Sec. 233. Waterbird habitat creation program
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/bill/117/hr/5118/eh/section-233A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
The Secretary shall establish a program to incentivize farmers to keep fields flooded during appropriate time periods for the purposes of waterbird habitat creation and maintenance, including waterfowl and shorebird habitat creation and maintenance, provided that— such incentives may not exceed $3,500,000 annually, either directly or through credits against other contractual payment obligations; the holder of a water contract receiving payments under this section pass such payments through to farmers participating in the program, less reasonable contractor costs, if any; and the Secretary determines that habitat creation activities receiving financial support under this section will create new habitat that is not likely to be created without the financial incentives provided under this section.
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $3,500,000 for each fiscal year through fiscal year 2027 to carry out this section, to remain available until expended. Not later than October 1, 2023, and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report summarizing the environmental performance of activities that are receiving, or have received, assistance under the program authorized by this section.