In addition to funding the federal government for the remainder of the 2014 fiscal year (and removing the threat of another government shutdown until the fall) H.R. 3547 included many funding allotments and policy provisions of interest to the drinking water community, including:
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A May 1, 2014 deadline for EPA to deliver a progress report on implementation of the National Academies of Sciences’ recommendations to improve the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS). The report must include information “on whether there are more appropriate scientific methods to assess, synthesize and draw conclusions regarding likely human health effects associated with likely exposures to substances.”
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An extension of the Department of Homeland Security’s Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program through October 4, 2014. The extension does not alter the exemption of water and wastewater facilities from the program.
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$5.3 billion for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), an increase of $310 million above its baseline FY13 funding level. This total includes $1.89 billion for development of NOAA satellite systems and $156 million for climate research.
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$5.5 billion for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – a 10 percent increase over its FY13 funding level. The figure includes $1.656 billion for construction activities and $2.861 billion for operations and maintenance projects.
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$954 million for the Bureau of Reclamation, including $21 million for the Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program and $19 million for WaterSMART grants.