Water Resources Research Act Amendments of 2006
Latest Action
Became Public Law No: 109-471.
Official Summary
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on December 6, 2006. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Water Resources Research Act Amendments of 2006 - Amends the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 to require research by state water resources research and technology institutes to be applied and peer reviewed research that fosters improvements in water supply reliability and the entry of new research engineers and technicians into water resources fields. Directs the Secretary to evaluate each institute at least once every three (currently, five) years and requires that such evaluation determine institute effectiveness at producing measured results and applied water supply research. Authorizes appropriations for such institutes for FY2007-FY2011. Requires the Secretary, as part of the annual budget submission to Congress, to provide a crosscut budget detailing expenditures on institute activities and a report on the level of applied research and the results of the activities authorized by such Act, including increases in annual water supplies, increases in annual water yields, advances in water infrastructure and water quality improvements, and methods for identifying and determining the effectiveness of treatment technologies and efficiencies. Limits amounts that may be utilized for administrative costs to 7.5% (currently, 15%) of appropriated sums.
GovScope Watchdog™
AI Government Intelligence™The Water Resources Research Act Amendments of 2006 updates the 1984 Act to enhance the focus and accountability of state water resources research and technology institutes. It mandates that research be applied and peer-reviewed, aimed at improving water supply reliability and supporting workforce development in water resources fields. The Secretary of the Interior is required to evaluate these institutes every three years to assess their effectiveness in producing measurable results. The bill authorizes funding for fiscal years 2007 through 2011, limits administrative costs to 7.5% of appropriations, and requires detailed budget and performance reporting to Congress on water supply improvements, infrastructure advances, and treatment technology effectiveness. This legislation was enacted as Public Law No: 109-471 on January 11, 2007.
This law strengthens oversight and funding for state water research institutes to improve water supply reliability and infrastructure through applied research and regular performance evaluations.
- Requires state water research institutes to conduct applied, peer-reviewed research focused on water supply reliability and workforce development.
- Mandates the Secretary to evaluate each institute at least once every three years, assessing effectiveness based on measurable results.
- Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2007-2011 and limits administrative costs to 7.5% of the funds.
- Requires annual budget submissions to Congress to include detailed expenditure reports and assessments of research outcomes.
- Focuses on improvements in water supplies, water yields, infrastructure, water quality, and treatment technology effectiveness.
['State water resources research and technology institutes', 'Water resource engineers and technicians entering the field', 'Federal agencies overseeing water resource management, including the Department of the Interior', 'Communities and sectors reliant on improved water supply reliability and infrastructure']
['The requirement for applied and peer-reviewed research may increase administrative and operational burdens on state institutes.', 'The limitation of administrative costs to 7.5% may constrain institute flexibility in managing overhead expenses.', 'Regular evaluations every three years require sustained federal oversight and resources.', 'The bill authorizes funding but does not guarantee appropriations, which could affect implementation.']
This bill amends the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 and was passed by the Senate on December 6, 2006, before being signed into law on January 11, 2007. It reflects congressional interest in enhancing accountability and effectiveness of federally supported water research programs and ensuring that research outcomes contribute directly to water supply improvements and workforce development.
Hidden impact flags detected: 2
GovScope reviewed 2 policy-risk categories. Hover for a quick definition. Click detected flags for bill-specific details.
['Enhanced applied research focus may lead to improved water infrastructure and water quality over time.', 'Increased accountability and reporting may influence future funding decisions and research priorities.', 'Limiting administrative costs could encourage more efficient use of funds but may also restrict operational flexibility.']
The bill includes provisions for regular federal evaluations and detailed reporting to Congress, which support transparency and accountability. However, the absence of guaranteed appropriations means that funding levels could vary, potentially impacting program continuity. The reduction in allowable administrative costs aims to prioritize research activities but may require careful oversight to ensure institutes can maintain effective operations.
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