The Case for Conditioning Federal Infrastructure Investment on State Land and Water Planning

Federal water policy encompasses both investment in capital improvement projects and resource development, and environmental protection and preservation, resulting in continuing tension. Partly as a consequence we have reached an impasse in national water policy without achieving the 35-year-old goal of “fishable and swimmable” surface waters or addressing the potential effect of rising sea levels. Making federal monies for Corps of Engineers projects, highways, and agricultural programs available only on the condition that states receiving funds have comprehensive land and water plans in place could help the nation achieve these important tasks.