H.R. 5735 — Coastal Infrastructure Improvement Act

This section establishes a Stabilization and Erosion Control Technology program, subject to appropriations, for six years beginning on the date funds are made available, to conduct research and development on stabilization and erosion control technologies—including biomimetic methods (i.e., engineered systems mimicking natural processes that are temporary, adjustable, removable, reusable, and may include hybrid natural-engineered elements) for protecting estuaries, cliffs, bluffs, beaches, dunes, and shorelines; technologies applicable to coastal flood- and erosion-prone areas (including monitoring and maintenance); and alternatives to static, habitat-disruptive hardened structures that contribute to adjacent erosion—with the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Director of the Engineer Research and Development Center, consulting as appropriate with other federal agencies and states with approved coastal management programs under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. The section requires such research and development activities to occur in diverse geographic locations. Not later than 60 days after the six-year period, the Secretary must submit to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure a report evaluating the program and providing recommendations for its continuation.