This bill, known as the "Restoring America's Floodplains Act," amends the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 to enhance the management of floodplain easements. It specifically authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to provide financial and technical assistance for restoring adapted vegetative cover and the hydrologic functions and values of wetlands on existing floodplain easements acquired under the Emergency Watershed Program. The legislation also grants the Secretary sole discretion to enter into compatible-use agreements with landowners, government agencies, or nongovernmental organizations. These agreements are designed to facilitate the ongoing maintenance and management of the vegetative cover and wetlands restoration measures on these easements, ensuring their long-term ecological benefits.
This bill, known as the "Restoring America's Floodplains Act," amends the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 to enhance the management of floodplain easements. It specifically authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to provide financial and technical assistance for restoring adapted vegetative cover and the hydrologic functions and values of wetlands on existing floodplain easements acquired under the Emergency Watershed Program. The legislation also grants the Secretary sole discretion to enter into compatible-use agreements with landowners, government agencies, or nongovernmental organizations. These agreements are designed to facilitate the ongoing maintenance and management of the vegetative cover and wetlands restoration measures on these easements, ensuring their long-term ecological benefits.