Bill

Bill > HR813


US HR813

US HR813
FORECAST Act Fixing Operations of Reservoirs to Encompass Climatic and Atmospheric Science Trends Act


summary

Introduced
02/09/2015
In Committee
02/10/2015
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/03/2017

Introduced Session

114th Congress

Bill Summary

FORECAST Act Fixing Operations of Reservoirs to Encompass Climatic and Atmospheric Science Trends Act Requires the Secretary of the Army, not later than one year after a request of a nonfederal sponsor of a reservoir, to review operation of such reservoir, including the water control manual and rule curves, using improved weather forecasts and run-off forecasting methods, including the Advanced Hydrologic Prediction System of the National Weather Service and the Hydrometeorology Testbed program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Requires the Secretary to determine if a change in operations will improve core functions of the Army Corps of Engineers, including: (1) reducing risks to human life, public safety, and property; (2) reducing the need for future disaster relief; (3) improving local water storage capability and reliability in coordination with the nonfederal sponsor and other water users; (4) restoring, protecting, or mitigating the impacts of a water resources development project on the environment; or (5) improving fish species habitat or population within the boundaries and downstream of a water resources project. Requires that if the Secretary determines from results of the review that using improved weather and run-off forecasting methods improves one or more core functions of the Corps at a reservoir, the Secretary shall incorporate such changes in its operation and update the water control manual.

AI Summary

This bill, known as the FORECAST Act, requires the Secretary of the Army to review the operations of reservoirs, including their water control manuals and rule curves, within one year of a request from a non-Federal sponsor, which is a state, local government, or other entity that partners with the federal government on water resource projects. This review must incorporate advanced weather and run-off forecasting methods, such as the National Weather Service's Advanced Hydrologic Prediction System and NOAA's Hydrometeorology Testbed program, to better predict water flow and weather patterns. The Secretary will then determine if these improved forecasting methods can enhance key functions of the Army Corps of Engineers, such as reducing risks to life and property, lessening the need for disaster relief, improving water storage and reliability, protecting the environment, or benefiting fish habitats. If the review shows that these advanced methods improve one or more of these core functions, the Secretary must update the reservoir's operations and its water control manual accordingly.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Transportation and Infrastructure

Sponsors (12)

Last Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. (on 02/10/2015)

bill text


bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...
Loading...