S1361-118

1. Emergency watershed program floodplain easement restoration and management Section 403 of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2203) is amended— in subsection (a)— by striking the subsection designation and heading and all that follows through The Secretary and inserting the following: The Secretary by adding at the end the following: The Secretary may provide financial and technical assistance for restoring adapted vegetative cover and the hydrologic functions and values of wetlands on floodplain easements acquired under paragraph (1). The Secretary shall have sole discretion for entering into compatible-use agreements with landowners and agreements with government agencies or nongovernmental organizations to address maintenance and management of the vegetative cover and wetlands restoration measures on floodplain easements acquired under paragraph (1). in subsection (b), by striking the subsection designation and heading and all that follows through the The Secretary in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) and inserting the following: The Secretary (a)Authorizations(1)In generalThe Secretary; and (2)Easement restorationThe Secretary may provide financial and technical assistance for restoring adapted vegetative cover and the hydrologic functions and values of wetlands on floodplain easements acquired under paragraph (1).(3)Easement managementThe Secretary shall have sole discretion for entering into compatible-use agreements with landowners and agreements with government agencies or nongovernmental organizations to address maintenance and management of the vegetative cover and wetlands restoration measures on floodplain easements acquired under paragraph (1).; and (b)Modification and termination of floodplain easements(1)In generalThe Secretary.