Coastal Infrastructure Improvement Act

Bill Number

H.R. 5735

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Transportation and Public Works

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-12-01: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.

Last Updated

2026-01-28T09:05:36Z

AI-Generated Summary

Coastal Infrastructure Improvement Act (H.R. 5735)

Purpose

The legislation aims to address coastal erosion by directing the Secretary of the Army to create a research and development program focused on innovative stabilization and erosion control technologies. These technologies emphasize nature-inspired (biomimetic) methods that protect coastlines while supporting ecosystems, serving as alternatives to traditional rigid structures like seawalls.

Key Provisions

• Program Establishment: The Secretary of the Army, through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), must implement a 6-year program for researching and developing erosion control technologies. This is subject to available funding and begins once funds are appropriated.
• Scope of Research: Activities include evaluating biomimetic methods—engineered systems that imitate natural processes, are temporary, adjustable, removable, reusable, and can combine natural and man-made elements—to protect estuaries (where rivers meet the sea), cliffs, bluffs (steep coastal slopes), beaches, dunes, and shorelines. The research covers applications in flood- and erosion-prone areas, including monitoring, maintenance, and costs/longevity estimates.
• Consultation and Diversity: The program involves collaboration with other federal agencies and states approved under the Coastal Zone Management Act (a federal law that supports state-led coastal planning). Testing must occur in varied geographic locations to ensure broad applicability.
• Reporting Requirement: Within 60 days after the 6-year period ends, the Secretary must submit a report to specific congressional committees (Senate Environment and Public Works; House Transportation and Infrastructure). The report includes a full program evaluation and recommendations for continuation.
• Definitions:
• Biomimetic method: A system that copies nature's processes for protection, designed to be flexible and eco-friendly rather than permanent or disruptive.
• Secretary: Refers to the Secretary of the Army, acting via the ERDC director.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new, dedicated program without explicitly amending prior laws. It builds on existing frameworks like the Coastal Zone Management Act by promoting research into eco-friendly alternatives to "hardened structures" (e.g., concrete barriers), which can harm habitats and worsen erosion nearby. No direct repeals or modifications to current statutes are specified.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers gains a structured mandate for R&D, potentially increasing workload and funding needs (tied to appropriations). It encourages inter-agency and state-federal partnerships, which could streamline coastal management efforts.
• Citizens: Coastal residents and communities may benefit from more effective, less disruptive erosion prevention, reducing property damage, flood risks, and habitat loss. This could lower long-term recovery costs from erosion events.
• International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as the focus is on U.S. domestic coastlines; however, successful technologies could influence global coastal protection standards through shared research.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Federal Government: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (lead implementer), other agencies involved in environmental or coastal policy.
• State and Local Governments: States with approved coastal management programs, particularly those facing erosion (e.g., Atlantic and Gulf Coast states).
• Citizens and Communities: Residents in erosion-vulnerable areas, including property owners, local businesses, and environmental advocates benefiting from sustainable protections.
• Research and Environmental Groups: Entities focused on innovative, nature-based solutions to climate-related challenges.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: The program is discretionary and funding-dependent, avoiding mandatory spending that could raise budgetary concerns. It aligns with broader environmental laws by prioritizing ecosystem-friendly approaches, potentially setting precedents for "green infrastructure" in federal projects.
• Constitutional: No apparent conflicts; it falls under Congress's authority to regulate commerce and provide for the general welfare, especially regarding national defense and disaster preparedness tied to coastal stability.
• Political: Introduced bipartisanship (by Reps. Gillen and Van Drew), it reflects growing emphasis on climate adaptation without partisan mandates. The required congressional report ensures oversight, which could influence future funding debates on environmental resilience.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

Recent Actions

• 2025-12-01: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
• 2025-12-01: Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
• 2025-10-10: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
• 2025-10-10: Introduced in House
• 2025-10-10: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Coastal Infrastructure Improvement Act — issued 2025-10-10 — PDF (3 pages)