PUBLIC LAW 106-541—DEC. 11, 2000 114 STAT. 2595 SEC. 216. NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES STUDY. (a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the following definitions apply: (1) ACADEMY.— The term "Academy" means the National Academy of Sciences. (2) METHOD. —The term "method" means a method, model, assumption, or other pertinent planning tool used in conducting an economic or environmental analysis of a water resources project, including the formulation of a feasibility report. (3) FEASIBILITY REPORT. — The term "feasibility report" means each feasibility report, and each associated environmental impact statement and mitigation plan, prepared by the Corps of Engineers for a water resources project. (4) WATER RESOURCES PROJECT. —The term "water resources project" means a project for navigation, a project for flood control, a project for hurricane and storm damage reduction, a project for emergency streambank and shore protection, a project for ecosystem restoration and protection, and a water resources project of any other t3T)e carried out by the Corps of Engineers. (b) INDEPENDENT PEER REVIEW OF PROJECTS.— (1) IN GENERAL. —Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall contract with the Academy to study, and make recommendations relating to, the independent peer review of feasibility reports. (2) STUDY ELEMENTS.— In carrying out a contract under paragraph (1), the Academy shall study the practicality and efficacy of the independent peer review of the feasibility reports, including— (A) the cost, time requirements, and other considerations relating to the implementation of independent peer review; and (B) objective criteria that may be used to determine the most effective application of independent peer review to feasibility reports for each type of water resources project. (3) ACADEMY REPORT. — Not later than 1 year after the date of a contract under paragraph (1), the Academy shall submit to the Secretary, 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 includes— (A) the results of the study conducted under paragraphs (1) and (2); and (B) in light of the results of the study, specific recommendations, if any, on a program for implementing independent peer review of feasibility reports. (4) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. —There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $1,000,000, to remain available until expended. (c) INDEPENDENT PEER REVIEW OF METHODS FOR PROJECT ANALYSIS. — (1) IN GENERAL.— Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall contract with the Academy to conduct a study that includes— (A) a review of state-of-the-art methods; 33 USC 2282 note. Deadline. Contracts. Deadline. Deadline. Contracts.
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