Coastal Infrastructure Improvement Act
Summary
The Coastal Infrastructure Improvement Act directs the Secretary of the Army to implement a program for testing and implementing stabilization and erosion control technology to prevent coastal erosion. This program would focus on research and development of biomimetic methods and alternatives to hardened structures for coastal protection. The Act mandates a report to Congress on the program's evaluation and recommendations for continuation.
Expected Effects
The Act aims to improve coastal resilience by promoting innovative erosion control technologies. It could lead to more sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches to protecting coastlines. The program's success depends on the availability of appropriations and the effective collaboration between federal and state agencies.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced coastal protection through innovative technologies.
- Potential for job creation in research, development, and implementation of new erosion control methods.
- Reduced environmental impact compared to traditional hardened structures.
- Improved understanding of coastal erosion processes and effective mitigation strategies.
- Increased resilience of coastal communities to flooding and erosion hazards.
Potential Disadvantages
- Program's effectiveness is subject to the availability of appropriations.
- Potential for delays in implementation due to bureaucratic processes.
- Uncertainty regarding the long-term performance and cost-effectiveness of new technologies.
- Risk of unintended consequences from the application of biomimetic methods.
- Geographic limitations in applicability of certain technologies.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8) by promoting measures to protect coastal communities and infrastructure. Congress has the power to appropriate funds for the common defense and general welfare, which includes addressing coastal erosion. The Act does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).