Environment

Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1999

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Airport and Airway Improvements Title II: Airline Service Improvements Subtitle A: Service to Airports Not Receiving Sufficient Service Subtitle B: Regional Air Service Incentive Program Title III: FAA Management Reform Title IV: Family Assistance Title V: Safety Title VI: Whistleblower Protection Title VII: Miscellaneous Provisions Title VIII: National Parks Air Tour Management Title IX: Truth in Budgeting Title X: Aviation Spending Guarantee Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century - Title I: Airport and Airway Improvements - Amends Federal Aviation law to reauthorize through FY 2004: (1) the Airport Improvement Program (AIP); and (2) the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Facilities and Equipment Program. Earmarks a specified amount for the voluntary purchase and installation of universal access systems. (Sec. 103) Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize appropriations for FAA operations through FY 2004. Makes specified allocations, including for: (1) wildlife hazard mitigation measures and management of the wildlife strike database of the FAA; and (2) a university consortium established to provide an air safety and security management certificate program. Sets forth fiscal year limits on amounts appropriated from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for certain aviation improvement programs. (Sec. 104) Makes specified allocations out of the Trust Fund for the aviation safety accelerated program. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation through FY 2004 to make grants out of such amounts for eligible projects to: (1) reduce delays and congestion at airports and in the air traffic control system; (2) construct airport improvements or acquire air traffic equipment to enhance competition among air carriers; and (3) enhance air service to small and medium-sized communities. Directs the Secretary to establish innovative methods for processing, reviewing, and approving such projects in order to reduce, to the maximum extent practicable, the time required from an applicant's request for project approval through the completion of the project. (Sec. 105) Makes specified changes to the formula for crediting airport improvement fund amounts to the discretionary fund. Revises the apportionment of airport improvement fund amounts to sponsors of primary (including cargo only) airports and to the States for each fiscal year. Provides minimum apportionments for reliever and nonprimary commercial service airports. Authorizes the use of airport improvement funds apportioned to Alaska, Puerto Rico, or Hawaii for any of their public airports. Authorizes the use of State-apportioned airport improvement funds for integrated airport system planning that encompasses one or more primary airports. Authorizes the Secretary to permit the use of State highway specifications for airfield pavement construction using airport improvement funds at nonprimary airports serving certain aircraft provided safety will not be negatively affected and the life of the pavement will not be shorter than it would be if constructed using FAA standards. Increases the apportionment for airport improvement funds for airport noise compatibility programs. Authorizes the use of the supplemental apportionment of airport improvement funds for Alaska for any of its public airports. Repeals a certain limitation on the apportionment of airport improvement funds for commercial service airports in Alaska. (Sec. 106) Authorizes the Secretary to use certain unobligated funds to make discretionary grants for airport planning and development. (Sec. 107) Increases from 12 to 20 at any time the number of current or former military airports that may receive airport improvement funds. Increases the amount of discretionary funds that are available to designated sponsors of current or former military airports to construct, improve, or repair airport terminal building facilities and airport surface parking lots, fuel farms, utilities, hangers, and air cargo terminals (50,000 square feet or less). (Sec. 108) Revises U.S. policies regarding aviation programs to encourage the funding and use of integrated in-pavement lighting systems for runways and taxiways and other runway and taxiway incursion prevention devices. (Sec. 109) Provides for an eligible agency to impose a passenger facility fee of more than three dollars (currently, one, two, or three dollars) on each airline passenger of a domestic or foreign air carrier boarding an aircraft at an airport the agency controls to finance an eligible airport-related project, provided certain conditions are met. (Sec. 110) Prohibits the approval of a passenger facility fee or airport improvement grant for a covered airport (one that has more than .25 percent of the total number of passenger boardings each year at all commercial service airports, and at which one or two air carriers control more than 50 percent of the passenger boardings) unless it submits a competition plan containing certain airport gate and related facility information. (Sec. 111) Provides that the lesser of $15 million or 20 percent of small airport grant funds be set-aside for each of the next four fiscal years to assist sponsors of airports (not located in Alaska and serve aircraft designed for more than nine but less than 31 passenger seats) in meeting the safety terms in airport operating certificates. Requires the Secretary to notify the grant recipient that the source of the grant is from the small airport fund. (Sec. 112) Directs the Secretary to establish a pilot program to contract for air traffic control services at Level I air traffic control towers that do not qualify for the Contract Tower Program. Sets forth specified program requirements. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 113) Authorizes the Secretary to approve not more than 20 projects in which airport improvement grant funds may be used for innovative financing techniques for airport development projects. (Sec. 114) Directs the Secretary, in order to improve security at public U.S. airports, to carry out not less than one project to test and evaluate innovative airport security systems and related technology. (Sec. 115) Declares that the Government's share of costs shall be: (1) not more than 90 percent for airport improvement projects funded under the State block grant program; (2) 100 percent for airport security projects funded with airport improvement funds; and (3) in FY 2000, 100 percent for any airport improvement funded project at a nonprimary airport, or at a primary airport having less than .05 percent of the total number of passenger boardings each year at all commercial service airports. (Sec. 116) Prohibits the Secretary from requiring an eligible agency to impose a passenger facility fee in order to obtain a letter of intent with respect to airport development projects. (Sec. 117) Treats as an eligible airport-related project with respect to which an eligible agency may impose a passenger facility fee: (1) the construction of a terminal building (including aircraft fueling facilities adjacent to it); and (2) the costs of terminal development at an airport that did not have more than .25 percent of the total U.S. annual passenger boardings and at which total passenger boardings declined by at least 16 percent between 1989 and 1997. (Sec. 119) Requires the Secretary to publish notice in the Federal Register and provide an opportunity for comment before any modification can be made with respect to airport development project grant assurances made by an airport owner or operator (before December 29, 1987) with respect to the disposal of surplus property for the airport. Declares that the Secretary may only release an option of the United States for a reversionary interest in property conveyed to a public agency sponsoring an airport development project after providing notice and an opportunity for public comment. Requires any Federal, executive branch department, agency, or instrumentality to grant priority to a request by a public agency (except another Federal executive branch department, agency, or instrumentality) for surplus property for use at a public airport. Authorizes the Secretary to waive, without charge, a term of a gift of an interest in such property after providing notice and an opportunity for public comment and other conditions are met. (Sec. 120) Authorizes the Secretary to obligate airport improvement funds and amounts from the Trust Fund for any project to construct a new runway at an international airport. (Sec. 121) Extends the instrument landing system program through FY 2004. Directs the Secretary to maintain and upgrade Loran-C navigation facilities throughout the transition period to satellite-based navigation. (Sec. 122) Includes charter air transportation at an airport that is not in Alaska and serves aircraft designed for more than nine but less than 31 passenger seats within the eligible categories for issuance of an airport operating certificate. Directs the FAA Administrator to permit such airports to preclude scheduled passenger operations (including public chartered operations) if it notifies the Administrator that it does not intend to obtain a certificate. (Sec. 123) Directs the FAA Administrator to submit to specified congressional committees a copy of the annual budget estimates of the FAA (including line item justifications) at the same time such budget estimates are submitted to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations. (Sec. 124) Revises the amount of certain funds apportioned to the discretionary and small airport funds. Authorizes the Secretary to distribute specified percentages of funds from the small airport fund for grants for projects at small hub airports, public-use airports, and certain commercial service airports. Requires the Secretary to give priority consideration to airport development projects to support operations by turbine powered aircraft (if the non-Federal share of project costs is at least 40 percent) when making small airport fund grants to sponsors of public-use airports. Declares that an airport development project shall remain eligible for funding from the discretionary fund (subject to the availability of funds) even though the airport's status changes from a primary to a nonprimary airport. Permits certain regulations to authorize a public agency to request waiver of a passenger facility fee for: (1) any class of domestic or foreign air carrier that enplanes not more than one percent of the total number of passengers enplaned annually at an airport; or (2) passengers enplaned on a flight to an airport with scheduled passenger service but fewer than 2,5000 passenger boardings each year, or in a community with a population of less than 10,000 and not connected by land to the National Highway System. (Sec. 125) Directs the FAA Administrator to conduct a study of the long term physical performance, safety implications, and environmental benefits of using recycled materials (including recycled pavements, waste materials, and byproducts) in aviation pavement. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 126) Repeals the pavement maintenance pilot program. Revises the definition of "airport development," for purposes of grant eligibility for airport development funds, to include routine work to preserve and extend the useful life of runways, taxiways, and aprons at nonprimary airports. Title II: Airline Service Improvements - Subtitle A: Service to Airports Not Receiving Sufficient Service - Repeals requirements under the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) prohibiting the increase or decrease by the Administrator in the number of takeoffs and landings (the High Density Rule) at airports (except Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport). (Sec. 201) Authorizes the Secretary to grant exemptions from the High Density Rule to air carriers that provide nonstop air transportation using jet aircraft that comply with stage 3 noise levels and whose flights begin or end within 1,250 miles (perimeter rule) between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and an airport that has had less than two million enplanements or between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and a airport that does not have nonstop transportation. Requires the Secretary to treat all commuter air carriers that have cooperative agreements (including code share agreements with other air carriers) equally for determining eligibility for exemptions regardless of the form of the corporate relationship between the commuter air carrier and the other air carrier. (Sec. 202) Earmarks specified funds for: (1) the essential air service program; (2) air carriers to subsidize service to and from an underserved airport (not to exceed three years); (3) underserved airports to obtain jet aircraft service to and from the underserved airports; and (4) rural air safety at airports with less than 100,000 annual boardings. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the FAA Administrator to give priority in funding to airports in which the community will provide from local sources a portion of project costs. (Sec. 203) Waives the State or local contribution requirement with respect to the compensation of an air carrier providing air service to certain noneligible places. (Sec. 204) Directs the Secretary, in carrying out aviation policy, to consider, among other things, as being in the public interest and consistent with public convenience and necessity ensuring that consumers in all regions of the United States, including those in small communities and rural and remote areas, have access to affordable, regularly scheduled air service. Subtitle B: Regional Air Service Incentive Program - Authorizes the Secretary to provide through one or more lenders guaranteed loans (including the extension of credit) to commuter air carriers (maximum seating capacity of 75 or less) for the purchase of regional jet aircraft which are to be used to provide service to underserved markets. Outline loan conditions and limitations, Including that: (1) the maximum amount guaranteed on a loan or extended on credit shall be no more than 50 percent, or $100,000; (2) such aircraft comply with certain Federal noise-level requirements; and (3) the air carrier agrees that the purchased aircraft be used to provide service to an underserved market. Authorizes the Secretary to make use of federal facilities and assistance in carrying out the incentive program. Terminates the Secretary's program authority five years after enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: FAA Management Reform - Establishes the Air Traffic Control Oversight Board within the Department of Transportation. Sets forth the Board's responsibilities, including to oversee the FAA in its administration, management, conduct, direction, and supervision of the air traffic control system. (Sec. 303) Provides for the appointment, by the FAA Administrator, and with the approval of the Board, of a Chief Operating Officer for the air traffic control system. (Sec. 304) Provides that the Secretary (currently, by the President, and with the consent of the Senate) shall make subsequent appointments of Federal Aviation Management Advisory Council members. (Sec. 305) Directs the Secretary to develop and implement a coordinated environmental review process for aviation infrastructure projects that require the preparation of an environmental impact statement or environmental assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (or any other environmental review or approval by operation of law). Sets forth the elements of such review process. (Sec. 306) Prohibits the FAA Administrator from issuing a proposed or final regulation that is likely to result in the expenditure by State, local, and tribal governments, or by the private sector, of $250 million (currently, $100 million) or more in aggregate (adjusted annually for inflation), or any regulation which is significant, unless the Secretary approves the issuance of the regulation in advance. (Sec. 307) Directs the Inspector General to conduct an assessment of the overall method of calculating FAA costs and attributing such costs to the user is reasonable. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Family Assistance - Amends Federal transportation law to revise provisions prohibiting unsolicited communication concerning potential action for personal injury or wrongful death by an attorney to an individual injured in an accident involving a domestic air carrier before the 45th day (currently, 30th day) following the accident to provide that such prohibition include accidents involving a foreign air carrier in the United States. Authorizes the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to bring a civil action in a district court for violations committed under this title. (Sec. 401) Prohibits a State or political subdivision from preventing nonprofit organization employees with experience in disasters and post-trauma communication with families from providing mental health and counseling services within the 30 day period after an accident. Includes within the definition of "passenger" for purposes of the provision of assistance to families of passengers involved in aircraft accidents: (1) foreign air carrier employees aborad the aircraft; and (2) any other person aboard the aircraft without regard to whether the person paid for the transportation, occupied a seat, or held a reservation for the flight. (Sec. 402) Revises air carrier plans that provide assistance to the families of passengers involved in aircraft accidents to require them to include, at a minimum, an assurance that: (1) upon request of the family of a passenger, the air carrier will inform the family of whether the passenger's name appeared on a preliminary passenger manifest for the flight involved in the accident; and (2) the air carrier will provide adequate training to air carrier employees and agents to meet the needs of survivors and family members following an accident. Prohibits the Secretary from approving an application of an air carrier for a certificate of public convenience and necessity unless the applicant has included, among other things, an agreement that in the event that the air carrier volunteers assistance to U.S. citizens within the United States in the case of an aircraft accident outside the United States involving major loss of life, the air carrier will consult with the NTSB and the Department of State on the provision of such assistance. Declares that an air carrier shall not be liable for damages in any action brought in a Federal or State court arising out of the performance of an air carrier in providing information concerning a flight reservation. (Sec. 403) Makes similar changes to foreign air carrier plans. Title V: Safety - Directs the FAA Administrator to require by regulation that collision avoidance equipment (TCAS-II) be installed on each cargo aircraft with a payload capacity of 15,000 kilograms or more. (Sec. 502) Declares that an air carrier does not need to obtain the employment records of an applicant pilot who has been employed by a branch of the U.S. armed forces, the National Guard, or reserve before allowing such individual to begin service as a pilot. Provides for electronic access to the employment records of FAA air pilots. (Sec. 503) Provides for the enforcement of whistleblower laws for FAA employees. (Sec. 504) Directs the FAA Administrator to issue guidelines and encourage the development of air safety risk management programs throughout the aviation industry, including self-audits and self- disclosure programs. (Sec. 505) Directs the FAA Administrator to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking: (1) to develop procedures to protect air carriers and their employees from civil enforcement actions under the Flight Operations Quality Assurance program; and (2) on implementing a certain section of title 49 relating to the issuance of airport operating certificates for small scheduled passenger air carrier operations. (Sec. 507) Directs the FAA Administrator to conduct a rulemaking proceeding to require the safe disposition of life-limited parts removed from an aircraft. Sets forth civil penalties. (Sec. 508) Subjects to a civil penalty of up to $25,000 any individual who interferes with the duties or responsibilities of the flight crew or cabin crew of a civil aircraft, or who poses an imminent threat to the safety of the aircraft or other individuals on the aircraft. Title VI: Whistleblower Protection - Amends Federal transportation law to establish a whistleblower protection program for airline employees providing air safety information. Prohibits air carriers, contractors, and subcontractors from discharging or otherwise discriminating against an employee as to pay, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because the employee: (1) is about to provide or has provided to the Federal Government information relating to air safety; or (2) is about to file or has filed a proceeding, or testified, or otherwise participated in a proceeding relating to air safety. Sets forth a department of Labor complaint procedure for persons who believe they have been discharged or discriminated against in violation of this Act. Provides for award of attorney's fees of up to $5,000 to a prevailing employer for any such complaint found frivolous or brought in bad faith. Specifies civil penalties for violation of this Act. Title VII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends Federal transportation law to provide that a proposal under a competitive bid process that is in the possession of the FAA Administrator may not be made available to the public under the Freedom of Information Act, with a specified exception. (Sec. 703) Authorizes the FAA Administrator to make a multiyear contract of not more than ten years (currently, such contracts for the procurement of goods and services are limited to no more than five years) for telecommunication services that are provided through the use of a satellite if the FAA Administrator finds that the longer contract period would be cost beneficial. (Sec. 704) Provides that a proposed change to the FAA personnel management system that has not lead to an agreement between the FAA employee bargaining unit and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service shall not become effective until 60-days after the FAA Administrator has submitted the change to Congress. Provides that such period shall not include any period during which Congress has adjourned sine die. Authorizes FAA employees who have been the subject of a major adverse personnel action to contest such action either through any contractual grievance procedure through the employee's collective bargaining unit or through the FAA's internal process relating to review of FAA major adverse personnel actions (under the Guaranteed Fair Treatment or a specified section of the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996. Requires such employees who can contest such personnel action through more than one forum to elect the appropriate forum (no more than one). Amends the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 to authorize FAA employees under the new FAA personnel management system to appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board and seek judicial review of Board decisions. (Sec. 705) Amends Federal transportation law to prohibit domestic (including interstate) air carriers and foreign air carriers from discriminating against an air passenger on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, or sex. Prohibits foreign air carriers from discriminating against handicapped individuals. Provides a civil penalty for violations committed against handicapped individuals. Directs the Secretary to work with appropriate international organizations and the aviation authorities of other nations to establish higher standards, if appropriate, to accommodate handicapped air passengers, particularly with respect to foreign air carriers that code share with domestic air carriers. (Sec. 706) Authorizes the FAA Administrator to make improvements to real property leased for an air navigation facility, regardless of whether the cost of making such improvements exceeds the cost of leasing such property, provided certain requirements are met. (Sec. 707) Authorizes the FAA Administrator to enter into bilateral agreements with the aeronautical authorities of another country to exchange with that country all or part of their respective safety oversight functions and duties with respect to certain domestic and foreign aircraft. (Sec. 708) Provides for the availability of airman certificate records to the public. (Sec. 709) Authorizes a person to file with the NTSB a petition for a ten-day emergency stay of emergency orders revoking an airman's certificate. (Sec. 712) Directs the FAA Administrator to establish new fees for, among other things, FAA services to any entity obtaining such services outside the United States (except no fee shall be imposed for production-certification related service performed outside the United States). (Sec. 714) Directs the FAA Administrator to study, and submit the results to Congress on, the feasibility of requiring U.S. airports to install enhanced vision technologies to replace or enhance conventional landing light systems over a ten-year period. Includes the installation of such technologies at airports as an activity eligible for airport development project funds. (Sec. 715) Amends the Airport Noise and capacity Act to make foreign air carriers eligible for a waiver from stage three noise level requirements for certain aircraft. Authorizes the Secretary to provide a procedure under which a person may operate a stage one or stage two aircraft in nonrevenue service to or from a U.S. airport in order to: (1) sell the aircraft outside the United States; (2) sell the aircraft for scrapping; or (3) obtain modifications to the aircraft to meet stage three noise levels. (Sec. 718) Extends the Secretary's authority to approve an application of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority: (1) for airport development project grants; or (2) to impose a passenger facility fee. (Sec. 719) Declares that a memorandum of agreement between the FAA Administrator and any person that directly obtains aircraft situational display data shall require that such person: (1) demonstrate the capability of selectively blocking the display of any aircraft-situation-display-to-industry derived data related to any identified aircraft registration number; and (2) agree to block selectively the aircraft registration numbers of any aircraft owner or operator upon FAA request. (Sec. 720) Authorizes the Secretary to hire additional personnel to eliminate the backlog of pending equal employment opportunity complaints to the department of Transportation (DOT) and to ensure that investigations of complaints are completed no later than 180 days after the initiation of the investigation. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 721) Directs the Secretary, subject to specified conditions, to waive any term contained in the deed of conveyance with respect to airport property that is no longer required for purposes of the Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport. (Sec. 722) Authorizes the City of Los Angeles Department of Airports to grant an easement to the California Department of Transportation to lands required to provide a right-of-way for the construction of the California State Route 138 bypass. (Sec. 723) Declares that flight operations conducted by Alaska guide pilots shall be regulated under the general operating and flight rules contained in part 91 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations. Directs the FAA Administrator to conduct a rulemaking proceeding to modify the general operating and flight rules by establishing special rules requiring Alaska guide pilots to: (1) operate aircraft inspected no less often than after 125 hours of flight time; (2) participate in an annual flight review; (3) have at least 500 hours of flight time as a pilot; (4) have a commercial rating; (5) hold at least a second-class medical certificate; and (6) hold a letter of authorization certifying that the pilot is in compliance with the rules issued by the Administrator. (Sec. 725) Extends, through December 31, 2004, the aviation war risk insurance program. (Sec. 726) Amends the centennial of Flight Commemoration Act to include as one of the duties of the Centennial of Flight Commission to publish popular and scholarly works related to the history of aviation or the anniversary of the centennial of powered flight. Requires the Commission to adopt a policy to protect against possible conflicts of interest involving its members and employees. Requires Commission duties to be carried out by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). (Sec. 727) Directs the FAA Administrator to establish a pilot program to test and evaluate the benefits of long-term capital leasing contracts of aviation equipment and facilities. (Sec. 729) Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish an Aircraft Repair and Maintenance Advisory Panel to review issues related to the use and oversight of aircraft and aviation component repair and maintenance facilities located within, or outside of, the United States; and (2) seek the advice of the panel on methods to increase safety by improving the oversight of aircraft repair facilities. Directs the Secretary to require, by regulation, domestic and foreign air carriers and repair facilities to submit certain information (including the existence of employee drug and alcohol testing programs at foreign repair facilities) in order to assess balance of trade and safety issues with respect to work performed on aircraft used by domestic and foreign carriers and corporate operators. Requires the Secretary to make such information available to the public. Title VIII: National Parks Air Tour Management - National Parks Air Tour Management Act of 1999 - prohibits a commercial air tour operator from conducting commercial air tour operations over a national park or tribal lands, except in accordance with this Act, conditions prescribed for that operator by the FAA Administrator, and with any commercial air tour management plan for the park or tribal lands. (Sec. 803) Sets forth specified requirements with respect to: (1) the granting of authority to commercial air tour operators to conduct air tour operations over national parks or tribal lands, with specified exceptions; and (2) establishment of commercial air tour management plans. Exempts from the requirements of this Act: (1) the Grand Canyon National Park, or any Indian country within or abutting such park; or (2) any land or waters located in Alaska. (Sec. 804) Directs the FAA Administrator and the Director of the National Park Service (Director) to establish, jointly, an advisory group to provide continuing advice and counsel with respect to the operation of commercial air tours over and near national parks. (Sec. 805) Directs the FAA Administrator to report to Congress on the effects proposed overflight fees are likely to have on the commercial air tour industry. Directs the FAA Administrator and the Director to report jointly to Congress on the effectiveness of this Act in providing incentives for the development and use of quiet aircraft technology. Title IX: Truth in Budgeting - Truth in Budgeting Act - Prohibits the receipts and disbursements of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund from being counted as new budget authority, outlays, receipts, or deficit or surplus for purposes of the Federal budget as submitted by the President, the congressional budget, or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman- Hollings Act). Amends Federal aviation law to require the Secretary to estimate annually: (1) what, but for this Act, would be at the close of the next fiscal year the amount of unfunded aviation authorizations; and (2) the net aviation receipts at the close of such year. Title X: Aviation Spending Guarantee - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency deficit Control Act of 1985 to establish discretionary spending categories in budget authority and outlays for the traditional aviation general fund (FAA operation account (69-1301- 0-1-402)) for FY 2000 through 2004 (including adjustment for inflation). Provides for the reduction in discretionary spending limits for budget authority and outlays for FY 2000 through 2002. (Sec. 1002) Prohibits the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) from making any estimates of changes in direct spending outlays and receipts for any fiscal year resulting from this title. (Sec. 1003) Sets forth FAA guaranteed spending levels for budget resources for FY 2000 through 2004 (including adjustments to align with revenues). Authorizes appropriations for the AIP program. Sets forth estimated aviation income levels for FY 2000 through 2004.

117 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the steps, if any, being taken to ensure that the regulations for recovery and recycling of packaging waste are rigorously applied. [6397/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 3 March 1999

117 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the steps, if any, being taken to ensure that the regulations for recovery and recycling of packaging waste are rigorously applied. [6397/99]

116 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the monitoring, if any, his Department carried out of local authorities' enforcement of the Waste Packaging (Management) Regulations, 1997. [6384/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 3 March 1999

116 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the monitoring, if any, his Department carried out of local authorities' enforcement of the Waste Packaging (Management) Regulations, 1997. [6384/99]

11 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to claims by the housing organisation, Threshold, concerning a fivefold increase in the number of tenants evicted from private rented dwellings in 1998; the plans, if any, he has to afford additional protection to private tenants, particularly, as many of these evictions seem to be to facilitate redevelopment or sale of property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6163/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 3 March 1999

11 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to claims by the housing organisation, Threshold, concerning a fivefold increase in the number of tenants evicted from private rented dwellings in 1998; the plans, if any, he has to afford additional protection to private tenants, particularly, as many of these evictions seem to be to facilitate redevelopment or sale of property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6163/99]

10 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the policy of his Department regarding the escalation in house prices; the further measures, if any, he will introduce to deal with this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6350/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 3 March 1999

10 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the policy of his Department regarding the escalation in house prices; the further measures, if any, he will introduce to deal with this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6350/99]

9 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he will make the necessary ministerial order under the Local Government Act, 1991, to provide the promised new regional authorities; the proposed membership and powers of these authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6150/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 3 March 1999

9 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he will make the necessary ministerial order under the Local Government Act, 1991, to provide the promised new regional authorities; the proposed membership and powers of these authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6150/99]

8 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the way in which he will progress following submissions to his Department's consultation paper, Genetically Modified Organisms and The Environment; if these submissions will form part of Government policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6349/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 3 March 1999

8 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the way in which he will progress following submissions to his Department's consultation paper, Genetically Modified Organisms and The Environment; if these submissions will form part of Government policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6349/99]

7 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the latest information available to his Department of the number of persons on local authority housing waiting lists at the latest date for which figures are available; the number of local authority dwellings expected to be completed during 1999; the number it is estimated will be on local authority waiting lists at the end of 1999; when the next national assessment of housing needs will be undertaken; his views on whether the local authority house building programme is adequate in view of the numbers on local authority lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6351/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 3 March 1999

7 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the latest information available to his Department of the number of persons on local authority housing waiting lists at the latest date for which figures are available; the number of local authority dwellings expected to be completed during 1999; the number it is estimated will be on local authority waiting lists at the end of 1999; when the next national assessment of housing needs will be undertaken; his views on whether the local authority house building programme is adequate in view of the numbers on local authority lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6351/99]

117 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the steps, if any, being taken to ensure that the regulations for recovery and recycling of packaging waste are rigorously applied. [6397/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 3 March 1999

117 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the steps, if any, being taken to ensure that the regulations for recovery and recycling of packaging waste are rigorously applied. [6397/99]

116 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the monitoring, if any, his Department carried out of local authorities' enforcement of the Waste Packaging (Management) Regulations, 1997. [6384/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 3 March 1999

116 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the monitoring, if any, his Department carried out of local authorities' enforcement of the Waste Packaging (Management) Regulations, 1997. [6384/99]

6 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the assessment, if any, he has carried out of the enforcement by local authorities of the Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations, 1997; if so, the results of the assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6348/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 3 March 1999

6 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the assessment, if any, he has carried out of the enforcement by local authorities of the Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations, 1997; if so, the results of the assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6348/99]

Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1999

Beaches Environmental Assessment, Closure, and Health Act of 1999 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require States to adopt water quality criteria for coastal recreation waters consistent with criteria published by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under such Act. Directs the Administrator to conduct studies for use in developing: (1) a more complete list of potential health risks from inhalation, ingestion, or body contact, including effects to the upper respiratory system; (2) appropriate and effective indicators and appropriate, accurate, and expeditious methods for detecting the presence of pathogens in coastal recreational waters; and (3) guidance for State-to-State application of the revised water quality criteria for pathogens required to be issued by the Administrator under this Act that accounts for the diversity of geographic and aquatic conditions nationwide. Directs the Administrator to publish and revise regulations requiring monitoring of, and specifying methods to be used by States to monitor, coastal recreation waters and beaches for compliance with water quality criteria and protection of public safety. Requires notification of local governments, the public, and the Administrator of exceedances, or the likelihood of exceedances, of water quality criteria for such waters. Requires the Administrator to issue guidance establishing core performance measures for testing, monitoring, and notification programs and for the delegation of such programs to local government authorities. Makes State resources available to such authorities if the programs are so delegated. Directs the Administrator to: (1) provide technical assistance to States for uniform assessment and monitoring procedures for floatable materials in such waters; (2) specify the conditions under which the presence of floatable material constitutes a threat to public health and safety; and (3) establish a national coastal recreation water pollution occurrence database and a listing of communities complying with the monitoring and notification regulations published pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States to fulfill requirements under this Act. Authorizes appropriations.

Perkins County Rural Water System Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1999

Perkins County Rural Water System Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to make grants to the Perkins County Rural Water System, Inc. (Corporation) for the Federal share of the costs of: (1) planning and construction of the System; and (2) repairs to existing public water distribution systems to ensure conservation of resources and to make such systems functional under the new System. Prohibits the obligation of System construction funds until: (1) Federal environmental compliance requirements have been met; and (2) a final System engineering report and plan has been prepared and submitted to the Congress for at least a 90-day period. Requires the mitigation of fish and wildlife losses during System construction and operation on an acre-for-acre basis, based on ecological equivalency, and concurrent with project construction. Directs the Western Area Power Administration to make available, from power produced under the Pick-Sloan Missouri River Basin Program, the capacity and energy required to meet the pumping and incidental operational requirements of the System from May 1 to October 31 of each year. Provides power use conditions. Provides the Federal share (75 percent) of System costs. Authorizes the Secretary, at the Corporation's request, to provide assistance in overseeing matters relating to System construction. Authorizes appropriations.

Beaches Environmental Assessment, Closure, and Health Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1999

Beaches Environmental Assessment, Closure, and Health Act of 1999 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require States to adopt water quality criteria for coastal recreation waters consistent with criteria published by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under such Act. Directs the Administrator to conduct studies for use in developing: (1) a more complete list of potential health risks from inhalation, ingestion, or body contact, including effects to the upper respiratory system; (2) appropriate and effective indicators and appropriate, accurate, and expeditious methods for detecting the presence of pathogens in coastal recreational waters; and (3) guidance for State-to-State application of the revised water quality criteria for pathogens required to be issued by the Administrator under this Act that accounts for the diversity of geographic and aquatic conditions nationwide. Directs the Administrator to publish and revise regulations requiring monitoring of, and specifying methods to be used by States to monitor, coastal recreation waters at public beaches for compliance with water quality criteria and protection of public safety. Requires notification of local governments, the public, and the Administrator of exceedances, or the likelihood of exceedances, of water quality criteria for such waters. Requires the Administrator to issue guidance establishing core performance measures for testing, monitoring, and notification programs and for the delegation of such programs to local government authorities. Makes State resources available to such authorities if the programs are so delegated. Directs the Administrator to: (1) provide technical assistance to States for the implementation of uniform assessment and monitoring procedures for floatable materials in such waters; (2) specify the conditions under which the presence of floatable material constitutes a threat to public health and safety; and (3) establish a national coastal recreation water pollution occurrence database and a listing of communities complying with the monitoring and notification regulations published pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States to fulfill requirements under this Act. Authorizes appropriations.

vollmundige Lassing-Versprechen

Austria · National Council · 2 March 1999

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Günther Kräuter und Genossen an den Bundesminister für wirtschaftliche Angelegenheiten betreffend vollmundige Lassing-Versprechen <i>(des Bundesministers für wirtschaftliche Angelegenheiten</i> <i>hinsichtlich der Übernahme von Kosten für Rettungs- und</i> <i>Bergungsarbeiten)</i>

Chesapeake Bay Restoration Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1999

Chesapeake Bay Restoration Act of 1999 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) continue the Chesapeake Bay Program; and (2) maintain a Program Office to provide specified support to the Chesapeake Executive Council. Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical assistance and assistance grants to nonprofit private organizations and individuals, State and local governments, colleges and universities, and interstate agencies to carry out the Program. Provides the Federal and non-Federal share of various Program costs. Provides for Chesapeake Bay Agreement (an agreement among signatory members to restore and protect the Bay's ecosystem) implementation and monitoring grants, with specified Federal and non-Federal shares. Directs the Administrator to make public a document describing in detail projects funded for the current and previous years. Requires any Federal agency that owns or operates a facility within the Bay watershed to: (1) participate in regional and subwatershed planning and restoration programs; and (2) report to the President and the Council on expenditures to carry out such programs. Requires the Administrator to: (1) ensure that management plans are developed and that implementation is begun by signatories to the Agreement for the Bay tributaries to achieve specified water nutrient and quality goals and habitat restoration and protection; and (2) offer technical assistance and assistance grants for a small watershed grants program within the Bay. Directs the Administrator to study and report to the Congress on the state of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem and on Program goals, effects, and strategies. Requires a five-year study to establish and expand understanding of Bay ecosystem living resources response to water quality improvements resulting from the Program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 through 2005.

Water Resources Development Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1999

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Water Resources Projects Title II: General Provisions Title III: Project-Related Provisions Water Resources Development Act of 1999 - Title I: Water Resources Projects - Authorizes projects for navigation, environmental restoration, flood damage reduction, recreation, flood control, storm damage reduction, ecosystem restoration and shore protection, and aquifer storage and recovery in Alaska, Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland and Virginia, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Dakota, and Texas. Authorizes projects for water resources development and conservation and related purposes, subject to a final report from the Army Chief of Engineers and approval by the Secretary of the Army, in Alaska, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Washington. (Sec. 102) Modifies projects for flood control, navigation, water conveyance, water supply storage reallocation, water diversion, beach erosion control and hurricane protection, land retention, storm damage reduction and shoreline protection, environmental infrastructure, and hurricane-flood protection (together with certain report requirements or land transfers, in some cases) in Arkansas, California, Florida, Maryland, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York and New Jersey, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine (with a deauthorization of certain portions of such project), Mississippi, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia. (Sec. 103) Deauthorizes navigation projects in Connecticut and Maine. (Sec. 104) Directs the Secretary to conduct studies with respect to specified projects in Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Guam. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to study and report to Congress on water supply needs of States not currently eligible for assistance under title XVI of the Reclamation Projects Authorization and Adjustment Act of 1992. Title II: General Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a program to reduce flood hazards and restore the natural functions and values of riverine ecosystems throughout the United States. Requires appropriate studies. Requires non-Federal interests to pay 35 percent of the cost of any project carried out. Outlines project selection criteria, policies, and procedures. Prohibits any project from being carried out until the Secretary notifies specified congressional committees and 21 days have passed since such notification. (Sec. 202) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 to provide that the non-Federal share of the costs of periodic nourishment of products or measures for shore protection or beach erosion control shall be 50 percent, with specified exceptions. (Sec. 203) Amends the Flood Control Act of 1948 to increase to $7 million the maximum amount for small flood control projects. (Sec. 204) Amends the Flood Control Act of 1960 to authorize the Secretary to accept funds voluntarily contributed to expand the compilation and dissemination of information on floods and flood damage. (Sec. 205) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 to: (1) extend through FY 2000 the Everglades and South Florida ecosystem restoration program; and (2) allow non-profit entities to enter into agreements to pay non-Federal shares of aquatic ecosystem restoration projects. (Sec. 207) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 to allow non-profit entities to enter into agreements to pay non-Federal shares of the costs of projects for beneficial uses of dredged materials. (Sec. 208) Amends the Flood Control Act of 1936 to allow contributions by States and political subdivisions to be used for environmental restoration activities. (Sec. 209) Authorizes the Secretary during FY 1999 through 2002 to withhold a specified amount of recreation user fees for repair and maintenance projects, interpretation, signage, habitat or facility enhancement, resource preservation, annual operation, maintenance, and law enforcement related to public use at recreation sites. (Sec. 210) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1996 to permit studies undertaken by the Secretary concerning the Pacific region to include flood damage reduction and environmental restoration. (Sec. 211) Directs the Secretary to develop a plan for a project to protect and enhance fish and wildlife habitat of the Missouri River and the middle Mississippi River. Prohibits such plan or project from affecting water rights or private property rights. Permits the modification of previously authorized projects in such areas. Requires a 35 percent non-Federal cost share. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 and 2001. (Sec. 212) Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit fees from being charged to non-Federal interests for an assessment of the value of the resources and the public interest served in promoting development of Outer Continental Shelf resources. Requires full reimbursement of amounts paid by the non-Federal interests for beach erosion control and hurricane protection at Sandbridge Beach in Virginia Beach, Virginia, as a result of such an assessment. (Sec. 213) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1990 to: (1) include Snake Creek in Bixby, Oklahoma, as a priority work for environmental dredging activities; and (2) direct the Secretary to include primary flood damages avoided within a benefit analysis for justifying Federal non-structural flood damage reduction projects. (Sec. 215) Amends the River and Harbor Act of 1958 to include within projects for the control of aquatic growth projects for the control of Arundo dona and tarmarix. (Sec. 216) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of: (1) 1992 to include three water systems and projects in California and Nevada among authorized environmental infrastructure projects; (2) 1996 to include certain California and Nevada watersheds and river basins within authorized watershed management, restoration, and development; and (3) 1986 to include projects in Lake County, California, Hollis, New Hampshire, and Milford, New Hampshire, under a lakes silt and debris removal program. (Sec. 219) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 to: (1) add an additional project purpose to a water resource development project in the New York-New Jersey Harbor; and (2) increase the authorization of appropriations for such project. (Sec. 220) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of: (1) 1976 to reduce from 50 to 35 the percent of total cost to be borne by States for placing dredged sand on State beaches; and (2) 1986 to state that not more than 80 percent of the non-Federal share of fish and wildlife mitigation costs may be in-kind. Directs the Secretary to work with the State of Ohio and other Great Lakes States to fully implement and maximize beneficial reuse of dredged material along Great Lakes shores. (Sec. 223) Directs the Secretary and the EPA Administrator to convene the National Contaminated Sediment Task Force (established under prior law). Requires the Task Force to report to Congress on the status of remedial actions taken at aquatic sites in specified areas. (Sec. 224) Directs the Secretary to report biannually to Congress on a plan for programs of the Army Corps of Engineers in the Great Lakes basin. Directs the Secretary to request each Federal agency that may have information relevant to the Great Lakes biohydrological system to provide an inventory of such information. Requires the Secretary to compile, analyze, and submit to Congress, the International Joint Commission, and the Great Lakes States a report on such information. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress detailing the economic benefits of recreational boating in the Great Lakes basin. (Sec. 225) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 to make appropriate the use of authority under such Act to control sea lamprey at any Great Lakes basin location. (Sec. 226) Authorizes the Secretary to investigate, study, evaluate, and report on water quality, environmental quality, recreation, fish and wildlife, flood control, and navigation in the western Lake Erie watershed. (Sec. 227) Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance to non-Federal interests, and conduct other site-specific studies, to formulate and evaluate fish screens, passage devices, and other measures used to decrease the incidence of juvenile fish inadvertently entering into irrigation systems. Requires: (1) non- Federal interests to provide 50 percent of the cost of such assistance; and (2) a report from the Secretary to Congress. (Sec. 229) Amends the River and Harbor Act of 1968 to: (1) increase from $2 million to $5 million the amount permitted as a Federal first cost for a shore damage project before specific authorization by Congress is required; and (2) direct the Secretary to coordinate such projects with other Federal projects in the same area and to combine such projects into a comprehensive regional project. Title III: Project-Related Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to acquire for Rhode Island a dredge and associated equipment for dredging salt ponds. (Sec. 302) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 to: (1) include the Chemung River watershed, New York, under a water resources development program for the Upper Susquehanna River Basin in Pennsylvania and New York; (2) include certain projects in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania under authorized small flood control projects; and (3) include a project in Delaware Bay, New Jersey, under authorized small navigation projects. (Sec. 305) Makes the streambank protection project at Coulson Park in Billings, Montana, eligible for assistance under the Flood Control Act of 1946. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out such projects in the Arctic Ocean, Barrow, Alaska, the Saginaw River in Bay City, Michigan, and the Monongahela River in Point Marion, Pennsylvania. (Sec. 306) Authorizes the Secretary to conduct measures to address water quality, flows, and fish habitat restoration in the historic Springfield, Oregon, millrace through reconfiguration of the existing millpond if it is determined that harmful impacts have occurred as the result of a previously constructed flood control project. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 307) Directs the Secretary to expeditiously complete certain previously authorized saltmarsh restoration activities in Sluice Creek, Guilford, Connecticut, and Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven, Connecticut. (Sec. 308) Designates the project for flood control, Eight Mile Creek, Paragould, Arkansas, as the Francis Bland Floodway Ditch. (Sec. 310) Modifies the project for flood control and other purposes at Cumberland, Maryland, to authorize the Secretary to undertake restoration of the historic Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. Specifies estimated Federal and non-Federal costs. (Sec. 311) Includes Miami Beach, Florida, under a previously authorized national shoreline erosion control development and demonstration program. (Sec. 312) Directs the Secretary to accept from Oklahoma an amount to be determined as prepayment for water supply cost obligations for water supply storage at Sardis Reservoir in Oklahoma. (Sec. 313) Directs the Secretary to proceed immediately to prepare engineering design, plans, and specifications to extend certain locks on the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers to provide lock chambers of specified dimension so that construction can proceed immediately upon completion of studies and authorization of projects by Congress. (Sec. 314) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 relating to the Upper Mississippi River system to: (1) add certain activities under a master plan for the improvement of the system; (2) direct the Secretary to create an independent technical advisory committee to review system projects, monitoring plans, and habitat and natural resources needs assessments; (3) require promotion of the simulation of natural river processes to the maximum extent practicable; (4) authorize appropriations for FY 1999 through 2009 for system programs; (5) require an evaluation report from the Secretary to Congress; (6) authorize the transfer of appropriated amounts between various programs; and (7) direct the Secretary to investigate, and if appropriate, carry out restoration of urban wildlife habitat, with a special emphasis on the establishment of greenways, in the St. Louis, Missouri, area and surrounding communities. (Sec. 315) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1996 relating to a research and development program for Columbia River basin salmon survival to: (1) include the Snake River in such program; (2) revise generally authorized activities under the program; (3) increase the authorization of appropriations for the development, and installation in Corps dams, of advanced hydropower turbines; and (4) direct the Secretary to carry out methods to reduce nesting populations of avian predators on dredge spoil islands in the Columbia River under the Secretary's jurisdiction (authorizes appropriations). (Sec. 316) Authorizes the Secretary to credit against non-Federal shares costs incurred in preparing environmental and other preconstruction documentation for the habitat restoration project in Nine Mile Run, Pennsylvania, if such documentation is determined to be integral to such project. (Sec. 317) Directs the Secretary to work with the Secretary of Transportation on a project to maintain the Larkspur Ferry Channel in Larkspur, California, as authorized under prior law. (Sec. 318) Authorizes the Secretary to study and implement a comprehensive flood impact response modeling system for the Coralville Reservoir and the Iowa River watershed, Iowa. Requires a report to Congress. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 319) Directs the Comptroller General to study, and report to specified congressional committees on, various alternatives for innovative financing of future construction, operation, and maintenance of projects in small and medium-sized ports. (Sec. 320) Directs the Secretary to convey all U.S. rights and interest in land acquired for the Candy Lake project in Osage County, Oklahoma. Requires the Secretary to give prior owners the first option to purchase such lands (requiring such previous owners to be notified of such sale). (Sec. 321) Directs the Secretary to evaluate and, if justified, carry out flood damage reduction measures along the lower Salcha River and on Piledriver Slough in Alaska, and along the Eyak River at Cordova, Alaska. (Sec. 323) Directs the Secretary to carry out ecosystem restoration and storm drainage reduction at North Padre Island, Corpus Christi Bay, Texas, with specified Federal and non-Federal costs. (Sec. 324) Directs the Secretary to complete a water supply reallocation study at the project for flood control, Kanopolis Lake, Kansas. (Sec. 325) Authorizes a public entity designated by the New York State project director to enter into a cooperative agreement with the Secretary with respect to a project for providing environmental assistance to non-Federal interests in the New York City watershed. (Sec. 326) Directs the Secretary to review and, if consistent with project purposes, reimburse the city of Charlevoix, Michigan, for the Federal share of specified construction costs at a navigation project in Charlevoix Harbor. (Sec. 327) Authorizes the Secretary to construct the Hamilton Dam flood control project, Michigan, under authority of the Flood Control Act of 1948. (Sec. 328) Limits the non-Federal share of project costs for the project for flood control, Holes Creek, Ohio. (Sec. 329) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 to direct the Secretary to provide assistance to the Narragansett Bay Commission for the construction of a combined sewer (currently, river) overflow management facility in Rhode Island.

American Land Sovereignty Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1999

American Land Sovereignty Protection Act - Amends the National Historic Preservation Act Amendments of 1980 to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from nominating any Federal lands for inclusion on the World Heritage List pursuant to the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage unless: (1) the Secretary publishes a finding that commercially viable uses of nominated lands and lands within ten miles of them will not be adversely affected by such inclusion; (2) the Secretary has reported to the Congress on the lands' natural resources and the impact that the inclusion would have on existing and future uses of such lands; and (3) such nomination is specifically authorized by a law. Authorizes the President to submit proposals for legislation authorizing such a nomination after publication of the Secretary's finding. Requires the Secretary to object to the inclusion of any property in the United States on the list of World Heritage in Danger (established under the Convention) unless the Secretary: (1) has reported to the Congress on the necessity for such inclusion, the natural resources associated with the property, and the impact such inclusion would have on existing and future uses of such property; and (2) is specifically authorized to assent to the inclusion by a joint resolution of the Congress enacted after the report is submitted. Directs the Secretary to submit an annual report to specified congressional committees on the management of each World Heritage Site within the United States. (Sec. 4) Prohibits any Federal official from nominating any lands in the United States for designation as a Biosphere Reserve under the Man and Biosphere Program of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. Provides that any such designation before enactment of this Act shall not have any force or effect, unless the Biosphere Reserve: (1) is specifically authorized by a law enacted before December 31, 2000; (2) consists solely of federally owned lands; and (3) is subject to a management plan that specifically ensures that the use of intermixed or adjacent non-Federal property is not limited or restricted as a result of that designation. Directs the Secretary of State to report annually to specified congressional committees information on the management of each Biosphere Reserve within the United States. (Sec. 5) Prohibits any Federal official from nominating, classifying, or designating any Federal land located within the United States for a special or restricted use under any international agreement for conserving, preserving, or protecting the terrestrial or marine environment, flora, or fauna (with specified exceptions) unless specifically authorized by law, but authorizes the President to submit proposals for authorizing legislation. Provides that any such nomination, classification, or designation of private or State or local lands shall have no force or effect without the owner's consent or specific authorization by State or local law, respectively.

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to repeal the highway sanctions.

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1999

Amends the Clean Air Act to repeal the Federal-aid highway sanctions available to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in cases of failure of State implementation plans for air quality nonattainment areas.

Toxic Microorganism Abatement Pilot Project Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1999

Toxic Microorganism Abatement Pilot Project Act - Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to evaluate, develop, and implement a pilot project in each of the States of Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia to address and control problems associated with the degradation of ecosystems and their dependent activities resulting from toxic microorganisms in tidal and nontidal wetlands and waters. Defines "toxic microorganism" to mean Pfiesteria piscicida and any other potentially harmful aquatic dinoflagellate. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) congressional reporting requirements; (2) Federal and non-Federal shares of project costs; and (3) local cooperation agreements.

A bill to require vessels entering the United States waters to provide earlier notice of the entry, to clarify the requirements for those vessels and the authority of the Coast Guard over those vessels, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1999

Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act to require a commercial vessel to notify the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating before entering into U.S. waters. Sets forth information to be contained in such notification. Authorizes the Secretary to deny entry of a vessel into U.S. waters if: (1) the Secretary has not received notification from the vessel; or (2) the vessel is not in compliance with any other applicable law relating to marine safety, security, or environmental protection. Authorizes the Secretary to direct the operation of any vessel in navigable U.S. waters during hazardous circumstances, including the absence of a pilot required by Federal or State law, weather, casualty, vessel traffic, or the poor condition of the vessel.

San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Initiative

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1999

San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Initiative - Establishes within the Treasury an interest bearing account to be known as the San Gabriel Basin Restoration Fund to be administered by the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, in cooperation with the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority, to design, construct, operate, and maintain water quality projects administered by the Authority. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to accept and administer in cooperation with the Authority any funds which California, local government agencies, or private entities may contribute to the Fund. Authorizes the Secretary, in cooperation with State and local government agencies, to participate in studies and other investigative activities and in the planning and design of projects to offer a long- term solution to the problem of groundwater contamination caused by perchlorates. Authorizes appropriations.

Solid Waste Compact Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1999

Solid Waste Compact Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to allow States with approved State solid waste management plans to prohibit the importation of solid waste from outside the State. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to identify alternative solid waste disposal methods and establish and publish technical guidance regarding their implementation. Requires reports to the Congress.

To require the Secretary of the Army to issue an environmental impact statement before the International Joint Commission implements any water regulation plan affecting the water levels of Lake Ontario or the St. Lawrence River.

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1999

Directs the Secretary of the Army to issue an environmental impact statement with respect to any water regulation plan affecting the water levels of Lake Ontario or the St. Lawrence River before the International Joint Commission implements such plan.

Polish-American Promise Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1999

Polish-American Promise Act of 1999 - Amends the Support for East European Democracy (SEED) Act of 1989 to direct the President to designate a private, nonprofit organization located in Poland to receive amounts from the Polish-American Enterprise Fund upon its termination to be used by such organization to: (1) establish and carry out a program to support efforts in Poland to consolidate democracy and further enhance the free market economy, including the dissemination of information about Poland's success with respect to democracy and the free market economy to its regional neighbors (including Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus); and (2) be used to improve medical care, improve environmental protection, improve education, and ensure respect for human rights in Poland.

American Land Sovereignty Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1999

American Land Sovereignty Protection Act - Amends the National Historic Preservation Act Amendments of 1980 to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from nominating any Federal lands for inclusion on the World Heritage List pursuant to the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage unless: (1) the Secretary publishes a finding that commercially viable uses of nominated lands and lands within ten miles of them will not be adversely affected by such inclusion; (2) the Secretary has reported to the Congress on the lands' natural resources and the impact that the inclusion would have on existing and future uses of such lands; and (3) such nomination is specifically authorized by a law. Authorizes the President to submit proposals for legislation authorizing such a nomination after publication of the Secretary's finding. Requires the Secretary to object to the inclusion of any property in the United States on the list of World Heritage in Danger (established under the Convention) unless the Secretary: (1) has reported to the Congress on the necessity for such inclusion, the natural resources associated with the property, and the impact such inclusion would have on existing and future uses of such property; and (2) is specifically authorized to assent to the inclusion by a joint resolution of the Congress enacted after the report is submitted. Directs the Secretary to submit an annual report to specified congressional committees on the management of each World Heritage Site within the United States. (Sec. 4) Prohibits any Federal official from nominating any lands in the United States for designation as a Biosphere Reserve under the Man and Biosphere Program of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. Provides that any such designation before enactment of this Act shall not have any force or effect, unless the Biosphere Reserve: (1) is specifically authorized by a law enacted before December 31, 2000; (2) consists solely of federally owned lands; and (3) is subject to a management plan that specifically ensures that the use of intermixed or adjacent non-Federal property is not limited or restricted as a result of that designation. Directs the Secretary of State to report annually to specified congressional committees information on the management of each Biosphere Reserve within the United States. (Sec. 5) Prohibits any Federal official from nominating, classifying, or designating any Federal land located within the United States for a special or restricted use under any international agreement for conserving, preserving, or protecting the terrestrial or marine environment, flora, or fauna (with specified exceptions) unless specifically authorized by law, but authorizes the Secretary to submit proposals for authorizing legislation. Provides that any such nomination, classification, or designation of private or State or local lands shall have no force or effect without the owner's consent or specific authorization by State or local law, respectively.

Clean Gasoline Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1999

Clean Gasoline Act of 1999 - Amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit the manufacture, sale, supply, dispensation, transport, or introduction into commerce of motor vehicle gasoline that contains a concentration of sulfur exceeding 40 parts per million per gallon of gasoline. Provides that a person shall not be in violation of such prohibition if, during a one-year period, the person engages in such an activity with respect to gasoline that contains a sulfur concentration between 40 and 80 parts per million per gallon if the average concentration of sulfur in the gasoline during the period is less than 30 parts per million per gallon. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to report to the Congress on the effects of use of low sulfur motor vehicle gasoline on urban and regional air quality. Provides for an update within two years of submission of the original report. Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate a regulation to establish maximum and average allowable sulfur concentrations in motor vehicle gasoline that are lower than concentrations specified under this Act if: (1) research conducted after this Act's enactment indicates that significant air quality benefits would result from a reduction in allowable sulfur concentration in such gasoline; or (2) advanced vehicle technologies have been developed that can significantly reduce emissions of air pollutants from motor vehicles but that require gasoline with a lower concentration of sulfur than that specified under this Act. Prescribes penalties for violations of this Act.

Kundmachung des Mineralrohstoffgesetzes (MinroG)

Austria · National Council · 25 February 1999

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Ing. Wolfgang Nußbaumer und Genossen an den Bundeskanzler betreffend Kundmachung des Mineralrohstoffgesetzes (MinroG)

nicht eingelöste Finanzierungszusagen nach dem Unglück von Lassing

Austria · National Council · 25 February 1999

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Dr. Udo Grollitsch und Genossen an den Bundesminister für wirtschaftliche Angelegenheiten betreffend nicht eingelöste Finanzierungszusagen im Zusammenhang mit den Rettungs- bzw. Bergungskosten nach dem Unglück von Lassing

Kundmachung des Mineralrohstoffgesetzes (MinroG)

Austria · National Council · 25 February 1999

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Ing. Wolfgang Nußbaumer und Genossen an den Bundesminister für wirtschaftliche Angelegenheiten betreffend Kundmachung des Mineralrohstoffgesetzes (MinroG)

Environmental Crimes and Enforcement Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1999

Environmental Crimes and Enforcement Act of 1999 - Amends the Federal criminal code to require that, on motion of the United States, a person convicted of an environmental crime (defined as a violation of specified statutes, including provisions of the Toxic Substances Control Act, Solid Waste Disposal Act, and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986) be ordered to pay the costs incurred by a State, local, or tribal government in assisting in the investigation and prosecution of the case by the United States. Directs that sums paid under this provision be used solely for the enforcement of environmental laws. (Sec. 3) Sets penalties for persons convicted of an environmental crime that is the proximate cause of serious bodily injury to or the death of any person. (Sec. 4) Environmental Crimes Training Act of 1999 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish within the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance a State, Local, and Tribal Environmental Enforcement Training Program to train State, local, and tribal law enforcement personnel to investigate environmental crimes. (Sec. 5) Sets a five-year statute of limitations (longer in cases of concealment of the offense by an affirmative act) for commission of, or a conspiracy to commit, specified Federal environmental crimes. (Sec. 6) Amends various Federal environmental laws to cover attempts to engage in proscribed conduct. (Sec. 7) Amends the code to authorize the court to order restitution for listed Federal environmental crimes, including, in the case of an offense resulting in pollution of or damage to the environment, payment for removal and remediation of the pollution or damage and restoration of the environment. Defines "victim" of the offense in such cases to include a municipality or other political subdivision in which the pollution occurred or in which the damage was suffered, whether or not any person residing or doing business in the political subdivision is identified as having suffered damage. (Sec. 8) Authorizes the court to issue prejudgment orders to secure payment for environmental damage.

Long Island Sound Preservation and Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1999

Long Island Sound Preservation and Protection Act - Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to revise requirements for the dumping of dredged material in Long Island Sound. Declares that no dredged material from any Federal or non-Federal project containing constituents prohibited as other than trace contaminants may be dumped in Long Island Sound or Block Island Sound, except in cases demonstrated to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (and certified by the Administrator in the Federal Register) where the dumping of such material will not cause significant undesirable effects, including the threat associated with the bioaccumulation of such constituents in marine organisms.

Opinion of Mr Advocate General Saggio delivered on 25 February 1999.#L. Nederhoff & Zn. v Dijkgraaf en hoogheemraden van het Hoogheemraadschap Rijnland.#Reference for a preliminary ruling: Raad van State - Netherlands.#Environment - Directives 76/464/EEC, 76/769/EEC and 86/280/EEC - "Discharge" - Possibility for a Member State to adopt more stringent measures than those provided for in Directive 76/464/EEC - Effect of Directive 76/769/EEC on such a measure.#Case C-232/97.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 25 February 1999

Opinion of Mr Advocate General Saggio delivered on 25 February 1999.#A.M.L. van Rooij v Dagelijks bestuur van het waterschap de Dommel.#Reference for a preliminary ruling: Raad van State - Netherlands.#Environment - Directive 76/464/EEC - "Discharge" - Possibility for a Member State to adopt a wider definition of "discharge" than that in the directive.#Case C-231/97.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 25 February 1999

Maßnahmen zum Schutz der Wale

Austria · National Council · 24 February 1999

Antrag der Abgeordneten Mag. Doris Kammerlander und Genossen betreffend Maßnahmen zum Schutz der Wale

Förderungsrichtlinie für Entschädigungen nach § 33 f Abs. 6 Wasserrechtsgesetz

Austria · National Council · 24 February 1999

Antrag der Abgeordneten Dr. Gabriela Moser und Genossen betreffend Förderungsrichtlinie für Entschädigungen nach § 33 f Abs. 6 Wasserrechtsgesetz <i>(Ausgleich von Einkommensminderungen, welche auf</i> <i>Nutzungsbeschränkungen zugunsten der Grundwassersanierung</i> <i>zurückgehen)</i>

34 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of sheep he will take off the hills under the new REP scheme; the reason his Department knows the number of sheep people had in 1998 but only recognised the number of sheep for which there was quota for REP scheme purposes, that sheep which qualified for headage but had no quota were ignored [5433/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 24 February 1999

34 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of sheep he will take off the hills under the new REP scheme; the reason his Department knows the number of sheep people had in 1998 but only recognised the number of sheep for which there was quota for REP scheme purposes, that sheep which qualified for headage but had no quota were ignored [5433/99]

34 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of sheep he will take off the hills under the new REP scheme; the reason his Department knows the number of sheep people had in 1998 but only recognised the number of sheep for which there was quota for REP scheme purposes, that sheep which qualified for headage but had no quota were ignored [5433/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 24 February 1999

34 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of sheep he will take off the hills under the new REP scheme; the reason his Department knows the number of sheep people had in 1998 but only recognised the number of sheep for which there was quota for REP scheme purposes, that sheep which qualified for headage but had no quota were ignored [5433/99]

American Community Renewal Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1999

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Designation Of and Tax Incentives for Renewal Communities Title II: Additional Provisions American Community Renewal Act of 1999 - Title I: Designation of and Tax Incentives for Renewal Communities - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to designate (upon local or State nomination) up to 100 renewal communities, of which at least 20 percent shall be in rural areas. Requires for nomination purposes that: (1) the area be experiencing high rates of poverty and unemployment and general distress; and (2) State and local governments enter into written contracts with community organizations to promote specified economic growth and employment activities. Excludes from gross income capital gains on the sale or exchange of a qualified community asset (stock, business property, or partnership interest) held for more than five years. Allows a specified deduction for amounts paid into a family development account on behalf of an individual or another qualified individual who is a renewal community resident. Excludes from gross income account distributions used for qualified family development expenses (postsecondary education, first-home purchase, business capitalization, medical, and rollovers). Provides a penalty (with exceptions) in addition to inclusion as gross income for nonqualifying distributions. Provides for designation of up to five qualifying renewal communities as matching demonstration areas eligible to receive family development account matching contributions. Authorizes: (1) designation of earned income tax credit payments for family development account deposit; (2) a commercial building revitalization tax credit; (3) increased first year expensing for renewal community businesses; (4) extension of environmental remediation cost expensing and the work opportunity credit for renewal communities; and (5) similar tax treatment of renewal communities and enterprise zones for specified youth residence requirements. (Sec. 104) Permits a deduction for contributions to a family development account whether or not a taxpayer itemizes. Makes conforming amendments to provisions respecting: (1) tax on excess contributions and prohibited transactions; (2) trust and annuity information; (3) tax exemption applications; and (4) the commercial revitalization credit. (Sec. 105) Sets forth reporting requirements. (Sec. 106) Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget not to make any estimates of changes in receipts under the pay-as-you-go estimate provisions of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 resulting from the enactment of this Act. Title II: Additional Provisions - Provides for local government transfer of unoccupied and substandard Department of Housing and Urban Development multifamily and single family housing in renewal communities, with subsequent disposition priority to be given to community development corporations. (202) Amends the Public Health Service Act to declare that the amendments made by this Act apply to each program that makes awards of Federal financial assistance to prevent or treat substance abuse. Allows, notwithstanding any other provision of law, a religious organization to be an award recipient, make subawards, provide services through vouchers, or accept vouchers for providing services. Makes religious organizations eligible on the same basis as any other nonprofit private organization. Prohibits Federal or State: (1) discrimination against an organization on the basis that the organization has a religious character; and (2) requirements that a religious organization, in order to be a program participant, remove religious art, icons, scripture, or other symbols. Requires a religious organization to arrange for services through an alternative entity if an individual objects to the religious organization. Allows a religious organization to require a beneficiary who has elected to receive services from the organization to actively participate in religious practice, worship, and instruction. Prohibits using funds for sectarian worship or instruction, unless the beneficiary may choose where the assistance is redeemed or allocated. Declares that assistance to or on behalf of a beneficiary is aid to the beneficiary and not to the organization. Requires, if a State law or constitution would prevent the expenditure of State or local funds by religious organizations, that the Federal funds shall be segregated from State or other public funds. Requires, for personnel working in religious organization drug treatment programs, giving credit for religious education and training equivalent to credit given for secular course work. Mandates waiver of educational requirements if the religious organization has a record of successful drug treatment and the State or local government fails to demonstrate empirically that the educational qualifications are necessary. (Sec. 203) Amends the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 to provide that a financial institution's investments in community development organizations located in renewal communities may be considered in evaluations under such Act.

A resolution authorizing expenditures by committees of the Senate for the period March 1, 1999 through September 30, 1999.

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1999

Authorizes expenditures by the following Senate committees from March 1, 1999, through September 30, 1999: (1) Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; (2) Armed Services; (3) Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; (4) Budget; (5) Commerce, Science, and Transportation; (6) Energy and Natural Resources; (7) Environment and Public Works; (8) Finance; (9) Foreign Relations; (10) Governmental Affairs; (11) Judiciary; (12) Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; (13) Rules and Administration; (14) Small Business; (15) Veterans' Affairs; (16) Aging; (17) Intelligence; and (18) Indian Affairs. Authorizes the transfer of any unexpended balance of any committee for the period ending February 28, 1999, to a special reserve to be available to any committee to meet specified unpaid obligations or expenses.

Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1999

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Authorization Title II: Miscellaneous Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1999 - Title I: Authorization - Authorizes appropriations to the Coast Guard for FY 2000 and 2001 for: (1) operation and maintenance; (2) acquisition, construction, rebuilding, and improvement of aids to navigation, shore and offshore facilities, vessels, and aircraft; (3) research, development, testing, and evaluation; (4) retired pay, payments under the Retired Serviceman's Family Protection and Survivor Benefit Plans, and payments for medical care of retired personnel and their dependents; (5) alteration or removal of bridges constituting obstructions to navigation and for personnel and administrative costs associated with the Bridge Alteration Program; and (6) environmental compliance and restoration at Coast Guard facilities. (Sec. 102) Authorizes Coast Guard end-of-year strength and military training student loads. Title II: Miscellaneous - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to issue a certificate of documentation with endorsement for the coastwise trade for the vessel NOT A SHOT. (Sec. 202) Earmarks certain amounts authorized by this Act to reimburse the owner of the former Coast Guard lighthouse facility at Cape May, New Jersey, for costs incurred for clean-up of lead contaminated soil. (Sec. 203) Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act to require any commercial vessel entering the U.S. territorial sea, within 24 hours before such entry, to notify the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating of specified information, including: (1) whether it carries any dangerous cargo (with description); and (2) a description of any hazardous conditions on the vessel. Authorizes the Secretary to deny entry to such a vessel if: (1) no such notification is received; or (2) the vessel is not in compliance with any applicable law relating to marine safety, security, or environmental protection. Authorizes the Secretary to direct the operation of any vessel in U.S. navigable waters as necessary during hazardous circumstances, including the absence of a pilot required by State or Federal law, weather, casualty, vessel traffic, or the poor condition of the vessel.

Wet Weather Quality Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1999

Combined Sewer Overflow Control and Partnership Act of 1999 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require each permit, order, or decree issued pursuant to such Act for a discharge from a combined storm and sanitary sewer to conform to the Combined Sewer Overflow Control Policy signed by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency on April 11, 1994. Authorizes the Administrator, notwithstanding specified compliance schedules and permit limitations, to issue or execute a permit, order, or decree for discharges from such sewers that includes a schedule for compliance with a long-term control plan for a term of up to 15 years. Provides for extensions of such term, as appropriate. Modifies any administrative or judicial decree or order issued before this Act's enactment date that establishes any deadline or schedule for the construction of treatment works for control of any discharge from a municipal combined sewer system to extend such deadlines or schedules to conform with this Act, at the request of the municipal owner or operator. Prohibits any permit, order, or decree issued pursuant to the Act from requiring compliance with water quality based requirements contained in a long-term control plan under the Control Policy unless the Administrator has completed the water quality standards-designated use review process called for in the Control Policy. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to municipalities for planning, design, and construction of facilities to intercept, transport, control, or treat combined storm and sanitary sewer flows. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 through 2002. Directs the Administrator to report biennially to the Congress on recommended funding levels for the two fiscal years following the date of a report on activities relating to combined storm and sanitary sewer flows.

American Community Renewal Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1999

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Designation of and Tax Incentives for Renewal Communities Title II: Additional Provisions American Community Renewal Act of 1999 - Title I: Designation of and Tax Incentives for Renewal Communities - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to designate (upon local or State nomination) up to 100 renewal communities, of which at least 20 percent shall be in rural areas. Requires for nomination purposes that: (1) the area be experiencing high rates of poverty and unemployment and general distress; and (2) State and local governments enter into written contracts with community organizations to promote specified economic growth and employment activities. Excludes from gross income capital gains on the sale or exchange of a qualified community asset (stock, business property, or partnership interest) held for more than five years. Allows a specified deduction for amounts paid into a family development account on behalf of an individual or another qualified individual who is a renewal community resident. Excludes from gross income account distributions used for qualified family development expenses (postsecondary education, first-home purchase, business capitalization, medical, and rollovers). Provides a penalty (with exceptions) in addition to inclusion as gross income for nonqualifying distributions. Provides for designation of up to five qualifying renewal communities as matching demonstration areas eligible to receive family development account matching contributions. Authorizes: (1) designation of earned income tax credit payments for family development account deposit; (2) a commercial building revitalization tax credit; (3) increased first year expensing for renewal community businesses; (4) extension of environmental remediation cost expensing and the work opportunity credit for renewal communities; and (5) similar tax treatment of renewal communities and enterprise zones for specified youth residence requirements. (Sec. 104) Permits a deduction for contributions to a family development account whether or not a taxpayer itemizes. Makes conforming amendments to provisions respecting: (1) tax on excess contributions and prohibited transactions; (2) trust and annuity information; (3) tax exemption applications; and (4) the commercial revitalization credit. (Sec. 105) Sets forth reporting requirements. (Sec. 106) Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget not to make any estimates of changes in receipts under the pay-as-you-go estimate provisions of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 resulting from the enactment of this Act. Title II: Additional Provisions - Provides for local government transfer of unoccupied and substandard Department of Housing and Urban Development multifamily and single family housing in renewal communities, with subsequent disposition priority to be given to community development corporations. (202) Amends the Public Health Service Act to declare that the amendments made by this Act apply to each program that makes awards of Federal financial assistance to prevent or treat substance abuse. Allows, notwithstanding any other provision of law, a religious organization to be an award recipient, make subawards, provide services through vouchers, or accept vouchers for providing services. Makes religious organizations eligible on the same basis as any other nonprofit private organization. Prohibits Federal or State: (1) discrimination against an organization on the basis that the organization has a religious character; and (2) requirements that a religious organization, in order to be a program participant, remove religious art, icons, scripture, or other symbols. Requires a religious organization to arrange for services through an alternative entity if an individual objects to the religious organization. Allows a religious organization to require a beneficiary who has elected to receive services from the organization to actively participate in religious practice, worship, and instruction. Prohibits using funds for sectarian worship or instruction, unless the beneficiary may choose where the assistance is redeemed or allocated. Declares that assistance to or on behalf of a beneficiary is aid to the beneficiary and not to the organization. Requires, if a State law or constitution would prevent the expenditure of State or local funds by religious organizations, that the Federal funds shall be segregated from State or other public funds. Requires, for personnel working in religious organization drug treatment programs, giving credit for religious education and training equivalent to credit given for secular course work. Mandates waiver of educational requirements if the religious organization has a record of successful drug treatment and the State or local government fails to demonstrate empirically that the educational qualifications are necessary. (Sec. 203) Amends the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 to provide that a financial institution's investments in community development organizations located in renewal communities may be considered in evaluations under such Act.

Continued Dumping or Subsidy Offset Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1999

Continued Dumping or Subsidy Offset Act of 1999 - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to declare that, whenever continued dumping or subsidization is found to exist by the administering authority or by operation of law, any duties assessed shall be distributed as continued dumping or subsidy offsets to the affected domestic producers for qualifying expenditures on an annual basis. Limits qualifying expenditures to expenditures incurred since the issuance of the antidumping duty finding or order or countervailing duty order in any or all of the categories of plant, equipment, research and development, personnel training, acquisition of technology, employer-paid employee health care and pension benefits, environmental equipment, training or technology, acquisition of raw materials and other inputs, and borrowed working capital or other funds needed to maintain production. Directs the Commissioner of the U.S. Customs Service to prescribe offset disbursement procedures. Sets forth general procedures for notification of eligible parties. Requires the Commissioner to establish a special account in the Treasury to receive all antidumping or countervailing duties, including interest, for distribution according to this Act, within 14 days after an antidumping or countervailing duty order takes effect.

National Urban Watershed Model Restoration Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1999

National Urban Watershed Model Restoration Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to develop and carry out a pilot program to serve as a national model for the restoration of urban watersheds and community environments. Requires such program to be carried out in the Anacostia River watershed, District of Columbia and Maryland. Authorizes the Administrator to set aside amounts for grants to local community groups and nonprofit organizations to foster community involvement in the decision making process, environmental educational goals, and restoration strategies. Authorizes appropriations.

Resources 2000 Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1999

Resources 2000 Act - Reduces according to a specified formula the amount of qualified Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) revenues that shall be deposited for a limited fiscal year into the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Historic Preservation Fund, or any other fund or account established by this Act. (Sec. 6) Limits the amount available for administrative expenses to two percent. (Sec. 7) Requires off-budget treatment of the receipts and disbursements of funds under this Act. Title I: Land and Water Conservation Fund Revitalization - Amends the Land and Water Conservation Act of 1965 to extend indefinitely the period for: (1) depositing amounts into the Land and Water Conservation Fund (currently, such period ends September 30, 2015); and (2) under specified conditions, annual authorization of appropriations to the Fund in certain amounts for FY 1977 through 1978 and each succeeding fiscal year. (Sec. 103) Makes $900 million available each fiscal year for obligation or expenditure without further appropriation, to be allocated as follows: (1) 50 percent for Federal purposes; and (2) 50 percent for State grants. (Sec. 105) Removes the "outdoor recreation" limitation on the use of financial assistance to States to carry out planning, land acquisition, and development projects for land and water conservation purposes. (Sec. 106) Revises the formula used to allocate amounts made available for State purposes from the Fund each fiscal year, including distributing one-third of such funds among the several States under a competitive grant program. (Sec. 107) Revises the requirement that a State have a comprehensive statewide outdoor recreation plan as a prerequisite to consideration by the Secretary of the Interior of financial assistance for acquisition or development projects. Allows a State, in order to reduce costly repetitive planning efforts, to use for such a plan a current State comprehensive outdoor recreation plan, a State recreation plan, or a State action agenda under criteria developed by the Secretary. (Sec. 108) Removes the restriction on providing financial assistance to States for incidental costs relating to land and water acquisition. Permits local funding and a limited percentage of the amount of State allocated funds in any one year to be used for sheltered facilities for swimming pools and ice skating rinks in areas where the Secretary determines a need to enhance public safety. (Sec. 109) Requires the Secretary to approve, subject to certain conditions, the conversion of property (other than for public outdoor recreation use) acquired or developed with assistance under the Act only if the State demonstrates that no prudent or feasible alternative exists. Exempts from such requirement conversion of property that is no longer viable as an outdoor conservation or recreation facility due to changes in demographics, or that must be abandoned because of environmental contamination which endangers public health and safety. Title II: Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Program Amendments - Amends the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Act of 1978 to provide for the development of new recreation areas and facilities (including the acquisition of lands for such development) under the urban park and recreation recovery program. (Sec. 205) Revises requirements for: (1) Federal assistance grant eligibility; (2) matching grants to local governments for rehabilitation, development, and innovation purposes; (3) local park and recreation recovery action programs; (4) State action incentives; and (5) conversion of recreation property for any other purpose other than public recreation purposes. (Sec. 210) Establishes in the Treasury the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Fund. Specifies the amount to be deposited into the Fund each fiscal year out of qualified OCS revenues, which shall be available, without further appropriation, until expended. Sets forth limitations on annual State grants under this Act and grant and program administration. (Sec. 211) Repeals sunset provisions and congressional reporting requirements with respect to: (1) the impact of the urban park and recreation recovery program; and (2) the annual achievements of the innovation grant program. Title III: Historic Preservation Fund - Amends the National Historic Preservation Act to specify the amount to be deposited into the Historic Preservation Fund each fiscal year after FY 1998 out of qualified OCS revenues, which shall remain available, without further appropriation, and until expended, only to carry out the purposes of such Act. (Sec. 301) Requires at least one half of the funds obligated or expended each fiscal year under this Act to be used for preservation projects on historic properties (giving priority to the preservation of endangered historic properties). Title IV: Farmland, Ranchland, Open Space, and Forestland Protection - Establishes in the Treasury the Farmland, Ranchland, Open Space, and Forestland Protection Fund. (Sec. 403) Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to use specified amounts from the Fund for the farmland protection and forest legacy programs. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to use specified amounts from the Fund for the ranchland protection program. (Sec. 404) Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 with respect to the farmland protection program to: (1) specify that the program shall be a matching grant program carried out through eligible entities such as State and local government, Indian tribes, and nonprofit conservation organizations; (2) eliminate acreage limitations; and (3) increase the existing funding cap, revising it from a total program cap to a fiscal year cap. (Sec. 405) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a ranchland protection program similar to the farmland protection program. Title V: Federal and Indian Lands Restoration Fund - Establishes the Federal and Indians Lands Restoration Fund which shall be used as a dedicated source of funding for a coordinated program on Federal and Indian lands to restore degraded lands, protect resources that are threatened with degradation, and protect public health and safety. Deposits $250 million of qualified Outer Continental Shelf revenues received by the United States each fiscal year into the Fund and allocates: (1) 60 percent to the Secretary of the Interior for lands within the National Park System, National Wildlife Refuge System, and public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management; (2) 30 percent to the Secretary of Agriculture for lands within the National Forest System; and (3) ten percent to the Secretary of the Interior for competitive grants to Indian tribes under this Act. Requires the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) each establish priority lists for the use of funds which give priority to projects based upon the protection of significant resources, the severity of damages or threats to resources, and the protection of public health or safety; and (2) jointly establish a coordinated program for tracking the progress of activities carried out and determining the extent to which demonstrable results are being achieved. Title VI: Living Marine Resources Conservation, Restoration, and Management Assistance - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to use amounts from the Living Marine Resources Conservation Fund for allocation to a coastal State with a Living Marine Resources Conservation Plan to reimburse the State for the costs of developing, implementing, and revising such a plan. Sets forth plan requirements. Establishes the Living Marine Resources Conservation Fund. Provides for the deposit in such fund of specified amounts received by the United States as qualified Outer Continental Shelf revenues. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants from such fund for the conservation, restoration, or management of living marine resources. Sets forth criteria for grant approval. Defines "living marine resources" as indigenous fin fish, anadromous fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and all other forms of marine animal and plant life, including marine mammals and birds, that inhabit marine or brackish waters of the United States during all or part of their life cycle. Title VII: Funding for State Native Fish and Wildlife Conservation and Restoration - Amends the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1980 to revise the purposes and applicability of such Act so as to: (1) provide for promoting conservation of native (currently, nongame) fish and wildlife; and (2) preserving biological diversity by maintaining natural assemblages of native fish and wildlife. Replaces the definition of "fish and wildlife" and "nongame fish and wildlife" with a definition of "native fish and wildlife" as a fish, animal, or plant species that: (1) historically occurred or occurs in an ecosystem, other than as a result of an introduction, and lives in an unconfined state; and (2) does not include any population of a domesticated species that has reverted to a feral existence. (Sec. 703) Requires State conservation plans to promote balanced and diverse assemblages of native fish and wildlife. (Sec. 704) Repeals the provision specifying that conservation actions set forth in a conservation plan approved by the Secretary of the Interior shall be eligible for reimbursement as fish and wildlife projects. (Sec. 705) Makes amendments relating to the reimbursement of State costs for the development, revision, and implementation of conservation plans to: (1) extend eligibility for reimbursement of costs incurred by States for developing conservation plans through FY 2010, and for implementing conservation plans through FY 2005; (2) repeal specified reimbursement requirements; (3) prohibit paying reimbursement to any State for any cost incurred in implementing an approved conservation plan or action to the extent that more than 50 (currently ten) percent of such costs in any such year are accounted for by inkind contributions; and (4) prohibit the amount of reimbursement paid to any State for any fiscal year after FY 2010 from exceeding 75 percent of the cost of implementing and revising the plan during the fiscal year. (Sec. 706) Establishes the Native Fish and Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Fund into which the following amounts received as qualified Outer Continental Shelf revenues shall be deposited: (1) $100 million for each of FY 2000 and 2001; (2) $200 million for each of FY 2002 through 2004; and (3) $350 million for FY 2005 and each proceeding fiscal year. Makes up to the amount stated for a fiscal year available to the Secretary of the Interior for that fiscal year to reimburse States for conservation plans and actions. Title VIII: Endangered and Threatened Species Recovery - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Commerce to use amounts in the Endangered and Threatened Species Recovery Fund to provide financial assistance to persons for development and implementation of Endangered and Threatened Species Recovery Agreements. Requires either Secretary to give priority to the development and implementation of Agreements that: (1) implement actions identified under recovery plans approved by the Secretary; (2) have the greatest potential for contributing to the recovery of an endangered or threatened species; and (3) require use of the assistance on land owned by a small landowner or on a family farm by the owner or operator. Prohibits the Secretary from providing financial assistance for any action that is required by a permit issued under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 or that is otherwise required under Federal law. (Sec. 803) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into such Agreements and sets forth Agreement requirements, including: (1) requiring activities not otherwise mandated by law that contribute to species recovery; and (2) specifying species recovery goals. Requires the Secretary to review Agreements for compliance with such requirements, propose necessary revisions, approve Agreements in compliance, periodically monitor the implementation of each Agreement, and disburse financial assistance to implement the Agreement. (Sec. 804) Establishes the Endangered and Threatened Species Recovery Fund in the Treasury and requires $100 million to be deposited into the Fund each fiscal year from amounts received as qualified Outer Continental Shelf revenues.

HOPE for Africa Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1999

Human Rights, Opportunity, Partnership, and Empowerment for Africa Act (or the Hope for Africa Act) - Declares the policy of Congress toward sub-Saharan African countries. Title I: Cancellation of Debt Owed By Sub-Saharan African Countries - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct the President to cancel all concessional and nonconcessional loans made, guarantees issued, or credits extended by the United States to sub-Saharan African countries. Directs the President to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees concerning the cancellation of debt. (Sec. 102) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary of State to notify foreign governments that have provided loans, guarantees, or credits to the government of a sub-Saharan African country that it is U.S. policy to forgive all such debts and that such foreign governments should do the same. (Sec. 104) Amends the International Financial Institutions Act to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the United States Executive Directors at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank) to use the U.S. vote to advocate that such financial institutions: (1) unconditionally cancel all debts owed by a sub-Saharan African country to such institution; (2) encourage each country benefitting from such debt cancellation to allocate 20 percent of the country's national budget (including savings from such debt cancellation) to basic services, as the country has committed to do under the United Nations 20- 20 Initiative; and (3) after canceling such debt, require that any future loans not be used to finance in whole or part the implementation of any agreement which requires the country to pay more than five percent of its annual export earnings toward the servicing of foreign loans. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to report to specified congressional committees with respect to the response by foreign governments to the policies advocated by this section. (Sec. 105) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) report to Congress on the amount of debt owed to any U.S. person by any country in sub-Saharan Africa; and (2) acquire and cancel each debt obligation owed to each U.S. person. (Sec. 106) Amends the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1999 to include as an additional duty of the International Financial Institution Advisory Commission that it advise the Secretary of the Treasury and report to Congress on the viability and desirability of having each indebted sub-Saharan African country repay foreign loans in their currency. (Sec. 107) Directs the Secretary of State to encourage the government of each sub-Saharan African country to allocate 20 percent of its national budget (including the savings from cancellation of debt owed by it to the United States) to other foreign countries, to the IMF and the World Bank, and to U.S. persons for the provision of basic services to individuals in their respective country, as provided for in the United Nations 20-20 Initiative. (Sec. 108) Expresses the sense of Congress that, prior to the cancellation of debt owed by sub-Saharan African countries, each such country should not pay in any calendar year an aggregate amount greater than five percent of the export earnings of the country for the prior calendar year. Title II: Trade Provisions Relating to Sub-Saharan Africa - Directs the United States, pursuant to the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing, to eliminate existing quotas on textile and apparel exports to the United States from Kenya and Mauritius not later than 30 days after each country demonstrates that it: (1) does not engage in significant violations of internationally recognized human rights; (2) provides for the enforcement of certain internationally recognized worker rights; and (3) takes adequate measures to prevent illegal transshipment of goods. Directs the President to continue the no quota policy for each of the other sub-Saharan African countries that are in compliance with such requirements. (Sec. 201) Provides that, when the quota for either Kenya or Mauritius is first eliminated, the quota for textile and apparel products from China for each calendar year shall be reduced by an amount equal to the volume of imports of all textile and apparel products from all sub-Saharan African countries into the United States in the preceding calendar year, plus five percent of that amount. Requires the Secretary of Labor to determine, and report annually to Congress on, whether or not each sub-Saharan African country is providing for effective enforcement of internationally recognized worker rights. Directs the President to report annually to Congress on the growth in textiles and apparel exports to the United States from countries in sub-Saharan Africa in order to inform U.S. consumers, workers, and textile manufacturers about the effects of the no quota policy. Directs the President to provide an additional benefit of 50 percent tariff reduction for any textile and apparel product of a sub-Saharan African country that meets the requirements (relating to human rights, workers rights, and illegal transshipments) and that is imported directly into the United States from such country if the business enterprise, or a subcontractor of the enterprise, producing the product is in compliance with specified conditions. Sets forth specified conditions for the import of textile and apparel goods into the United States, including such goods from a sub-Saharan African country. Sets forth penalties for violations committed under this Act. Directs the U.S. Customs Service to monitor and the Commissioner of Customs to report annually on measures taken by sub-Saharan African countries which export textiles or apparel goods to the United States to prevent unlawful transshipment of such goods and circumvention of this Act or any agreement regulating trade in such goods between such country and the United States. (Sec. 202) Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize the President to provide duty-free treatment for certain import-sensitive articles, or articles set forth in the product list of the Lome Treaty, that are the product of a beneficiary developing sub-Saharan African country and that are in compliance with certain human rights requirements with respect to such articles if the President determines that such articles are not import-sensitive in the context of imports from such countries. Sets forth certain rules of origin for purposes of duty-free treatment of products from beneficiary developing sub-Saharan African countries. Extends duty-free treatment to: (1) products from beneficiary developing sub-Saharan African countries through June 30, 2005; and (2) products of other beneficiary developing countries through June 30, 1999. (Sec. 203) Grants a U.S. citizen a cause of action in the U.S. district court to seek compliance of sub-Saharan African countries with the requirements of this Act. Title III: Development Assistance for sub-Saharan African Countries - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to revise congressional findings with respect to long-term development assistance for sub-Saharan Africa to declare that the HIV- AIDS epidemic, along with other conditions, have caused countless deaths and untold suffering among the people of sub-Saharan Africa. (Sec. 302) Directs the Agency for International Development (AID) to provide capacity building assistance through participatory planning to private and voluntary organizations that are involved in providing assistance for sub-Saharan Africa. (Sec. 303) Prohibits military assistance to sub-Saharan African countries. (Sec. 304) Revises critical sectoral priorities provisions to give priority to: (1) increasing food security by promoting agriculture policies in sub-Saharan African countries; (2) improving health conditions in such countries by emphasizing, among other things, HIV-AIDS prevention and treatment programs; (3) providing increased access to voluntary family planning services, including access to prenatal healthcare; (4) improving education and vocational education, with particular emphasis on primary education and vocational education for women; and (5) developing income-generating opportunities, including development of manufacturing and processing industries and microcredit projects. (Sec. 305) Increases the minimum amount of long-term development assistance that should be targeted to certain critical sectors with respect to sub-Saharan African countries. (Sec. 306) Directs the Administrator of AID to report semiannually to Congress on: (1) how, and to what extent, AID has consulted with nongovernmental organizations in sub-Saharan Africa regarding the use of long-term development assistance to sub-Saharan African countries; (2) the extent to which such assistance has been successful in capacity building among local nongovernmental organizations and in increasing food security and access to health and education services among the people of sub-Saharan Africa; and (3) how, and to what extent, such assistance has furthered the goals of sustainable economic and agricultural development, gender equity, environmental protection, and respect for workers' rights there. (Sec. 307) Authorizes appropriations for the Development Fund for Africa. Title IV: Sub-Saharan Africa Equity and Infrastructure Funds - Directs the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) to initiate one or more equity funds in support of infrastructure projects in sub-Saharan Africa, including basic health services (including AIDS prevention and treatment), hospitals, potable water, sanitation, schools, electrification of rural areas, and publicly-accessible transportation. Title V: Overseas Private Investment Corporation and Export-Import Bank Initiatives - Directs the Board of Directors of OPIC to establish and work with an advisory committee to assist it in developing and implementing policies, programs, and financial instruments with respect to sub-Saharan Africa, including with respect to equity and infrastructure funds established under this Act. Sets forth requirements with respect to the composition and administration of the advisory committee. (Sec. 502) Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to revise provisions establishing an advisory committee to require such committee to assist the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States in developing, among other things, financial instruments with respect to sub-Saharan African countries. Sets forth requirements with respect to the composition and administration of the advisory committee. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Prohibits the use of appropriated funds to any Federal agency to be used to seek the revocation or revisions of any sub-Saharan African intellectual property or competition law or policy that is designed to promote access to pharmaceuticals or other medical technologies. (Sec. 603) Directs the President to: (1) provide notice and opportunity to the public for comments on the success or failure of the implementation of this Act; and (2) report such comments to Congress.

Resources 2000 Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1999

Resources 2000 Act - Reduces according to a specified formula the amount of qualified Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) revenues that shall be deposited for a limited fiscal year into the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Historic Preservation Fund, or any other fund or account established by this Act. (Sec. 6) Limits the amount available for administrative expenses to two percent. (Sec. 7) Requires off-budget treatment of the receipts and disbursements of funds under this Act. Title I: Land and Water Conservation Fund Revitalization - Amends the Land and Water Conservation Act of 1965 to extend indefinitely the period for: (1) depositing amounts into the Land and Water Conservation Fund (currently, such period ends September 30, 2015); and (2) under specified conditions, annual authorization of appropriations to the Fund in certain amounts for FY 1977 through 1978 and each succeeding fiscal year. (Sec. 103) Makes $900 million available each fiscal year for obligation or expenditure without further appropriation, to be allocated as follows: (1) 50 percent for Federal purposes; and (2) 50 percent for State grants. (Sec. 105) Removes the "outdoor recreation" limitation on the use of financial assistance to States to carry out planning, land acquisition, and development projects for land and water conservation purposes. (Sec. 106) Revises the formula used to allocate amounts made available for State purposes from the Fund each fiscal year, including distributing one-third of such funds among the several States under a competitive grant program. (Sec. 107) Revises the requirement that a State have a comprehensive statewide outdoor recreation plan as a prerequisite to consideration by the Secretary of the Interior of financial assistance for acquisition or development projects. Allows a State, in order to reduce costly repetitive planning efforts, to use for such a plan a current State comprehensive outdoor recreation plan, a State recreation plan, or a State action agenda under criteria developed by the Secretary. (Sec. 108) Removes the restriction on providing financial assistance to States for incidental costs relating to land and water acquisition. Permits local funding and a limited percentage of the amount of State allocated funds in any one year to be used for sheltered facilities for swimming pools and ice skating rinks in areas where the Secretary determines a need to enhance public safety. (Sec. 109) Requires the Secretary to approve, subject to certain conditions, the conversion of property (other than for public outdoor recreation use) acquired or developed with assistance under the Act only if the State demonstrates that no prudent or feasible alternative exists. Exempts from such requirement conversion of property that is no longer viable as an outdoor conservation or recreation facility due to changes in demographics, or that must be abandoned because of environmental contamination which endangers public health and safety. Title II: Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Program Amendments - Amends the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Act of 1978 to provide for the development of new recreation areas and facilities (including the acquisition of lands for such development) under the urban park and recreation recovery program. (Sec. 205) Revises requirements for: (1) Federal assistance grant eligibility; (2) matching grants to local governments for rehabilitation, development, and innovation purposes; (3) local park and recreation recovery action programs; (4) State action incentives; and (5) conversion of recreation property for any other purpose other than public recreation purposes. (Sec. 210) Establishes in the Treasury the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Fund. Specifies the amount to be deposited into the Fund each fiscal year out of qualified OCS revenues, which shall be available, without further appropriation, until expended. Sets forth limitations on annual State grants under this Act and grant and program administration. (Sec. 211) Repeals sunset provisions and congressional reporting requirements with respect to: (1) the impact of the urban park and recreation recovery program; and (2) the annual achievements of the innovation grant program. Title III: Historic Preservation Fund - Amends the National Historic Preservation Act to specify the amount to be deposited into the Historic Preservation Fund each fiscal year after FY 1998 out of qualified OCS revenues, which shall remain available, without further appropriation, and until expended, only to carry out the purposes of such Act. (Sec. 301) Requires at least one half of the funds obligated or expended each fiscal year under this Act to be used for preservation projects on historic properties (giving priority to the preservation of endangered historic properties). Title IV: Farmland, Ranchland, Open Space, and Forestland Protection - Establishes in the Treasury the Farmland, Ranchland, Open Space, and Forestland Protection Fund. (Sec. 403) Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to use specified amounts from the Fund for the farmland protection and forest legacy programs. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to use specified amounts from the Fund for the ranchland protection program. (Sec. 404) Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 with respect to the farmland protection program to: (1) specify that the program shall be a matching grant program carried out through eligible entities such as State and local government, Indian tribes, and nonprofit conservation organizations; (2) eliminate acreage limitations; and (3) increase the existing funding cap, revising it from a total program cap to a fiscal year cap. (Sec. 405) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a ranchland protection program similar to the farmland protection program. Title V: Federal and Indian Lands Restoration Fund - Establishes the Federal and Indians Lands Restoration Fund which shall be used as a dedicated source of funding for a coordinated program on Federal and Indian lands to restore degraded lands, protect resources that are threatened with degradation, and protect public health and safety. Deposits $250 million of qualified Outer Continental Shelf revenues received by the United States each fiscal year into the Fund and allocates: (1) 60 percent to the Secretary of the Interior for lands within the National Park System, National Wildlife Refuge System, and public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management; (2) 30 percent to the Secretary of Agriculture for lands within the National Forest System; and (3) ten percent to the Secretary of the Interior for competitive grants to Indian tribes under this Act. Requires the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) each establish priority lists for the use of funds which give priority to projects based upon the protection of significant resources, the severity of damages or threats to resources, and the protection of public health or safety; and (2) jointly establish a coordinated program for tracking the progress of activities carried out and determining the extent to which demonstrable results are being achieved. Title VI: Living Marine Resources Conservation, Restoration, and Management Assistance - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to use amounts from the Living Marine Resources Conservation Fund for allocation to a coastal State with a Living Marine Resources Conservation Plan to reimburse the State for the costs of developing, implementing, and revising such a plan. Sets forth plan requirements. Establishes the Living Marine Resources Conservation Fund. Provides for the deposit in such fund of specified amounts received by the United States as qualified Outer Continental Shelf revenues. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants from such fund for the conservation, restoration, or management of living marine resources. Sets forth criteria for grant approval. Defines "living marine resources" as indigenous fin fish, anadromous fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and all other forms of marine animal and plant life, including marine mammals and birds, that inhabit marine or brackish waters of the United States during all or part of their life cycle. Title VII: Funding for State Native Fish and Wildlife Conservation and Restoration - Amends the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1980 to revise the purposes and applicability of such Act so as to: (1) provide for promoting conservation of native (currently, nongame) fish and wildlife; and (2) preserving biological diversity by maintaining natural assemblages of native fish and wildlife. Replaces the definition of "fish and wildlife" and "nongame fish and wildlife" with a definition of "native fish and wildlife" as a fish, animal, or plant species that: (1) historically occurred or occurs in an ecosystem, other than as a result of an introduction, and lives in an unconfined state; and (2) does not include any population of a domesticated species that has reverted to a feral existence. (Sec. 703) Requires State conservation plans to promote balanced and diverse assemblages of native fish and wildlife. (Sec. 704) Repeals the provision specifying that conservation actions set forth in a conservation plan approved by the Secretary of the Interior shall be eligible for reimbursement as fish and wildlife projects. (Sec. 705) Makes amendments relating to the reimbursement of State costs for the development, revision, and implementation of conservation plans to: (1) extend eligibility for reimbursement of costs incurred by States for developing conservation plans through FY 2010, and for implementing conservation plans through FY 2005; (2) repeal specified reimbursement requirements; (3) prohibit paying reimbursement to any State for any cost incurred in implementing an approved conservation plan or action to the extent that more than 50 (currently ten) percent of such costs in any such year are accounted for by inkind contributions; and (4) prohibit the amount of reimbursement paid to any State for any fiscal year after FY 2010 from exceeding 75 percent of the cost of implementing and revising the plan during the fiscal year. (Sec. 706) Establishes the Native Fish and Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Fund into which the following amounts received as qualified Outer Continental Shelf revenues shall be deposited: (1) $100 million for each of FY 2000 and 2001; (2) $200 million for each of FY 2002 through 2004; and (3) $350 million for FY 2005 and each proceeding fiscal year. Makes up to the amount stated for a fiscal year available to the Secretary of the Interior for that fiscal year to reimburse States for conservation plans and actions. Title VIII: Endangered and Threatened Species Recovery - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Commerce to use amounts in the Endangered and Threatened Species Recovery Fund to provide financial assistance to persons for development and implementation of Endangered and Threatened Species Recovery Agreements. Requires either Secretary to give priority to the development and implementation of Agreements that: (1) implement actions identified under recovery plans approved by the Secretary; (2) have the greatest potential for contributing to the recovery of an endangered or threatened species; and (3) require use of the assistance on land owned by a small landowner or on a family farm by the owner or operator. Prohibits the Secretary from providing financial assistance for any action that is required by a permit issued under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 or that is otherwise required under Federal law. (Sec. 803) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into such Agreements and sets forth Agreement requirements, including: (1) requiring activities not otherwise mandated by law that contribute to species recovery; and (2) specifying species recovery goals. Requires the Secretary to review Agreements for compliance with such requirements, propose necessary revisions, approve Agreements in compliance, periodically monitor the implementation of each Agreement, and disburse financial assistance to implement the Agreement. (Sec. 804) Establishes the Endangered and Threatened Species Recovery Fund in the Treasury and requires $100 million to be deposited into the Fund each fiscal year from amounts received as qualified Outer Continental Shelf revenues.

Leistungen statt Wahlversprechen für Frauen und Familien

Austria · Federal Council · 19 February 1999

<i>(Einführung eines Kinderbetreuungsschecks)</i> Dringliche Anfrage der Bundesräte Monika Mühlwerth und Genossen an den Bundesminister für Umwelt, Jungend und Familie betreffend Leistungen statt Wahlversprechen für Frauen und Familien <i>(Einführung eines Kinderbetreuungsschecks)</i>

Amended proposal for a Council Directive on assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment

European Union · European Commission · 18 February 1999