§ 2326b. Sediment management
(a)
In general
The Secretary may enter into cooperation agreements with non-Federal interests with respect to navigation projects, or other appropriate non-Federal entities, for the development of long-term management strategies for controlling sediments at such projects.
(b)
Contents of strategies
Each strategy developed under subsection (a) of this section shall—
(c)
Consultation
In developing strategies under subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary shall consult with interested Federal agencies, States, and Indian tribes and provide an opportunity for public comment.
(d)
Dredged material disposal
(1)
Study
The Secretary shall conduct a study to determine the feasibility of constructing and operating an underwater confined dredged material disposal site in the Port of New York-New Jersey that could accommodate as much as 250,000 cubic yards of dredged material for the purpose of demonstrating the feasibility of an underwater confined disposal pit as an environmentally suitable method of containing certain sediments.
(e)
Great Lakes tributary model
(1)
In general
In consultation and coordination with the Great Lakes States, the Secretary shall develop a tributary sediment transport model for each major river system or set of major river systems depositing sediment into a Great Lakes federally authorized commercial harbor, channel maintenance project site, or Area of Concern identified under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement of 1978. Such model may be developed as a part of a strategy developed under subsection (a) of this section.
(f)
“Great Lakes States” defined
In this section, the term “Great Lakes States” means the States of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
(g)
Authorization of appropriations