H.R. 10162: Stormwater Treatment Optimization, Resilience, and Management With Academic Technological Expertise and Research Act

This bill would extend and slightly expand a federal program that supports research centers focused on stormwater control infrastructure technologies. In simple terms, it would keep federal funding available for university-based or similar “centers of excellence” that work on ways to manage stormwater more effectively, reduce flooding, improve runoff treatment, and strengthen stormwater systems.

What changes the bill makes

• It would increase the number of authorized centers from a range of 3 to 5 centers to exactly 5 centers.
• It would extend the time period for the program’s funding and authorization from fiscal years 2022 through 2026 to fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
• It would require that one of the five centers be located in, and focused on, the Great Lakes region.

What the program is for

The centers are meant to support research, development, and technical expertise related to stormwater infrastructure. That can include studying better materials, treatment methods, system designs, and management practices for handling rainwater and runoff in cities and other built environments.

Practical effect

If enacted, the bill would continue federal support for this research effort for several more years and ensure that the program includes five centers instead of a smaller number. It would also direct at least one center to focus on issues specific to the Great Lakes region, where stormwater management can be tied to water quality, flooding, and regional infrastructure concerns.

Relevant Companies

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