PUBLIC LAW 106-541—DEC. 11, 2000 114 STAT. 2647 (1) DEVELOPMENT OF PLAN.— There is authorized to be appropriated for development of the plan under subsection (c)(1) $300,000. (2) OTHER ACTIVITIES. —There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (c) $100,000,000. SEC. 507. NEW ENGLAND WATER RESOURCES AND ECOSYSTEM RES- TORATION. (a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the following definitions apply: (1) CRITICAL RESTORATION PROJECT.— The term "critical restoration project" means a project that will produce, consistent with Federal programs, projects, and activities, immediate and substantial ecosystem restoration, preservation, and protection benefits. (2) NEW ENGLAND. — The term "New England" means all watersheds, estuaries, and related coastal areas in the States of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. (b) ASSESSMENT. — (1) IN GENERAL.— The Secretary, in coordination with appropriate Federal, State, tribal, regional, and local agencies, shall perform an assessment of the condition of water resources and related ecosystems in New England to identify problems and needs for restoring, preserving, and protecting water resources, ecosystems, wildlife, and fisheries. (2) MATTERS TO BE ADDRESSED. — The assessment shall include— (A) development of criteria for identifying and prioritizing the most critical problems and needs; and (B) a framework for development of watershed or regional restoration plans. (3) USE OF EXISTING INFORMATION.— In performing the assessment, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, use— (A) information that is available on the date of enactment of this Act; and (B) ongoing efforts of all participating agencies. (4) CRITERIA; FRAMEWORK.— (A) IN GENERAL. —Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop and make available for public review and comment— (i) criteria for identifying and prioritizing critical problems and needs; and (ii) a framework for development of watershed or regional restoration plans. (B) USE OF RESOURCES. —In developing the criteria and framework, the Secretary shall make full use of all available Federal, State, tribal, regional, and local resources. (5) REPORT. —Not later than October 1, 2002, the Secretary shall transmit to Congress a report on the assessment. (c) RESTORATION PLANS. — (1) IN GENERAL.— After the report is transmitted under subsection (b)(5), the Secretary, in coordination with appropriate Federal, State, tribal, regional, and local agencies, shall— Deadline. Public information. Deadline.
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