Assessments of dryland stream technologies and shoreline stabilization technologies

(a) Assessment of natural infrastructure in dryland streams technologies and approaches (1) In general The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Engineer Research and Development Center, shall carry out research and development activities on, and test the effectiveness of, natural infrastructure in dryland streams technologies and approaches to using such technologies in arid, semi-arid, and drought-prone areas. (2) Considerations In carrying out subsection (a), paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable— (A) ensure that the locations where research and development activities and tests are carried out are geographically diverse; (B) undertake research and development activities and tests that include human-made infrastructure that mimics natural infrastructure, such as rock check dams, beaver dam analogs, gabions, and weirs; and (C) based on information collected from the carrying out and completion of research and development activities and tests described in paragraph (2), subparagraph (B), assess the potential uses and effectiveness of such human-made infrastructure with respect to restoring dryland ecosystems, enhancing flood risk reduction efforts, and enhancing water supply, water conservation, and drought resiliency efforts. (3) Consultation In carrying out a research and development activity or test under subsection (a), paragraph (1), the Secretary may consult with— (A) the heads of other Federal agencies; (B) Indian Tribes; and (B) (C) appropriate State government agencies in States with arid or semi-arid areas. (4) Guidance Not later than 1 year after the completion of the activities and testing described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall publish guidance for the utilization of natural infrastructure in dryland streams technologies in civil works projects. (5) Summary to Congress Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate, and make publicly available (including on a publicly available website), a written summary of the activities and tests carried out out, and the guidance published, under subsection (a). this subsection. (b) Assessment of shoreline stabilization and erosion control technologies (1) In general The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Engineer Research and Development Center and, as appropriate, in consultation with other Federal agencies and coastal States, shall carry out research and development activities on, and test the effectiveness of, shoreline stabilization, erosion control, and wave energy reduction technologies applicable to coastal areas exposed to flooding and erosion, including flooding and erosional impacts associated with tidally influenced portions of rivers, bays, and estuaries that are hydrologically connected to the coastal water body. (2) Considerations In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall— (A) to the maximum extent practicable, ensure that research and development activities and testing are carried out in diverse geographic locations; and (B) carry out research and development activities and testing of natural features and nature-based features (as those terms are defined in section 1184(a) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (33 U.S.C. 2289a(a))), including the use of engineered technologies that mimic natural processes or structures, or approaches that combine natural and engineered elements. (3) Summary to Congress Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate, and make publicly available (including on a publicly available website) a written summary of the activities carried out under this subsection.