Lock Usage Fees: President Obama’s administration has sent a legislative proposal to the Congress recommending that a lock usage fee be enacted to replace the current fuel tax an correct funding shortfalls in the Inland Waterway Trust Fund. The proposed legislation would institute lock use fees; replace, over time, the fuel tax; permit the Secretary of the Corps to make periodic adjustments to the lock usage fee amounts; and expand lock fees to current non-taxed waterways.
Governor Quinn Signs SB 1972, Drainage Districts Bid Requirements. Senate Bill 1972 was introduced by Senator John Sullivan. It amends the Illinois Drainage Code. The proposed legislation provides that a Drainage and/or Levee District must advertise for bids whenever the cost of any work to be performed by the district or the cost of specified materials and equipments exceeds $20,000, now $5000. The current threshold of $5000 was established in 1960. In order to bring the bidding requirement in line with inflation, it is necessary to increase the dollar amount required to advertise for a bid. The bill went to effect on August 14.
S. 787 Federal Clean Water Act-These proposed changes would fundamentally change the Federal Clean Water Act and how it affects farmers’ operations. With this simple change, the Federal Government would regulate nearly every wet area. The removable of the term “Navigable Waters” from the 1972 Clean Water Act greatly expands the scope of areas and activities covered by federal regulations. As a result, landowners would need a permit for routine farming practices and opens up all farmers to lawsuits from any citizen. IADD Opposes the legislation as introduced. Please Contact your US Congressmen today and explain how these changes could lead to unnecessary red tape and extra paperwork.
FEMA map modernization, Levee inspections, and certifications: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun enforcing its 1995 criteria for periodic inspections of levees., resulting in decertification of may miles of levees. In addition, FEMA is going ahead with its map modernization program which is producing new digital flood insurance rate maps.
FEMA issued a unilateral policy in February stating it would withhold financial support for expenses incurred by levee and drainage districts in fighting and recovering from future catastrophic flooding. The new policy -- implemented without public input -- eliminates reimbursement for flood fighting, dewatering, debris removal and other emergency work incurred by levee and drainage districts in the course of defending residents and their property during flood events. It specifically affects federal levees managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Despite promises that the policy would be revised, it remains in effect