96-310

108TH CONGRESS

Report

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

2d Session

108-773
MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, FAMILY HOUSING, AND BASE REALIGNMENT AND CLOSURE FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2005, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

October 9, 2004- Ordered to be printed

Mr. KNOLLENBERG, from the committee of conference, submitted the following

CONFERENCE REPORT

[To accompany H.R. 4837]

The committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses on the amendment of the Senate to the bill (H.R. 4837) `making appropriations for military construction, family housing, and base realignment and closure for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, and for other purposes,' having met, after full and free conference, have agreed to recommend and do recommend to their respective Houses as follows:

That the House recede from its disagreement to the amendment of the Senate, and agree to the same with an amendment, as follows:

In lieu of the matter stricken and inserted by said amendment, insert:

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

SEC. 2. REFERENCES.

DIVISION A--MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2005

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, ARMY

(INCLUDING RESCISSIONS)

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, NAVY AND MARINE CORPS

(INCLUDING RESCISSION)

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, AIR FORCE

(INCLUDING RESCISSION)

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, DEFENSE-WIDE

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS AND RESCISSIONS)

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, AIR NATIONAL GUARD

(INCLUDING RESCISSION)

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, ARMY RESERVE

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, NAVAL RESERVE

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, AIR FORCE RESERVE

NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION

SECURITY INVESTMENT PROGRAM

(INCLUDING RESCISSION)

FAMILY HOUSING CONSTRUCTION, ARMY

(INCLUDING RESCISSION)

FAMILY HOUSING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, ARMY

FAMILY HOUSING CONSTRUCTION, NAVY AND MARINE CORPS

(INCLUDING RESCISSIONS)

FAMILY HOUSING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, NAVY AND MARINE CORPS

FAMILY HOUSING CONSTRUCTION, AIR FORCE

(INCLUDING RESCISSIONS)

FAMILY HOUSING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, AIR FORCE

FAMILY HOUSING CONSTRUCTION, DEFENSE-WIDE

FAMILY HOUSING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, DEFENSE-WIDE

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FAMILY HOUSING IMPROVEMENT FUND

(INCLUDING RESCISSIONS)

CHEMICAL DEMILITARIZATION CONSTRUCTION, DEFENSE-WIDE

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

BASE REALIGNMENT AND CLOSURE ACCOUNT

GENERAL PROVISIONS

(TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

(TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

(TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

(TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

DIVISION B--EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR HURRICANE DISASTERS ASSISTANCE ACT, 2005

AN ACT

MAKING EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2004, FOR ADDITIONAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE RELATING TO NATURAL DISASTERS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

CHAPTER 1

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

FARM SERVICE AGENCY

EMERGENCY CONSERVATION PROGRAM

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE

EMERGENCY WATERSHED PROTECTION PROGRAM

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

RURAL COMMUNITY ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM

RURAL HOUSING SERVICE

RURAL HOUSING INSURANCE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT

RURAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE GRANTS

GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS CHAPTER

SEC. 101. AGRICULTURAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE.

CHAPTER 2

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

FEDERAL PRISON SYSTEM

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION

OPERATIONS, RESEARCH AND FACILITIES

PROCUREMENT, ACQUISITION AND CONSTRUCTION

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

DISASTER LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT

CHAPTER 3

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE--MILITARY

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, ARMY

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, NAVY

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, MARINE CORPS

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, AIR FORCE

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, DEFENSE-WIDE

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, ARMY RESERVE

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, NAVY RESERVE

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, AIR FORCE RESERVE

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, AIR NATIONAL GUARD

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

PROCUREMENT

OTHER PROCUREMENT, AIR FORCE

PROCUREMENT, DEFENSE-WIDE

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

REVOLVING AND MANAGEMENT FUNDS

DEFENSE WORKING CAPITAL FUNDS

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

OTHER DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PROGRAMS

DEFENSE HEALTH PROGRAM

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS CHAPTER

(TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

CHAPTER 4

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE--CIVIL

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

CORPS OF ENGINEERS--CIVIL

GENERAL INVESTIGATIONS

CONSTRUCTION, GENERAL

FLOOD CONTROL, MISSISSIPPI RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES, ARKANSAS, ILLINOIS, KENTUCKY, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, MISSOURI AND TENNESSEE

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, GENERAL

FLOOD CONTROL AND COASTAL EMERGENCIES

CHAPTER 5

BILATERAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE

FUNDS APPROPRIATED TO THE PRESIDENT

UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

INTERNATIONAL DISASTER AND FAMINE ASSISTANCE

CHAPTER 6

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

UNITED STATES COAST GUARD

OPERATING EXPENSES

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE

DISASTER RELIEF

CHAPTER 7

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

CONSTRUCTION

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

CONSTRUCTION

UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

SURVEYS, INVESTIGATIONS, AND RESEARCH

RELATED AGENCY

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

FOREST SERVICE

STATE AND PRIVATE FORESTRY

NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM

WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE

CHAPTER 8

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT

PUBLIC HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES EMERGENCY FUND

CHAPTER 9

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, NAVY AND MARINE CORPS

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, ARMY RESERVE

FAMILY HOUSING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, ARMY

FAMILY HOUSING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, NAVY AND MARINE CORPS

FAMILY HOUSING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, AIR FORCE

BASE REALIGNMENT AND CLOSURE ACCOUNT

CHAPTER 10

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

(AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE TO AIRPORTS

(AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION

FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS

EMERGENCY RELIEF PROGRAM

(HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

UNANTICIPATED NEEDS

CHAPTER 11

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

MEDICAL SERVICES

MEDICAL ADMINISTRATION

MEDICAL FACILITIES

DEPARTMENTAL ADMINISTRATION

GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES

NATIONAL CEMETERY ADMINISTRATION

CONSTRUCTION, MINOR PROJECTS

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND

INDEPENDENT AGENCIES

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

SPACE FLIGHT CAPABILITIES

GENERAL PROVISION--THIS CHAPTER

(TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

CHAPTER 12

GENERAL PROVISION--THIS ACT

DIVISION C--ALASKA NATURAL GAS PIPELINE

SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE.

SEC. 102. DEFINITIONS.

SEC. 103. ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY.

SEC. 104. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS.

SEC. 105. PIPELINE EXPANSION.

SEC. 106. FEDERAL COORDINATOR.

SEC. 107. JUDICIAL REVIEW.

SEC. 108. STATE JURISDICTION OVER IN-STATE DELIVERY OF NATURAL GAS.

SEC. 109. STUDY OF ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF CONSTRUCTION.

SEC. 110. CLARIFICATION OF ANGTA STATUS AND AUTHORITIES.

SEC. 111. SENSE OF CONGRESS CONCERNING USE OF STEEL MANUFACTURED IN NORTH AMERICA NEGOTIATION OF A PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENT.

SEC. 112. SENSE OF CONGRESS AND STUDY CONCERNING PARTICIPATION BY SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS.

SEC. 113. ALASKA PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION TRAINING PROGRAM.

SEC. 114. SENSE OF CONGRESS CONCERNING NATURAL GAS DEMAND.

SEC. 115. SENSE OF CONGRESS CONCERNING ALASKAN OWNERSHIP.

SEC. 116. LOAN GUARANTEES.


Joe Knollenberg,
James T. Walsh,
Robert B. Aderholt,
Kay Granger,
Virgil Goode,
David Vitter,
Jack Kingston,
Ander Crenshaw,
Bill Young,
Chet Edwards,
Sam Farr,
Allen Boyd,
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.,
Norman D. Dicks,

Managers on the Part of the House.
Kay Bailey Hutchison,
Conrad Burns,
Larry E. Craig,
Mike DeWine,
Sam Brownback,
Ted Stevens,
Dianne Feinstein,
Daniel K. Inouye,
Tim Johnson,
Mary L. Landrieu,
Robert C. Byrd,

Managers on the Part of the Senate.

JOINT EXPLANATORY STATEMENT OF THE COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE

The managers on the part of the House and the Senate at the conference on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses on the amendment of the Senate to the bill (H.R. 4837) making appropriations for Military Construction, Family Housing, and Base Realignment and Closure for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, and for other purposes, submit the following joint statement to the House of Representatives and the Senate in explanation of the effect of the action agreed upon by the managers and recommended in the accompanying conference report.

This conference report includes, in addition to the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 2005, Division B--Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Hurricane Disaster Assistance Act, 2005, and Division C--Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline.

DIVISION A--MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2005

ITEMS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Matters Addressed by Only One Committee.--The language and allocations set forth in House Report 108-607 and Senate Report 108-309 should be complied with unless specifically addressed to the contrary in the conference report and statement of the managers. Report language included by the House which is not changed by the report of the Senate or the conference, and Senate report language which is not changed by the conference is approved by the committee of conference. The statement of the managers, while repeating some report language for emphasis, does not intend to negate the language referred to above unless expressly provided herein. In cases where the House or the Senate have directed the submission of a report from the Department of Defense, such report is to be submitted to both the House and the Senate Committees on Appropriations.

Audit Trail Documents.--The conferees direct the Department of Defense to continue the semi-annual submission of audit trail documents, a practice reinstated by the fiscal year 2004 Military Construction Appropriations conference report. The conferees emphasize that the documents shall describe the following: the appropriated amount, the amount formally reprogrammed, the amount of below threshold reprogramming, the current funded level, the contract award date, the contract amount, and the current working estimate, along with explanatory notes as necessary, for each project as budgeted in the Construction Annex, as well as projects funded under Minor Construction and Family Housing Improvements. All of this information shall be described in no more than one line item for each project. The audit trail documents shall reflect projects from the current fiscal year plus the previous four fiscal years.

Notification Requirements for Changes in Scope.--Title 10, Section 2853 of U.S. Code states that `the scope of work for a military construction project or for the construction, improvement, and acquisition of a military family housing project may be reduced by not more than 25 percent from the amount approved for that project, construction, improvement, or acquisition by Congress' subject to certain limitations, one of which is notification of Congressional Committees. It is the understanding of the conferees that the services have interpreted this provision to mean that scope reduction notification is required only when a reduction is made to engineering based attributes such as square footage. The conferees emphasize that scope reduction notification also applies when a reduction of 25 percent or more is taken from the amount appropriated for a project. The conferees also emphasize that scope reductions in excess of 25 percent may not be made until the appropriate Congressional Committees have been notified and a 21-day period has elapsed. The notification is a statutory requirement independent of any reprogramming request and must precede by at least 21 days any request to reprogram funds that are excess to a project due to a scope reduction.

This corrected understanding of the requirement is necessary to ensure transparency in the military construction program and to restore the ability of Congress to exercise proper oversight of appropriated funds for military construction. For example, the Army reduced a barracks project at Camp Hovey, Korea, from $26,000,000 to $17,000,000, a 35 percent reduction and well above the 25 percent threshold. Congress often learns of these scope reductions only when the services submit reprogramming requests to use the savings for other projects. The conferees therefore agree that it is highly necessary to clarify the scope reduction requirement.

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, ARMY

(INCLUDING RESCISSIONS)

The conference agreement appropriates $1,981,084,000 for Military Construction, Army, instead of $1,862,854,000 as proposed by the House and $1,977,166,000 as proposed by the Senate. Within this amount, the conference agreement provides $156,999,000 for study, planning, design, architect and engineer services, and host nation support instead of $140,554,000 as proposed by the House and $166,216,000 as proposed by the Senate. The conference agreement also rescinds $18,976,000 from funds previously provided to this account as follows:

Insert graphic folio 158/119 HR773.001

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, NAVY, AND MARINE CORPS

(INCLUDING RESCISSION)

The conference agreement appropriates $1,069,947,000 for Military Construction, Navy and Marine Corps, instead of $1,081,042,000 as proposed by the House and $1,016,315,000 as proposed by the Senate. Within this amount, the conference agreement provides $90,830,000 for study, planning, design, architect and engineer services instead of $93,284,000 as proposed by the House and $110,277,000 as proposed by the Senate. The conference agreement also rescinds $24,000,000 from funds previously provided to this account as follows:

Insert graphic folio 158/121 HR773.002

The conferees direct the Secretary of the Navy to report by February 15, 2005 on efforts to incorporate reserve component requirements into land disposal agreements resulting from the closure of Naval Air Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico.

California-North Island Special Operations Forces Ground Mobility Support Building.--The conferees are aware of the City of Coronado's goal to expedite military personnel traffic to and from the base through the construction of the State Route 75 Corridor Tunnel from the western terminus of the San Diego-Coronado Bridge directly into the Naval Air Station, North Island. The conferees urge the Navy to ensure that the Base Main Gate and Entrance Street project is fully compatible with the design for the State Route 75 Corridor Tunnel.

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, AIR FORCE

(INCLUDING RESCISSION)

The conference agreement appropriates $866,331,000 for Military Construction, Air Force, instead of $797,865,000 as proposed by the House and $841,131,000 as proposed by the Senate. Within this amount, the conference agreement provides $130,711,000 for study, planning, design, architect and engineer services instead of $165,367,000 as proposed by the House and $180,507,000 as proposed by the Senate. The conference agreement also rescinds $21,800,000 from funds previously provided to this account as follows:

Insert graphic folio 158/123 HR773.003

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, DEFENSE-WIDE

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS AND RESCISSIONS)

The conference agreement appropriates $686,055,000 for Military Construction, Defense-wide, instead of $718,837,000 as proposed by the House and $696,491,000 as proposed by the Senate. Within this amount, the conference agreement provides $62,800,000 for study, planning, design, architect and engineer services instead of $63,482,000 as proposed by the House and $66,336,000 as proposed by the Senate. The conference agreement also rescinds $22,737,000 from funds previously provided to this account as follows:

Insert graphic folio 158/125 HR773.004

The conference agreement provides $50,000,000 for the Energy Conservation Improvement Program as proposed by the House instead of $60,000,000 as proposed by the Senate.

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

The conference agreement appropriates $446,748,000 for Military Construction, Army National Guard, instead of $394,100,000 as proposed by the House and $381,765,000 as proposed by the Senate. The conference agreement does not include a provision proposed by the House to earmark funds for planning and design activities. The Senate bill contained no similar provision.

Georgia-Army National Guard Armory, Fulton County Airport-Brown Field.--The conferees agree that within funds provided for planning and design in this account, $100,000 shall be made available to conduct a feasibility study on the relocation of this armory to Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia.

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, AIR NATIONAL GUARD

(INCLUDING RESCISSION)

The conference agreement appropriates $243,043,000 for Military Construction, Air National Guard, instead of $180,533,000 as proposed by the House and $231,083,000 as proposed by the Senate. The conference agreement does not include a provision proposed by the House to earmark funds for planning and design activities. The Senate bill contained no similar provision. The conference agreement also rescinds $5,000,000 from funds previously provided to this account as follows:

Insert graphic folio 158/127 HR773.005

MILTIARY CONSTRUCTION, ARMY RESERVE

The conference agreement appropriates $92,377,000 for Military Construction, Army Reserve, instead of $116,521,000 as proposed by the House and $66,325,000 as proposed by the Senate. The conference agreement does not include a provision proposed by the House to earmark funds for planning and design activities. The Senate bill contained no similar provision.

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, NAVAL RESERVE

The conference agreement appropriates $44,246,000 for Military Construction, Naval Reserve, instead of $30,955,000 as proposed by the House and $33,735,000 as proposed by the Senate. The conference agreement does not include a provision proposed by the House to earmark funds for planning and design activities. The Senate bill contained no similar provision.

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, AIR FORCE RESERVE

The conference agreement appropriates $123,977,000 for Military Construction, Air Force Reserve, instead of $111,725,000 as proposed by the House and $101,373,000 as proposed by the Senate. The conference agreement does not include a provision proposed by the House to earmark funds for planning and design activities. The Senate bill contained no similar provision.

NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION SECURITY INVESTMENT PROGRAM

(INCLUDING RESCISSION)

The conference agreement appropriates $165,800,000 for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program as proposed by both the House and Senate. The conference agreement also includes a rescission of $5,000,000 from prior appropriations due to the slow spend out rate of the program and the recurrence of carryover amounts.

FAMILY HOUSING CONSTRUCTION, ARMY

(INCLUDING RESCISSION)

The conference agreement appropriates $636,099,000 for Family Housing Construction, Army, as proposed by both the House and the Senate. The conference agreement also rescinds $21,000,000 from funds previously provided to this account.

FAMILY HOUSING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, ARMY

The conference agreement appropriates $926,507,000 for Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Army as proposed by the House instead of $928,907,000 as proposed by the Senate. The reduction from the President's request shall not be construed as prohibiting any routine or emergency repair and maintenance work for general officer quarters.

FAMILY HOUSING CONSTRUCTION, NAVY AND MARINE CORPS

(INCLUDING RESCISSIONS)

The conference agreement appropriates $139,107,000. for Family Housing Construction, Navy and Marine Corps as proposed by both the House and the Senate. The conference agreement also rescinds $12,301,000 from funds previously provided to this account. The Navy has identified these funds as no longer being necessary to complete the projects in the following table. It is the understanding of the conferees that the rescissions will not affect the projects for which they were appropriated.

Insert graphic folio 158/132 HR773.006

FAMILY HOUSING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, NAVY AND MARINE CORPS

The conference agreement appropriates $696,304,000 for Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Navy and Marine Corps as proposed by the House instead of $704,504,000 as proposed by the Senate. The reduction from the President's request shall not be construed as prohibiting any routine or emergency repair and maintenance work for general and flag officer quarters.

FAMILY HOUSING CONSTRUCTION, AIR FORCE

(INCLUDING RESCISSIONS)

The conference agreement appropriates $846,959,000 for Family Housing Construction, Air Force, as proposed by both the House and the Senate. The conference agreement rescinds $45,171,000 from funds previously provided to this account. The Air Force has identified these funds as no longer being necessary to complete the projects in the following table. It is the understanding of the conferees that the rescissions will not affect the projects for which they were appropriated.

Insert graphic folio 158/134 HR773.007

FAMILY HOUSING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, AIR FORCE

The conference agreement appropriates $853,384,000 for Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Air Force, instead of $854,666,000 as proposed by the House and $856,114,000 as proposed by the Senate. The reduction from the President's request shall not be construed as prohibiting any routine or emergency repair and maintenance work for general officer quarters.

FAMILY HOUSING CONSTRUCTION, DEFENSE-WIDE

The conference agreement appropriates $49,000 for Family Housing Construction, Defense-Wide as proposed by both the House and the Senate.

FAMILY HOUSING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, DEFENSE-WIDE

The conference agreement appropriates $49,575,000 for Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide as proposed by both the House and the Senate.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FAMILY HOUSING IMPROVEMENT FUND

(INCLUDING RESCISSIONS)

The conference agreement appropriates $2,500,000 for the Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund as proposed by both the House and the Senate. The conference agreement also rescinds $19,109,000 from funds previously provided to this account. The Department of Defense has identified these funds as no longer being necessary to complete the projects in the following table. It is the understanding of the conferees that the rescissions will not affect the projects for which they were appropriated.

Insert graphic folio 158/137 HR773.008

CHEMICAL DEMILITARIZATION CONSTRUCTION, DEFENSE-WIDE

The conference agreement appropriates $81,886,000 for Chemical Demilitarization Construction, Defense-Wide as proposed by both the House and the Senate.

BASE REALIGNMENT AND CLOSURE ACCOUNT

The conference agreement appropriates $246,116,000 for the Base Realignment and Closure Account as proposed by both the House and Senate.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

The conference agreement includes general provisions (sections 101-103, 105-119, 121-123, 125, and 126) that were not amended by either the House or Senate.

The conference agreement includes section 104 as proposed by the House to prohibit construction of new bases in the United States without a specific appropriation. The Senate bill contained a similar provision, but limited the prohibition to the continental United States.

The conference agreement includes section 120 as proposed by the Senate to allow the transfer of funds only from the Family Housing, Construction accounts to the Family Housing Improvement Fund and to allow the transfer of funds from the construction of military unaccompanied housing to the Military Unaccompanied Housing Improvement Fund. The House bill contained a similar provision, but only for the transfer of funds from the Family Housing, Construction accounts to the Family Housing Improvement Fund.

The conference agreement includes section 124 as proposed by the Senate to limit the maintenance and repair of any general or flag officer quarters to $35,000 per year without 30 days advance notification. The House bill contained a similar provision, but limited such maintenance and repairs to $20,000.

The conference agreement includes a provision (section 127) as proposed by the Senate to change the due date of a report by the Overseas Basing Commission. The House bill contained no similar provision.

The conference agreement includes a provision (section 128) as proposed by the House to require the Department of Defense to respond to a question or inquiry, in writing, within 21 days of the request. The Senate bill contained no similar provision.

The conference agreement includes a provision (section 129) as proposed by the Senate to make funds in the Ford Island Improvement Fund available until expended. The House bill contained no similar provision.

The conference agreement includes a provision (section 130) as proposed by the House to name a fitness center at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida. The Senate bill contained no similar provision.

The conference agreement includes a modified Senate provision (section 131) to give the Secretary of Agriculture the right of first refusal to negotiate over the disposal of land at Fort Hunter Liggett, California, determined to be in excess of military needs. If and when the property is transferred into the National Forest System, the conferees expect the Department of the Army to comply with all pertinent environmental regulations pertaining to the remediation of the land. The House bill contained no similar provision.

The conference agreement includes a new provision (section 132) to identify the Congressional Committees that are to receive all reports and notifications required by this division.

The conference agreement does not include a provision proposed by the House to allow the transfer of expired funds to the Foreign Currency Fluctuation, Construction, Defense account. The Senate bill contained no similar provision.

The conference agreement does not include a provision proposed by the Senate to require a report on the impacts on the military family housing program under the current Military Housing Privatization Initiative. The House bill contained no similar provision.

The conference agreement does not include a provision proposed by the Senate to provide funding to the Overseas Basing Commission. The House bill contained no similar provision.

Insert graphic folio 158/141 HR773.009

Insert graphic folio 158/142 HR773.010

Insert graphic folio 158/143 HR773.011

Insert graphic folio 158/144 HR773.012

Insert graphic folio 158/145 HR773.013

Insert graphic folio 158/146 HR773.014

Insert graphic folio 158/147 HR773.015

Insert graphic folio 158/148 HR773.016

Insert graphic folio 158/149 HR773.017

Insert graphic folio 158/150 HR773.018

Insert graphic folio 158/151 HR773.019

Insert graphic folio 158/152 HR773.020

Insert graphic folio 158/153 HR773.021

Insert graphic folio 158/154 HR773.022

Insert graphic folio 158/155 HR773.023

Insert graphic folio 158/156 HR773.024

Insert graphic folio 158/157 HR773.025

Insert graphic folio 158/158 HR773.026

Insert graphic folio 158/159 HR773.027

Insert graphic folio 158/160 HR773.028

Insert graphic folio 158/161 HR773.029

Insert graphic folio 158/162 HR773.030

Insert graphic folio 158/163 HR773.031

DIVISION B--EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR HURRICANE DISASTERS ASSISTANCE ACT, 2005

CHAPTER 1

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

FARM SERVICE AGENCY

EMERGENCY CONSERVATION PROGRAM

The conference agreement provides an additional $100,000,000 for `Emergency Conservation Program,' for expenses resulting from natural disasters, to remain available until expended.

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE

EMERGENCY WATERSHED PROTECTION PROGRAM

The conference agreement provides an additional $250,000,000 for `Emergency Watershed Protection Program' to repair damages to the waterways and watersheds resulting from natural disasters, to remain available until expended.

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

RURAL COMMUNITY ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM

The conference agreement provides an additional $68,000,000 for the `Rural Community Advancement Program', to repair damages to water and waste disposal systems and community facilities resulting from natural disasters, to remain available until expended. The conference agreement provides that $50,000,000 shall be available for water and waste disposal grants, and $18,000,000 shall be available for community facility direct loans and grants. Funds provided under this heading shall be in addition to a state's regular program allocation.

RURAL HOUSING SERVICE

RURAL HOUSING INSURANCE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT

The conference agreement provides an additional $5,000,000 in budget authority, which supports an estimated loan level of $17,000,000 for the section 504 direct housing repair and rehabilitation program as authorized by title V of the Housing Act of 1949, for damages resulting from natural disasters, to be available from funds in the rural housing insurance fund, for direct loans to section 504 borrowers. Funds provided under this heading shall be in addition to a state's regular program allocation.

RURAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE GRANTS

The conference agreement provides an additional $13,000,000 for `Rural Housing Assistance Grants', to remain available until expended, for damages resulting from natural disasters, of which $8,000,000 shall be for grants and contracts for very low-income housing repair, made by the Rural Housing Service, and of which $5,000,000 shall be for domestic farm labor housing grants and contracts. Funds provided under this heading shall be in addition to a state's regular program allocation.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 101. The conference agreement provides supplemental disaster assistance for losses due to hurricanes and tropical storms, including related conditions such as flooding. The conference agreement provides funding for losses under current law including, but are not limited to: cotton, peanuts, tobacco, clams, oysters and other shellfish, hay and forage, sod, tropical aquaculture, shrimp, lobster and other fish. The conference agreement includes a provision to offset the cost of this program.

Sec. 102. The conference agreement provides supplemental disaster assistance to compensate first processors and producers for losses due to hurricanes and tropical storms.

Sec. 103. The conference agreement provides that the Secretary of Agriculture shall carry out a dairy loss program.

Sec. 104. The conference agreement provides that the Secretary of Agriculture shall carry out a cottonseed assistance program. The conferees expect the Secretary to distribute the funds in a similar manner to that utilized previously to deliver the cottonseed assistance.

Sec. 105. The conference agreement provides that certain sections are to remain available until expended and are designated as an emergency requirement.

Sec. 106. The conference agreement provides that certain communities in Burlington and Camden Counties (NJ), affected by the 1,000-year flood which occurred on July 12, 2004, are deemed to be rural areas during fiscal year 2005 for certain rural development programs.

Sec. 107. The conference agreement authorizes financial and technical assistance to the Hope Mills Dam (NC) project.

Sec. 108. The conference agreement provides $90,000,000 to the fund established by section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935 (7 U.S.C. 612c), to make payments with respect to 2004 hurricane losses.

Sec. 109. The conference agreement provides not more than $4,000,000 for the Farm Service Agency to cover administrative expenses associated with the implementation of sections 101 and 102 of this chapter.

Sec. 110. The conference agreement provides $10,000,000 to provide assistance for timber losses.

Sec. 111. The conference agreement provides $8,500,000 for assistance to pecan producers.

CHAPTER 2

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

FEDERAL PRISON SYSTEM

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The conference agreement includes $5,500,000 for the Salaries and Expenses account of the Federal Prison System. The conferees understand that the amounts provided will fund salaries and other expenses related to repairing and replacing roofs and fences, cleaning up prison facilities, detailing medical staff to assist disaster victims, and transporting and relocating almost 5,000 Federal inmates from institutions affected by Hurricane Ivan and related storms.

FEDERAL PRISON SYSTEM

BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

The conference agreement includes $18,600,000 for the Buildings and Facilities account of the Federal Prison System. The conferees understand that the amounts provided will fund roof repair, building and perimeter fence repair and replacement, and clean-up activities at numerous Federal prison facilities in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia that sustained damage in Hurricane Ivan and related severe storms.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION

OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND FACILITIES

The conference agreement includes $16,900,000 for the Operations, Research and Facilities account of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The conference agreement supports $1,200,000 to address damage to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration facilities and assets, including repairs for laboratory facilities, weather radio towers, and marine buoys, as well as costs associated with hurricane preparations; $2,900,000 to address impacts to endangered species, including assessment and restoration efforts for impaired habitat and Endangered Species Act responsibilities associated with disaster cleanup; $9,000,000 for reseeding, rehabilitation and restoration of oyster reefs in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi due to damage from Hurricane Ivan; and $3,800,000 to address hurricane forecasting needs.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION

PROCUREMENT, ACQUISITION AND CONSTRUCTION

The conference agreement includes $3,800,000 for the Procurement, Acquisition and Construction account of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The conference agreement provides $300,000 for hurricane prediction technology requirements and $3,500,000 for airborne Doppler radar used for hurricane precipitation and wind field forecasting.

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

DISASTER LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT

The conference agreement includes $929,000,000 for the Disaster Loans Program Account for loan subsidy costs and associated administrative expenses. The amounts provided will allow the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make disaster loans to individuals and businesses in the wake of Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, Jeanne, and other natural disasters. The conferees understand that the funding requirements for these storms will far exceed the five-year average of disaster loan-making activity resulting in the necessity for emergency appropriations. The amounts provided will allow the SBA to make approximately $5,500,000,000 of loans to individuals and businesses.

CHAPTER 3

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE--MILITARY

Chapter 3 of the conference agreement recommends $909,400,000 for the Department of Defense in support of specific security, temporary relocation,

cleanup, repair, and other related activities taken by the military services and defense activities in preparation for and recovery from Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne, Tropical Storm Bonnie, and other natural disasters.

Within the total amount provided, $762,800,000 is provided to the operation and maintenance appropriations for cleanup and repair of storm damage. Of this amount, the conferees have provided $662,800,000 directly to the military services and the Defense Health Program to meet the most immediate and urgent needs.

The conferees recommend $100,000,000 for the Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide account, with transfer authority available to the Secretary of Defense to maximize the Department of Defense's capability to allocate funds in the proper amounts and accounts. The Secretary of Defense may transfer these funds to appropriations for military personnel; operation and maintenance; the Defense Health Program; and working capital funds. Fifteen days prior written notification to the congressional defense committees is required before making transfers.

The conferees have provided $140,000,000 in the Procurement, Defense-Wide account with the authority to transfer funds to other accounts. These funds may be transferred to appropriations for operation and maintenance; procurement; and research, development, test and evaluation. Fifteen days prior written notification to the congressional defense committees is required. The conferees have directed five transfers of funds from the Procurement, Defense-Wide account, to other procurement and research and development accounts, to support specific purposes related to recovery from hurricanes, tropical storms and other natural disasters.

The following table provides details of the supplemental appropriations in this chapter.

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CHAPTER 3 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

The conferees direct the Secretary of Defense during fiscal year 2005 to submit to the congressional defense committees no later than December 1, 2004, a quarterly comprehensive report on the distribution of funds by account and the purposes for which the funds have been used. This report shall detail both actual and projected obligations of appropriations provided in this chapter.

PERSONNEL EVACUATION COSTS

The President requested $12,125,000 to cover costs associated with the evacuation of military dependents during the recent hurricanes. The conferees provide the flexibility to reimburse the Services for fiscal year 2004 military personnel costs from funds provided in Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide, in order to preclude an Anti-deficiency Act violation in the Military Personnel accounts.

DELAWARE AIR NATIONAL GUARD

The conferees are aware of recent storm damage to facilities and equipment at the Air National Guard Headquarters in New Castle, Delaware. The conferees are aware that estimates of damages are still being assessed, and have provided the flexibility from funds made available in Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide and Procurement, Defense-Wide to repair facilities and repair or replace aircraft damaged in the tornado.

M-4 RIFLE REQUIREMENTS FOR OIF AND OEF

The conferees strongly encourage the Department of Defense to address current wartime needs for M-4 rifles and direct the Army to provide a report to the congressional defense committees outlining the requirements for M-4 rifles with respect to future Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom deployments. This report should be submitted no later than November 15, 2004.

XM-8 FAMILY OF WEAPONS

The conferees support the Army's plans to begin fielding the XM-8 as the eventual replacement for the M-16 and M-4 families of weapons. Accordingly, the conferees strongly encourage the Department of Defense to accelerate the fielding of the XM-8 family of weapons from funds provided in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2005 (Public Law 180-287). The conferees direct the Army to provide a report to the congressional defense committees, not later than November 15, 2004, on plans to begin fielding the XM-8 family of weapons.

FORCE PROTECTION UPGRADES FOR EUROPEAN HOSPITALS

The conferees are aware of significant force protection and facility code requirements at Landstuhl Army Medical Center, Naval Hospital Sigonella and Naval Hospital Rota. The conferees recommend and encourage the Department of Defense to fund these urgent upgrades needed to continue providing quality patient protection.

GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS CHAPTER

The conferees include a new general provision which provides that appropriations provided in this chapter are available for obligation until September 30, 2005, unless otherwise so provided.

The conferees include a new general provision which provides that funds appropriated in this chapter, or made available by the transfer of funds in or pursuant to this chapter, for intelligence activities are deemed to be authorized for purposes of section 504 of the National Security Act of 1947.

The conferees include a new general provision which prohibits the use of funds provided in this chapter to finance programs or activities denied by Congress for fiscal years 2004 or 2005 and requires written notification prior to initiating new start programs.

The conferees include a new general provision which amends Section 8007 of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2005 (Public Law 108-287), by striking the words `in session'.

In the classified annex accompanying Public Law 108-287, the conferees provided certain guidance regarding Section 8090(b) of said Act. The conferees express their intent to further address the issues raised in that annex in subsequent fiscal year 2005 appropriations legislation.

The conferees include a new general provision which provides the Secretary of Defense with $200,000,000 in additional transfer authority, only for funds in this chapter, and only to meet hurricane and other natural disaster-related expenses.

The conferees include a new general provision which amends action 9010(b) of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for a citation change.

The conferees include a new general provision which makes certain technical adjustments, transfers funds, and adjusts restrictions in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2005 (Public Law 108-287). The general provision increases the number of armored passenger vehicles that may be purchased under Other Procurement, Army from 1 to 21; increases the maximum allowable cost from $200,000 to $275,000; and provides that vehicles purchased in excess of one may only be in direct support of force protection requirements. Additionally, it directs the following transfers of funds.

To: `Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Defense-Wide, 2005/2006', $5,950,000, only for the National Media Exploitation Center for improved data and media capture, transformation and categorization activities;

From: `Operation and Maintenance, Army', $5,950,000.

To: `Procurement, Marine Corps, 2005/2007', $7,000,000, only for purchasing additional force protection x-ray imaging units for deployment to the Iraqi theater of operations.

From: `Operation and Maintenance, Marine Corps', as provided in title IX of Public law 108-287, $7,000,000.

To: The Department of Veterans Affairs, under the heading, `Medical Services', $500,000 only to allow White River Junction-Fort Ethan Allen Community Based Outpatient Clinic and the Vermont National Guard to purchase Veterans Administration health care services that provide Guardsmen and their family members the utmost in-patient care.

From: `Defense Health Program', Operation and Maintenance, $500,000, from an appropriation in House Report 108-622 for the same purposes.

To: `Operation and Maintenance, Army National Guard', $1,400,000, only for the Construction Transition Program, as described in House Report 108-283.

From: `Operation and Maintenance, Army', $1,400,000.

In addition, this provision amends Section 9014 of Public Law 108-287 to make clear the intent of the conferees this section's authority providing the Secretary of Defense with discretionary authority to present patriotic materials, including a United States flag, to military personnel who participate in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The conferees include a new general provision which increases the authority provided in section 9007 of Public Law 108-287 for the Commanders' Emergency Response Program (CERP) from $300,000,000 to $500,000,000.

The conferees include a new general provision to make a technical adjustment to section 9006 of Public Law 108-287 to clarify a definition to include the Iraqi Armed Forces.

CHAPTER 4

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE--CIVIL

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

CORPS OF ENGINEERS--CIVIL

GENERAL INVESTIGATIONS

The conference agreement provides for an additional $400,000 for General Investigations to update studies where necessitated by storm damage to shore protection projects, including the feasibility study for Walton County, Florida.

CONSTRUCTION, GENERAL

The conference agreement provides an additional $62,600,000 for Construction, General to provide for the repair of storm damage to authorized shore protection projects, and for time-sensitive data collection and analysis of the performance of shore protection projects, including the development of a three-dimensional physics-based analytical model.

FLOOD CONTROL, MISSISSIPPI RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES, ARKANSAS, ILLINOIS, KENTUCKY, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, MISSOURI AND TENNESSEE

The conference agreement provides for an additional $6,000,000 for Flood Control, Mississippi River and Tributaries, for levee and revetment repair and for emergency dredging.

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, GENERAL

The conference agreement provides for an additional $145,400,000 for Operation and Maintenance, General for repair of storm damage to authorized projects.

FLOOD CONTROL AND COASTAL EMERGENCIES

The conference agreement provides for an additional $148,000,000 for Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies for emergency expenses for repair of damage to flood control and hurricane shore protection projects by storms and other natural disasters. Funding for the Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies appropriation account includes funds to restore flood control and hurricane shore protection projects to their pre-storm condition.

CHAPTER 5

BILATERAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE

FUNDS APPROPRIATED TO THE PRESIDENT

UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

INTERNATIONAL DISASTER AND FAMINE ASSISTANCE

The conference agreement appropriates $100,000,000 for necessary expenses to respond to the disasters caused by hurricanes and tropical storms in the Caribbean region. Language is included designating funding for emergency and overseas contingency operations.

The funds appropriated by this paragraph are made available notwithstanding section 10 of Public Law 91-672 and section 15 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956.

CHAPTER 6

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

UNITED STATES COAST GUARD

OPERATING EXPENSES

The conferees agree to provide $33,367,310 for expenses resulting from the recent natural disasters in the southeastern United States, such as Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne. Funds are available until expended.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE

DISASTER RELIEF

The conferees agree to provide an additional $6,500,000,000 for disaster relief activities associated with declared disasters, such as Hurricanes Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne. Funds are available until expended.

The conferees direct the Emergency Preparedness and Response (EP&R) Directorate to work with Putnam County, Illinois, to ensure the costs for damage caused by the tornado of April 2004, which are not covered by insurance and eligible under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.), are promptly paid; to work with the City of Asheville, North Carolina, to ensure that the costs for damage caused by Hurricane Frances, which are eligible under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.), are promptly paid; and to provide the City of Paso Robles, California, with compensation sufficient to conduct the repairs and retrofitting necessary, as a result of the damage sustained in the 2003 San Simeon earthquake, to bring the Carnegie Library into compliance with current, rather than 1907, state and local building codes and access laws. Furthermore, the conferees agree with the cost estimates and findings in the June 28, 2004 report done by Lotus General Contractors, Inc., with regard to the damages sustained to the main building at Flamson Middle School in the City of Paso Robles, California, as a direct result of the 2003 San Simeon earthquake, and direct EP&R to use that information to calculate the compensation to be provided under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) to the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District. The conferees also encourage EP&R to work to ensure that the counties of West Virginia receive such assistance as necessary and appropriate to compensate those homeowners and businesses in the federally declared disaster area impacted by the remnants of Hurricane Ivan.

The conferees note the availability of section 404 hazard mitigation grant funding for mitigation projects, including buy-outs of flood-damaged properties, for the states of Nebraska, North Carolina, Maryland, Delaware, and Indiana. The conferees direct EP&R to work with these states to ensure that the counties in those states, which are eligible under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.), receive such assistance as necessary and appropriate to compensate homeowners and businesses in the federally declared disaster area. The conferees are also aware that specific communities in Florida have significant amounts of debris as a result of hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne. The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authority under sections 206.223 and 206.224 of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations and internal guidance to make determinations as to the eligibility of removal of debris from private property. The conferees direct FEMA to use its authority to reimburse local governments for debris removal on privately-owned lands upon finding it is necessary to eliminate an immediate threat to life, public health and safety.

The conferees are aware that funding of activities related to previous federally declared disasters in fiscal years 2003 and 2004 has been temporarily suspended due to the high volume of new federal disasters declared in August and September. This includes disasters outside of the hurricane area and areas where there is a lack of rain. The supplemental appropriations provided are sufficient to not only meet recent disaster needs but also to fully restore funding for ongoing and new projects. The conferees direct EP&R to proceed as quickly as possible to fund all halted or postponed projects, within funds available, and to submit a comprehensive report on the status of any unfunded disaster relief project to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations no later than February 15, 2005.

CHAPTER 7

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

CONSTRUCTION

The conference agreement provides an additional $40,552,000 for Construction, to address damages related to hurricanes and flooding events. While much of the funding is for damages in Florida, several States and Puerto Rico are covered by this appropriation.

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

CONSTRUCTION

The conference agreement provides an additional $50,802,000 for Construction, to address damages related to hurricanes and flooding events, primarily in Florida, North Carolina, and Tennessee.

UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

SURVEYS, INVESTIGATIONS, AND RESEARCH

The conference agreement provides an additional $1,000,000 for Surveys, Investigations, and Research, to address damages related to hurricanes and flooding events.

RELATED AGENCY

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

FOREST SERVICE

STATE AND PRIVATE FORESTRY

The conference agreement provides an additional $49,100,000 for State and Private Forestry, to address damages related to hurricanes and flooding events, primarily in Florida. Based on current estimates, the conference agreement assumes that this funding includes $2,100,000 for forest health management, $10,000,000 for forest stewardship, $16,000,000 for State fire assistance, $4,000,000 for volunteer fire assistance, and $17,000,000 for urban and community forestry assistance. The Forest Service should notify the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations if the final storm assessments indicate that these funding levels need to be adjusted by more than twenty percent.

NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM

The conference agreement provides an additional $12,153,000 for National Forest System, to address damages related to hurricanes and flooding events in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Puerto Rico, Mississippi, and Virginia. Based on current estimates, the conference agreement assumes that this funding includes the following funding by activity: $1,842,000 for forest products; $1,073,000 for wildlife and fish management; $1,686,000 for recreation; $200,000 for inventory and monitoring; $5,909,000 for vegetation and watershed management; and $1,443,000 for lands management. The Forest Service should notify the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations if the final storm assessments indicate that these funding levels need to be adjusted by more than twenty percent.

WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT

The conference agreement provides an additional $1,028,000 for Wildland Fire Management, to address damages related to hurricanes and flooding events.

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE

The conference agreement provides an additional $50,815,000 for Capital Improvement and Maintenance, to address damages related to hurricanes and flooding events in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Puerto Rico, Mississippi, and Virginia. Based on current estimates, the conference agreement assumes that this funding includes the following funding by activity: $34,118,000 for roads; $8,036,000 for trails; and $8,661,000 facilities. The Forest Service should notify the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations if the final storm assessments indicate that these funding levels need to be adjusted by more than twenty percent.

CHAPTER 8

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT

PUBLIC HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES EMERGENCY FUND

The conference agreement includes a supplemental appropriation of $50,000,000 for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund. This additional amount is for hurricane response and relief to aging Americans, children, families, persons with disabilities, low-income individuals, and the communities in which they live. The conferees understand that uses include, but are not limited to, helping provide nutritional, medical, and social services to affected elderly individuals; providing social services support to communities most affected by Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne; making available counseling services; helping offset the increase in un-reimbursed health care in affected communities; and addressing storm damage at community health centers in impacted areas.

The conferees request that the Secretary report to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate on disbursement of these funds within 90 days of enactment of this Act. The report should include a table listing the governments and organizations that received grants or other direct assistance from these funds, showing the amount and purpose of each grant or other form of assistance. It should also include a description of any other uses of these funds, such as activities undertaken directly by the Department.

CHAPTER 9

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, NAVY AND MARINE CORPS

The conference agreement provides $138,800,000 for Military Construction, Navy and Marine Corps. These funds are for costs associated with the repair, restoration, or replacement of several facilities damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Ivan at the Pensacola Naval Air Station, Florida. The conference agreement recognizes that replacement of certain facilities may be more advantageous than repair or restoration, but the emergency funds provided are intended to meet capacity that existed before the hurricane, not to meet new requirements. In the event the Secretary of the Navy determines that replacement, rather than repair or restoration, of damaged facilities is warranted, the Secretary is required to provide notification to Congress fourteen days before funds are obligated for the replacement construction project.

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, ARMY RESERVE

The conference agreement provides $8,700,000 for Military Construction, Army Reserve. These funds are for costs associated with rebuilding a reserve center damaged by Hurricane Ivan in Pensacola, Florida.

FAMILY HOUSING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, ARMY

The conference agreement provides $1,200,000 for Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Army. These funds are for costs associated with housing repairs at facilities damaged by natural disasters.

FAMILY HOUSING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, NAVY AND MARINE CORPS

The conference agreement provides $9,100,000 for Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Navy and Marine Corps. These funds are for costs associated with housing repairs at facilities damaged by natural disasters.

FAMILY HOUSING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, AIR FORCE

The conference agreement provides $11,400,000 for Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Air Force. These funds are for costs associated with housing repairs at facilities damaged by natural disasters.

BASE REALIGNMENT AND CLOSURE ACCOUNT

The conference agreement provides $50,000 to be deposited into the Department of Defense Base Closure Account 1990. These funds are for costs associated with the repair of a perimeter fence destroyed by Hurricane Ivan at Naval Activity Puerto Rico.

CHAPTER 10

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

(AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

The conferees provide $5,100,000 for FAA `Facilities and equipment', to address expenses resulting from hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne in the southeastern United States. The Administration requested the same amount under FAA `Operations'. This funding is consistent with FAA's initial estimates of damage to radars, navigation and communications equipment, air traffic control towers, and other facilities. Funds are designated as an emergency requirement, to be derived from the airport and airway trust fund, and made available until expended.

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE TO AIRPORTS

(AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

The conferees provide $25,000,000 for FAA `Emergency assistance to airports', to reimburse public use airports for unanticipated capital expenses resulting from hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne in the southeastern United States. Funds are designated as an emergency requirement, to be derived from the airport and airway trust fund, and made available until expended. The distribution of these funds is at the discretion of the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.

FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION

FEDERAL AID HIGHWAYS EMERGENCY RELIEF PROGRAM

(HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

The conferees provide $1,202,000,000 to fund emergency expenses resulting from hurricanes Charley, Frances, Gaston, Ivan, and Jeanne, and other eligible activities authorized by 23 U.S.C. 125. Funds are to be derived from the highway trust fund and made available until expended. The bill provides funding to respond to the backlog of emergency needs arising largely from natural disasters in 2004 and prior years. As requested, the conference agreement exempts expenses for projects related to hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne from the statutory cap of $100,000,000 per disaster, per state, because current estimates indicate that valid needs may exceed that cap. Consistent with the purpose of these funds, the entire amount has been designated as an emergency requirement pursuant to section 402 of S. Con. Res. 95.

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

UNANTICIPATED NEEDS

The conferees provide $70,000,000, as requested, for `Unanticipated Needs', to reimburse the American Red Cross for reimbursement of disaster relief and recovery expenses and emergency services associated with hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne. The appropriation designates such expenses as an emergency requirement; stipulates that funds may be disbursed to any authorized federal agency; limits agency administrative costs to 3 percent; and requires the head of the U.S. Government Accountability Office to audit the use of such funds.

CHAPTER 11

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

MEDICAL SERVICES

The conferees have provided $38,283,000 for medical services for hurricane and tropical storm related expenses. The amount provided is the same as the amount requested by the President.

MEDICAL ADMINISTRATION

The conferees have provided $1,940,000 for medical administration for expenses incurred in response to hurricane relief efforts and other expenses. The amount provided is the same as the amount requested by the President.

MEDICAL FACILITIES

The conferees have provided $46,909,000 for medical facilities for hurricane and tropical storm related expenses at VA facilities. The amount provided is the same as the amount requested by the President.

DEPARTMENTAL ADMINISTRATION

GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES

The conferees have provided $545,000 for general operating expenses. The amount provided is the same as requested by the President.

NATIONAL CEMETERY ADMINISTRATION

The conferees have provided $50,000 for the National Cemetery Administration for clean-up and repairs at national cemeteries damaged during hurricanes and related tropical storms. The amount provided is the same as requested by the President.

CONSTRUCTION, MINOR PROJECTS

The conferees have provided $36,343,000 for construction, minor projects to support repairs to VA facilities damaged during hurricanes and related tropical storms. The amount provided is the same as requested by the President.

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND

The agreement provides $150,000,000 for disaster relief, long-term recovery, and mitigation in communities affected by disasters designated by the President between August 31, 2003 and October 1, 2004. The amount has been designated by the President as an emergency requirement.

In allocating these funds, the Department of Housing and Urban Development should work closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to ensure that these funds are used solely for disaster relief and are provided to areas facing the greatest need. The conferees direct HUD, prior to the allocation of funds, to provide the Committees on Appropriations with an explanation of the purpose for which funds are requested and how the activity or program was affected by the disaster. In addition, HUD is to continue to provide the Committees with quarterly reports on the use of CDBG funds provided for disaster relief.

INDEPENDENT AGENCIES

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

The conferees have included $3,000,000 for the repair of the Environmental Protection Agency's Gulf Ecology Division Facilities in Gulf Breeze, Florida.

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

SPACE FLIGHT CAPABILITIES

The conferees have provided a total of $126,000,000 for repair of NASA facilities damaged during recent hurricanes and related events. The amount provided is the same as the budget request.

GENERAL PROVISION--THIS CHAPTER

(TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

The conferees have included a general provision which provides authority for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to transfer funds from `Medical services' to `General operating expenses' for the purpose of expediting the processing of benefits claims.

CHAPTER 12

GENERAL PROVISION--THIS ACT

The conference agreement includes section 1201, regarding the availability of funds.

EMERGENCY DESIGNATIONS

For purposes of section 402 of S. Con. Res. 95 (108th Congress), as made applicable to the House of Representatives by H. Res. 649 (108th Congress) and applicable to the Senate by section 14007 of Public Law 108-287, funds appropriated in this Division are provided in response to a situation which poses a direct threat to life and property, is sudden, is an urgent and compelling need, is unpredictable, and is not permanent in nature.
Joe Knollenberg,
James T. Walsh,
Robert B. Aderholt,
Kay Granger,
Virgil Goode,
David Vitter,
Jack Kingston,
Ander Crenshaw,
Bill Young,
Chet Edwards,
Sam Farr,
Allen Boyd,
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.,
Norman D. Dicks,

Managers on the Part of the House.
Kay Bailey Hutchison,
Conrad Burns,
Larry E. Craig,
Mike DeWine,
Sam Brownback,
Ted Stevens,
Dianne Feinstein,
Daniel K. Inouye,
Tim Johnson,
Mary L. Landrieu,
Robert C. Byrd,

Managers on the Part of the Senate.