GAO studies

(a) Study on Cost-Sharing efforts for recreation facilities (1) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall initiate a review of the efforts of the Secretary to share with non-Federal public entities and private nonprofit entities the cost of managing recreation facilities and natural resources at water resource development projects under the jurisdiction of the Secretary. (2) Requirements In conducting the review under paragraph (1), the Comptroller General shall— (A) describe the actions the Secretary is taking, or plans to take, to implement section 225 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 (33 U.S.C. 2328); (B) evaluate the use of joint management agreements, including cooperative agreements under subsection (b)(1) of such section, and other partnership authorities, that allow the Secretary to share responsibilities with, or transfer or delegate responsibilities to, non-Federal public entities and private nonprofit entities, for the operation and management of recreation facilities and natural resources; (C) assess the effectiveness of such agreements in reducing Federal costs, improving facility conditions, and maintaining or enhancing public access; (D) identify any legal, regulatory, or administrative barriers to the expanded use of such agreements; and (E) develop recommendations for legislative or administrative actions to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of such partnership authorities. (3) Report Upon completion of the review required under paragraph (1), the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report that contains the results of such review, including any recommendations developed under paragraph (2)(E). (b) Study on beach renourishment efforts (1) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall initiate an analysis that includes— (A) the statutory authorities and programs used by, and available to, the Secretary to support beach renourishment cycles, including initial construction, periodic renourishment, and emergency renourishment activities; (B) an evaluation of financial, regulatory, and technical barriers that contribute to delays in carrying out beach renourishment activities; (C) a description of the Corps of Engineers process for evaluating the beneficial use of dredged material for beach renourishment activities, including procuring materials from other projects carried out by the Corps of Engineers; and (D) recommendations for legislative, regulatory, or administrative actions to address barriers identified under subparagraph (B) and to improve the efficiency, predictability, and effectiveness of the beach renourishment efforts of the Corps of Engineers. (2) Report Upon completion of the analysis required under paragraph (1), the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report on the findings of such analysis. (c) Study on architectural and engineering design services (1) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall initiate a review of the methods by which the Corps of Engineers performs architectural and engineering design services, including— (A) an analysis of the procurement of such services through contracts with private sector firms; (B) an assessment of the extent to which employees of the Corps of Engineers carry out such services; and (C) a comparative assessment of the benefits and costs of the methods described in subparagraphs (A) and (B). (2) Report Upon completion of the review required under paragraph (1), the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report on the findings of such review. (d) Review of compliance with State fish and wildlife recommendations (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall initiate a review of the compliance of the Secretary with any requirements under, and incorporation of any recommendations submitted to the Secretary pursuant to, the following: (A) Section 2 of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 662), including technical recommendations related to evaluating impacts to fish and wildlife resources. (B) State management programs approved under section 306 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1455). (C) State comprehensive plans approved under section 4 of the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 669c). (2) Requirements In conducting the review under paragraph (1), the Comptroller General shall— (A) assess the extent to which the Corps of Engineers incorporates any recommendation submitted by a Federal or State agency pursuant to the statutes identified in paragraph (1) in developing a feasibility study for the construction or modification of a water resources development project or an operations or mitigation plan for a water resources development project; and (B) to the extent that any recommendation is not incorporated, provide a detailed explanation and legal justification as to why such recommendation was not incorporated. (3) Report Upon completion of the review required under paragraph (1), the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report on the findings of such review.