a seven-year pilot program to increase the federal cost share from 75 percent to 90 percent for Section 219 projects benefiting economically disadvantaged communities.
Unlike traditional USACE water resource projects, Section 219 assistance does not require completion of the agency's standard feasibility study process. However, projects receiving Section 219 assistance must comply with applicable federal environmental laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act.
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Grant Due: FY 2023 Solar for All Program

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WHAT DOES IT FUND? The purpose of this program is to spur the deployment of residential distributed solar energy to lower energy bills for millions of Americans and catalyze transformation in markets serving low-income and disadvantaged communities. Click here for more information.

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TOTAL FUNDING AMOUNT? $7 billion

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AI DC 2023: Securing America's Future

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WHO'S ELIGIBLE? Local governments, the District of Columbia, territories, tribal governments, political subdivisions of a state or other entity including special-purpose entities engaged in economic development activities, public entities and nonprofit organizations acting in cooperation with the officials of a political subdivision of a state or other entity, economic development districts, and coalitions of any of the above entities that serve or are contained within a single geographic area. Some institutions of higher education will be eligible if they fall within one of the above categories.

TOTAL FUNDING AMOUNT? $6 million - $12 million

WHEN'S IT DUE? October 5, 2023

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Grant Due: FY 2023 WaterSMART Applied Science Grants

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WHO'S ELIGIBLE?  States, tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority located in the Western United States, as well as nonprofit research organizations partnering with eligible water delivery authorities

TOTAL FUNDING AMOUNT? $4 million - $5 million

WHEN'S IT DUE? October 17, 2023

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Grant Due: FY 2023 Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG): On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials

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WHO'S ELIGIBLE? Local, state, and tribal governments, for profit organizations other than small businesses, nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education), private institutions of higher education, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, and small businesses

TOTAL FUNDING AMOUNT? $50 million

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Grant Due: FY 2023-2024 Wetland Program Development Grants (WPDGs) Region 5

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WHAT DOES IT FUND? This program provides an opportunity to conduct projects that promote the coordination and acceleration of research, investigations, experiments, training, demonstrations, surveys, and studies relating to the causes, effects, extent, prevention, reduction, and elimination of water pollution. Click here for more information.

WHO'S ELIGIBLE? State, tribal, territory (Insular Areas), local government agencies, and interstate or intertribal entities within EPA’s Region 5.

TOTAL FUNDING AMOUNT? $2.82 million

WHEN'S IT DUE? November 3, 2023

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