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Urban Canal Modernization Act

1/14/2025, 5:11 PM

Summary of Bill S 2160

Bill 118 s 2160, also known as the Urban Canal Modernization Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to provide funding and support for the modernization and improvement of urban canals in cities across the country.

The bill aims to address the aging infrastructure of urban canals, which are essential for managing stormwater, preventing flooding, and providing recreational opportunities for residents. By modernizing these canals, the bill seeks to improve water quality, increase flood protection, and enhance the overall quality of life in urban areas.

Specifically, the Urban Canal Modernization Act would allocate funding for the repair and maintenance of existing canals, as well as the construction of new canals where needed. The bill also includes provisions for the implementation of green infrastructure practices, such as rain gardens and permeable pavement, to help manage stormwater more effectively. In addition, the bill emphasizes the importance of community engagement and collaboration in the modernization process. It encourages local governments, community organizations, and other stakeholders to work together to develop and implement plans for improving urban canals in a way that meets the needs of residents and protects the environment. Overall, the Urban Canal Modernization Act represents a bipartisan effort to address the challenges facing urban canals and improve the resilience and sustainability of urban infrastructure. If passed, this legislation has the potential to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of communities across the United States.

Congressional Summary of S 2160

Urban Canal Modernization Act

This bill expands the Bureau of Reclamation's responsibility under the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 to address aging irrigation and water resources infrastructure in western states to include additional work for urban canals of concern.

Specifically, the bill directs Reclamation or the operating entity of a transferred work (i.e., infrastructure owned by Reclamation, but maintained by a nonfederal entity) to carry out any necessary extraordinary operation and maintenance work for urban canals of concern, which are certain transferred works the failure of which would result in loss of life and property in the vicinity of the canal.

Reclamation must also provide federal funds to transferred works on a nonreimbursable basis sufficient to cover 35% of the cost of extraordinary operation and maintenance work for (1) urban canals of concern, and (2) certain project facilities which are in proximity to urbanized areas and which could pose a risk to public safety or property if the facilities failed.

The bill further specifies that any reimbursable funds provided under the bill must be considered a nonfederal source of funds for purposes of federal grant cost-sharing requirements.

Current Status of Bill S 2160

Bill S 2160 is currently in the status of Passed in Senate since December 19, 2024. Bill S 2160 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on June 22, 2023.  Bill S 2160's most recent activity was Held at the desk. as of December 20, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 2160

Total Number of Sponsors
14
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
14
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
6
Democrat Cosponsors
3
Republican Cosponsors
3
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 2160

Primary Policy Focus

Water Resources Development

Potential Impact Areas

- Dams and canals
- Emergency planning and evacuation
- Urban and suburban affairs and development
- Water resources funding

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 2160

Urban Canal Modernization Act
Urban Canal Modernization Act
A bill to amend the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 to authorize certain extraordinary operation and maintenance work for urban canals of concern.

Comments

Atticus Blalock profile image

Atticus Blalock

426

10 months ago

This bill gonna mess up our canals, who gonna fix it? #confused #notgood

Bristol Merritt profile image

Bristol Merritt

411

1 year ago

This bill is great!