# Plain Language Summary of the COAST Act

This bill increases federal funding for emergency protection projects that prevent riverbanks and shorelines from eroding and collapsing. Right now, the government spends up to $25 million per year on these kinds of emergency repairs. The COAST Act raises that limit to $45.5 million per year—an increase of about $20 million annually. This extra money can be used to fix and build protective structures like reinforced banks and barriers that stop water from washing away land and damaging important infrastructure.

The bill also expands what types of projects qualify for this emergency funding. Previously, the money could only protect specific things like highways, bridges, churches, hospitals, and schools. Now it can also protect public recreational areas, public lands, and parks. The bill also broadens the definition to include "other roadways" beyond just highways, giving communities more flexibility in what they can protect. Additionally, the funding can now be used for both flood control and erosion control, whereas before it was primarily for flood control.

In practical terms, this means communities facing serious erosion problems—whether from rivers, lakes, or coastal areas—will have more resources available when they face emergencies. A town whose riverbank is collapsing and threatening a public park or local road, for example, could now get federal help more easily. The increased funding recognizes that erosion and flooding damage is expensive and that having more money available helps communities respond faster when disasters strike. This is particularly important for smaller towns and rural areas that might not have the budget to handle major erosion emergencies on their own.

COAST Act

Joyce, David P.

Creating Opportunities to Advance Shoreline Treatments Act or the COAST Act This bill authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expand the use of allotted resources for flood control on stream banks and shorelines to include erosion control. Additionally, these resources may be used to prevent damage to areas such as nonhighway roadways, public recreational assets, public lands, and parks.