Central ND News

The Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee has marked up and passed four bills sponsored by U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) during its recent meeting. The bills, including the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), the General Services Administration Disposal Process Tribal Parity Act, the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act Reform Act, and the National Dam Safety Program reauthorization, will now proceed to the Senate floor for further consideration.

The WRDA is a biannual legislative measure that reauthorizes projects managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Senator Cramer commented on its passage: “This year’s Water Resources Development Act is an example of timely, regular order, reflecting committee members’ input and delivering wins for North Dakota communities. Our state and tribal nations will benefit from the Corps’ ability to better support local flood control projects and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities.”

North Dakota priorities in this year’s WRDA include:

- Enhancing recreation facilities in areas managed by the Army Corps. The bill aims to retain recreation fees at collection points for site operations and maintenance.

- Directing the Army Corps to report on land suitable for transfer to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe for recreational development.

- Increasing funding for flood damage reduction projects under Section 205 of the Continuing Authorities Program.

- Deauthorizing unneeded levee systems as requested by local water resource boards.

- Developing a guide on public-private partnerships for water resources development projects.

- Prioritizing noxious weed control strategies on USACE-managed lands.

- Studying modernization efforts within USACE’s Civil Works Program through better utilization of technology.

- Establishing a pilot program in North Dakota allowing state-completed water reallocation studies.

- Considering requests from regional power administrations regarding dam safety improvements to reduce cost impacts on electricity consumers.

- Using funds for volunteer recognition efforts similar to other federal land management agencies.

- Reducing non-federal cost shares for economically disadvantaged communities under Section 594 Program assistance.

- Permanently reauthorizing the Army Corps’ Tribal Partnership program.

Additionally, three bipartisan bills led by Senator Cramer were also passed by the EPW Committee:

1. S.4359; Reauthorizes the National Dam Safety Program, providing resources for dam safety inspections, monitoring, and emergency planning efforts. "North Dakota has over 3,000 dams," noted Senator Cramer about this crucial support measure.

2. S.3564; Reforms GSA's federal surplus property disposal process to expand access to tribal governments. "This long overdue change will provide tribal governments with the same ability to obtain surplus property afforded to state and local governments," said Senator Cramer.

3. S.3880; Modifies FASTA to address deficiencies in managing federal real property portfolios. "The FASTA Reform Act addresses challenges identified by the PBRB throughout the first two rounds of disposals," stated Senator Cramer about this reform initiative.