To clarify and update Federal policy governing operation and maintenance of the Toussaint River Federal navigation project in Carroll Township, Ohio, as authorized under section 107 of the River and Harbor Act of 1960, and for other purposes.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Kaptur, Marcy [D-OH-9]
- Committees
- Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 15, 2026
Bottom line
This bill updates the federal cost-sharing arrangement for a specific Ohio navigation project, potentially shifting financial responsibility between federal and local entities.
What it actually does
This bill clarifies and updates the federal cost-share policy for the operation and maintenance of the Toussaint River Federal navigation project in Carroll Township, Ohio. It mandates that the cost-sharing arrangement will now be in accordance with section 101(b)(1) of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986, superseding the original authorization from the River and Harbor Act of 1960. The change is effective from the first day of the federal fiscal year in which the Act is enacted.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill provides necessary clarity and consistency in federal policy for the Toussaint River navigation project, ensuring its continued operation and maintenance by aligning its cost-share with modern standards established in the Water Resources Development Act of 1986. This standardization helps ensure the project remains viable for local commerce and recreation by applying current federal infrastructure funding principles.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that this bill could shift a greater financial burden onto either the federal government or local entities, depending on how the 1986 Act's cost-share compares to the original 1960 Act's provisions. Without a detailed analysis of the financial implications, critics could contend that the change lacks clear justification for altering a long-standing financial arrangement for this specific project.
The bill is extremely short and straightforward, requiring minimal time to read and understand its core purpose.
Section 1(a)
Toussaint River Project Cost Share Update
This provision mandates that the cost-sharing arrangement for the operation and maintenance activities of the Toussaint River Federal navigation project in Carroll Township, Ohio, will now follow the guidelines set forth in section 101(b)(1) of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986. This updates the original authorization from section 107 of the River and Harbor Act of 1960, aiming to standardize the financial framework for this federal project.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision modernizes the financial framework for a critical navigation asset, ensuring its long-term sustainability by applying current federal cost-sharing principles. It provides consistency across federal water infrastructure projects, making funding more predictable and equitable.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that without a detailed analysis of the financial implications, this change could inadvertently increase federal outlays or impose unforeseen burdens on local partners, depending on how the 1986 Act's cost-share differs from the 1960 Act's. They may question the rationale for altering a long-standing agreement without explicit justification.
Tradeoffs
The primary tradeoff involves balancing the desire for consistent federal policy across navigation projects with potential shifts in financial responsibility for a long-established project. This could impact either federal taxpayers through increased appropriations or local entities through altered contribution requirements.
Section 1(b)
Effective Date
This section specifies that the new cost-sharing rules established by the Act will take effect on the first day of the federal fiscal year in which the Act is passed. Furthermore, these new rules will apply to that specific federal fiscal year and every subsequent federal fiscal year thereafter, ensuring a clear implementation timeline.
The bill references 'section 101(b)(1) of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 (33 U.S.C. 2211(b)(1))' for the cost share, rather than explicitly stating the new percentages.
Section 1(a)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to avoid reprinting lengthy statutory text and to ensure consistency with existing legal frameworks. It is not inherently evasive, but it does require external research for full comprehension.
Case for: Incorporating by reference streamlines the bill, avoids redundancy, and ensures that the Toussaint River project's cost-share aligns with broader federal policy for navigation projects, promoting uniformity across similar projects.
Case against: For a reader unfamiliar with 33 U.S.C. 2211(b)(1), the specific financial impact of the bill is not immediately clear from the text alone, requiring additional research to fully grasp the legislation's effect.
Estimated impact: The impact is a change in the percentage of federal versus non-federal funding for operation and maintenance, the exact amount of which depends on the specific provisions of 33 U.S.C. 2211(b)(1) and the annual O&M costs of the project.