SACOG is in an advantageous position with federal partners to accomplish some key victories. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Secretary Woodley has been a proponent of RUCS, and is working closely with SACOG staff and other federal partners to establish funding and policy pathways that support Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) in the region. Other recent highlights:
Adopted in June, this regulatory letter allows a project proponent to accept the Corps' claim for jurisdiction of waters of the U.S. in exchange for an expedited permit process.
The new rule changes where and how mitigation is required, but does notchange when it is required. It also examines opportunities for investment incentives, out-of-kind mitigation and other features.
There has been increasing interest over the State Water Quality Control Board's movement to assume jurisdiction of features which, subsequent to Rappanos and Carabell vs. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, are no longer under the Corps' control.
There is growing concern that U.S. EPA may shut down an authorized and appropriated flood control project on the southern portion of the Mississippi River, under its 404(c) authority. This wouldset a troubling precedent. A regional and national coalition supports an exemption streamlines regulatory actions on authorized projects.
RUCS project consultant Stacey McKinley will continue to regularly update the Land Use & Housing Committee.