S.Amdt. 6296

SA 6296, submitted by Mr. Van Hollen, aims to add a new section (Sec. 2873) to the bill. This addition creates the Military Installation Stormwater Project Acceleration Program within the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

The purpose of this program is to speed up the planning and implementation of projects or actions on or related to military installations that fall into these categories:

• Projects addressed in installation master plans developed under section 2864(c) of title 10.
• Potential military installation projects identified under section 2815 of title 10.
• Stormwater management improvements identified under section 2815a of title 10.
• Actions suitable to enhance or preserve Defense Access Roads under section 210 of title 23.

To ensure accountability, the Secretary of Defense must use a merit-based process to identify projects for funding. The amendment also specifies that this program cannot be used for congressionally directed spending items or community project funding requests.

Finally, the Secretary of Defense is required to submit an annual report by March 1 to the House and Senate Committees on Armed Services. This report must include:

• The status and nature of projects funded by the program.
• An assessment of how these projects help manage stormwater and prevent flooding on defense access roads, civilian infrastructure, and military installations.
• An evaluation of the criteria and methodology used to prioritize and select projects.
• Any recommendations to make the program more effective or efficient.