Summary:
Drought Recovery and Resilience Act of 2015

TITLE I--EMERGENCY DROUGHT RESPONSE APPROPRIATIONS FROM RECLAMATION FUND This bill provides emergency supplemental appropriations for FY2015 from the Reclamation Fund to the Department of the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Army Corps of Engineers for water projects, programs, grants, or loans in states impacted by drought.

Interior is provided additional amounts for the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), including amounts for water reclamation and reuse projects, the WaterSMART program under the Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act of 1991, and water acquisition, water conveyance, and facilities construction under the Refuge Water Supply Program.

The EPA is provided additional amounts for cleanup of polluted groundwater supplies, capitalization grants for state water pollution control revolving funds and for drinking water treatment revolving loan funds, and loans under the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014.

USDA is provided additional amounts for: (1) the Rural Utilities Service for direct and guaranteed loans and grants for rural water, wastewater, and waste disposal programs; and (2) emergency grants, upon declaration of a natural disaster, to assist low-income migrant and seasonal farmworkers to address impacts of drought.

Additional amounts are also provided to:

 DOJ for the Drug Enforcement Administration to assist state or local law enforcement agencies in the suppression of cannabis operations; the Army Corps to carry out the Water Resources and Development Act of 2007; and projects under the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 in drought-affected states that reduce fire risk, improve water quality or downstream water quantity, or expand ground water recharge capacity. TITLE II--NEW WATER INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM AUTHORIZATIONS

National Water Recycling and Reclamation Act of 2015

The EPA must establish a National Water Recycling and Reclamation Program to provide private or governmental entities with grants for up to 80% of the costs for water recycling and reclamation projects for which eligible costs are anticipated to exceed $1 million. Selection criteria for such grants include the extent to which projects address water demand and supply, environmental protection, and federal return on investment through renewable water supplies.

Reclamation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act or RIFIA

Interior may provide financial assistance, such as secured loans or loan guarantees, to private entities, state or local governments, irrigation districts, water users' associations, or other entities that contract with the United States under federal reclamation law to carry out water projects within the 17 western states served by Reclamation, other states where Reclamation is authorized to provide project assistance, Alaska, and Hawaii. Projects eligible for assistance include:

 reclamation and reuse of municipal, industrial, domestic, and agricultural wastewater and naturally impaired ground; water infrastructure projects that would contribute to a safe, adequate water supply for domestic, agricultural, environmental, or municipal and industrial use; new water conduits, pipelines, canals, pumping or power facilities; energy efficiency projects; accelerated repair and replacement of aging water distribution facilities; brackish or sea water desalination; or acquisition of real property or an interest therein for water storage, reclaimed or recycled water, or wastewater that is integral to an authorized project. Priority must be given to projects that promote wastewater recycling, agricultural or urban water conservation and efficiency, stormwater capture, or other innovations that reduce reliance on surface and groundwater supplies.

To be eligible for assistance, eligible project costs of a project and other projects in a watershed must be reasonably anticipated to be at least $10 million.

The interest of a secured loan may not be more than the yield on Treasury securities of a similar maturity.

Interior may sell or reoffer into the capital markets a secured loan after the substantial completion of the project. The final maturity date of a secured loan may not be later than 35 years after the expected date of substantial completion of the underlying project.

Interior may also enter into cost-shared financial assistance agreements with nonfederal entities in the 17 Reclamation-served western states or Hawaii to carry out the planning, design, and construction of any permanent water storage and conveyance facility used solely to regulate and maximize the water supply arising from a project that is eligible for assistance, including recycled water projects not congressionally authorized, to: (1) recycle wastewater or ground water, or (2) use integrated and coordinated water management on a watershed or regional scale. The federal share of the cost of such a project shall be: (1) nonreimbursable, and (2) the lesser of 50% of the total cost or $15 million (adjusted for inflation). Reclamation Title Transfer Act of 2015 Reclamation may establish a program that: (1) identifies and analyzes the potential for public benefits from the transfer of eligible facilities out of federal ownership, and (2) facilitates the transfer of such facilities to qualifying entities to promote more efficient management of water and water-related facilities.

"Eligible facilities" is defined as reclamation projects or facilities (including dams and appurtenant works, infrastructure, recreational facilities, buildings, distribution and drainage works, and associated land or interests in land or water) for which the United States holds title and that meet the criteria for potential transfer. A "qualifying entity" is a state, local government, Indian tribe, municipal or quasi-municipal corporation, or other entity (such as a water district) that has the capacity to continue to manage the conveyed property for the same purposes that the property has been managed under the reclamation laws.

Reclamation may convey an eligible facility to a qualifying entity if Congress is notified before the conveyance and does not disapprove. A right of first refusal is granted to a qualifying entity that is operating an eligible facility at the time conveyance is being considered.

The bill terminates Reclamation's authority to carry out such conveyances 15 years after this Act's enactment.

Innovative Stormwater Infrastructure Act of 2015

The EPA must provide grants to eligible higher education institutions and research institutions to establish and maintain between three and five centers of excellence for innovative stormwater control infrastructure. One of the centers must be the national electronic clearinghouse center and must operate a website and a public database on the infrastructure.

The EPA must provide grants for innovative stormwater control infrastructure projects and must give priority to applications from: (1) a community that has combined storm and sanitary sewers in its collection system or is low-income or disadvantaged, or (2) an eligible entity that will use at least 10% of the grant for a low-income or disadvantaged community.

The EPA must ensure that: (1) EPA offices promote the use of the infrastructure in, and coordinate its integration into, permitting programs, planning efforts, research, technical assistance, and funding guidance; and (2) the EPA's Office of Water supports establishing innovative financing mechanisms in the implementation of the infrastructure.

The EPA must: (1) direct EPA regional offices to promote and integrate the use of the infrastructure, and (2) promote sharing information about the infrastructure approaches. The EPA must establish an innovative stormwater control infrastructure portfolio standard consisting of voluntary, measurable goals to increase the percentage of annual water managed by entities that use the infrastructure.

TITLE III--IMPROVED INFRASTRUCTURE AND WATER MANAGEMENT

Restoring America's Watersheds Act of 2015

The Forest Service must establish a Water Source Protection Program within the region of the National Forest System west of the 100th Meridian.

USDA is authorized to enter into water source investment partnerships with specified end water users to protect and restore the condition of National Forest watersheds that provide water to nonfederal partners.

The Forest Service must establish a Watershed Condition Framework within such region to: (1) identify for restoration up to five priority watersheds in each National Forest and up to two priority watersheds in each national grassland, and (2) develop and implement a watershed restoration action plan for each priority watershed.

The Forest Service must also establish a Forest Service Legacy Roads and Trails Remediation Program within such region to:

 carry out critical maintenance and urgent repairs and improvements on National Forest System roads, trails, and bridges; restore fish and other aquatic organism passage by removing or replacing unnatural barriers to the passage of fish and other aquatic organisms; and decommission unneeded roads and trails. The Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Fund is reauthorized through FY2024.

Five Demonstrations of Advancing Yields by Fixing Operations of Reservoirs to Encompass Climatic and Atmospheric Science Trends Act

The Department of the Army must establish up to five pilot projects to implement forecast-based reservoir operations in states with drought emergencies during water year 2015.

Interior must establish a wind and solar energy leasing pilot program to conduct lease sales of certain sites located on Reclamation land for purposes of carrying out wind and solar energy projects. The bill sets forth procedures for qualified developers to bid on sites that Interior offers for lease. Interior, within five years after enactment of this Act, must determine whether to expand the pilot program to apply to all authorized Reclamation lands.

The general term for issued leases is: (1) an initial term of 25 years, and (2) any additional period after the initial 25-year term during which electricity is being produced annually in commercial quantities from the lease. However, a lease term may not be more than 5 years for the placement and operation of a meteorological or data collection facility or for the development or demonstration of a new wind or solar energy technology.

Interior must establish and require payment of a royalty as a condition of issued leases. The royalty must be a percentage of the gross proceeds from the sale of electricity produced on land that is the subject of the lease.

Lease royalties and authorized bonuses collected by Interior must be distributed in a manner such that:

 25% is paid to the states and 25% is paid to the counties within the boundaries of which the royalties or bonuses are derived; 25% is deposited into a Fish and Wildlife Restoration Fund for Interior to use or make payments to states, federal agencies, or others for protecting fish and wildlife in regions impacted by the development of hydropower by federal agencies and the development of wind or solar energy on Reclamation land; 15% is paid to state Reclamation offices during the first 15 years after enactment of this Act for purposes of reducing the number of renewable energy permits that have not been processed before the enactment of this Act; and the remainder is deposited into the general fund of the Treasury for purposes of reducing the annual federal budget deficit. The Safe Drinking Water Act is amended to require a state to operate an EPA-prescribed injection control program for underground wells if the EPA finds that the state improperly issued permits under the state's underground injection control program.

DOJ must maintain a registry of incidents of cultivation of marijuana on government property or while intentionally trespassing on another's property.

DOJ is authorized to use amounts from the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund to pay for costs incurred by state, local, or tribal governments in connection with the remediation of an area formerly used for the production or cultivation of marijuana in which such a government assisted in a federal prosecution related to marijuana.

The bill requires court sentences for certain marijuana offenses to include an order requiring the defendant to reimburse federal, state, or local governments for costs incurred for cleanup associated with the cultivation of marijuana by the defendant or on premises or in property that the defendant owns, resides in, or does business in.

The Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 is amended to: (1) include "planning for or addressing the impact of drought" among the activities for which Reclamation may make grants and enter cooperative agreements for water management improvement, (2) include Hawaii among the states in which eligible grant and agreement applicants may be located, (3) reauthorize such grants and agreements for FY2015-FY2023, and (4) reauthorize the authority of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to provide grants to state water resource agencies under the national water availability and use assessment program for FY2014-FY2023.

The Internal Revenue Code is amended to establish a refundable tax credit for the purchase and installation of a qualified water-harvesting system.

The Reclamation Safety of Dams Act of 1978 is amended to authorize Interior, subject to feasibility studies and other specified conditions, to develop additional project benefits (such as additional conservation storage capacity) through the construction of new or supplementary works on a project in conjunction with its authority to modify Reclamation dams and related facilities to preserve their structural safety. Interior may expend available appropriated funds for construction of a project that meets certain environmental standards, but the bill prohibits the federal cost-share from exceeding 25% of the project costs.

The USGS must establish and maintain an open water data system to advance the availability, timely distribution, and widespread use of water data and information for water management, education, research, assessment, and monitoring purposes.

TITLE IV--PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

Water Innovation and Prize Competition Act of 2015

The Department of Energy must establish a program to award prizes for development of water desalination technologies.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service must collaborate with Reclamation to provide assistance, upon request, to water or power delivery authorities for purposes of increasing water use efficiency and providing on-farm assistance to address water quantity and water quality conservation practices.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must prepare a California salmon drought plan.

The President must update the National Response Plan and the National Disaster Recovery Framework to include a plan for catastrophic drought.

drought recovery resilience act title emergency drought response appropriations reclamation fund bill provides emergency supplemental appropriations fy2015 reclamation fund department_of_the_interior environmental_protection_agency epa department_of_agriculture usda department_of_justice doj army_corps_of_engineers water projects programs grants loans states impacted drought interior provided additional amounts bureau_of_reclamation reclamation including amounts water reclamation reuse projects program reclamation_states emergency drought relief_act water acquisition water conveyance facilities construction refuge water supply program epa provided additional amounts cleanup groundwater supplies capitalization grants state water pollution control revolving funds drinking water treatment revolving loan funds loans water_infrastructure_finance innovation_act usda provided additional amounts rural_utilities_service direct guaranteed loans grants rural water wastewater waste disposal programs emergency grants declaration natural disaster assist low income migrant seasonal farmworkers address impacts drought additional amounts provided doj drug_enforcement_administration assist state local law enforcement agencies suppression cannabis operations army corps carry water resources development act projects land_and_water_conservation_fund_act drought affected states reduce fire risk improve water quality downstream water quantity expand ground water recharge capacity title new water infrastructure program authorizations national water recycling reclamation act epa establish national water recycling reclamation program provide private governmental entities grants costs water recycling reclamation projects eligible costs anticipated exceed million selection criteria grants include extent projects address water demand supply environmental protection federal return investment renewable water supplies reclamation infrastructure finance innovation_act interior provide financial assistance secured loans loan guarantees private entities state local governments irrigation districts water users associations entities contract united_states federal reclamation law carry water projects western states served reclamation states reclamation authorized provide project assistance alaska hawaii projects eligible assistance include reclamation reuse municipal industrial domestic agricultural wastewater naturally impaired ground water infrastructure projects contribute safe adequate water supply domestic agricultural environmental municipal industrial use new water conduits pipelines canals pumping power facilities energy efficiency projects accelerated repair replacement aging water distribution facilities brackish sea water desalination acquisition real property interest water storage recycled water wastewater integral authorized project priority given projects promote wastewater recycling agricultural urban water conservation efficiency stormwater capture innovations reduce reliance surface groundwater supplies eligible assistance eligible project costs project projects watershed reasonably anticipated million interest secured loan yield treasury securities similar maturity interior sell capital markets secured loan substantial completion project final maturity date secured loan later years expected date substantial completion underlying project interior enter cost shared financial assistance agreements nonfederal entities reclamation served western states hawaii carry planning design construction permanent water storage conveyance facility solely regulate maximize water supply arising project eligible assistance including recycled water projects congressionally authorized recycle wastewater ground water use integrated coordinated water management watershed regional scale federal share cost project shall nonreimbursable lesser total cost million adjusted inflation reclamation title transfer act reclamation establish program identifies analyzes potential public benefits transfer eligible facilities federal ownership facilitates transfer facilities qualifying entities promote efficient management water water related facilities eligible facilities defined reclamation projects facilities including dams appurtenant works infrastructure recreational facilities buildings distribution drainage works associated land interests land water united_states holds title meet criteria potential transfer qualifying entity state local government indian tribe municipal quasi municipal corporation entity water district capacity continue manage conveyed property purposes property managed reclamation laws reclamation convey eligible facility qualifying entity congress notified conveyance disapprove right refusal granted qualifying entity operating eligible facility time conveyance considered bill terminates reclamation authority carry conveyances years act enactment innovative stormwater infrastructure act epa provide grants eligible higher education institutions research institutions establish maintain centers_of_excellence innovative stormwater control infrastructure centers national electronic clearinghouse center operate website public database infrastructure epa provide grants innovative stormwater control infrastructure projects priority applications community combined storm sanitary sewers collection system low income disadvantaged eligible entity use grant low income disadvantaged community epa ensure epa offices promote use infrastructure coordinate integration permitting programs planning efforts research technical assistance funding guidance epa office_of_water supports establishing innovative financing mechanisms implementation infrastructure epa direct epa regional offices promote integrate use infrastructure promote sharing information infrastructure approaches epa establish innovative stormwater control infrastructure portfolio standard consisting voluntary measurable goals increase percentage annual water managed entities use infrastructure title iii improved infrastructure water management restoring america watersheds act forest_service establish water source protection program region national_forest_system west usda authorized enter water source investment partnerships specified end water users protect restore condition national_forest watersheds provide water nonfederal partners forest_service establish watershed condition framework region identify restoration priority watersheds national_forest priority watersheds national grassland develop implement watershed restoration action plan priority watershed forest_service establish forest_service legacy roads trails remediation program region carry critical maintenance urgent repairs improvements national_forest_system roads trails bridges restore fish aquatic organism passage removing replacing barriers passage fish aquatic organisms decommission roads trails collaborative forest landscape restoration fund reauthorized fy2024 demonstrations advancing yields fixing operations reservoirs encompass climatic atmospheric science trends act department_of_the_army establish pilot projects implement forecast based reservoir operations states drought emergencies water year interior establish wind solar energy leasing pilot program conduct lease sales certain sites located reclamation land purposes carrying wind solar energy projects bill sets forth procedures qualified developers bid sites interior offers lease interior years enactment act determine expand pilot program apply authorized reclamation lands general term issued leases initial term years additional period initial year term electricity produced annually commercial quantities lease lease term years placement operation meteorological data collection facility development demonstration new wind solar energy technology interior establish require payment royalty condition issued leases royalty percentage gross proceeds sale electricity produced land subject lease lease royalties authorized bonuses collected interior distributed manner paid states paid counties boundaries royalties bonuses derived deposited fish wildlife restoration fund interior use payments states federal agencies protecting fish wildlife regions impacted development hydropower federal agencies development wind solar energy reclamation land paid state reclamation offices years enactment act purposes reducing number renewable energy permits processed enactment act remainder deposited general_fund_of_the_treasury purposes reducing annual federal budget deficit safe_drinking_water_act amended require state operate epa prescribed injection control program underground wells epa finds state improperly issued permits state underground injection control program doj maintain registry incidents cultivation marijuana government property intentionally trespassing property doj authorized use amounts department_of_justice assets forfeiture fund pay costs incurred state local tribal governments connection remediation area production cultivation marijuana government assisted federal prosecution related marijuana bill requires court sentences certain marijuana offenses include order requiring defendant reimburse federal state local governments costs incurred cleanup associated cultivation marijuana defendant premises property defendant owns resides business omnibus_public_land_management_act amended include planning addressing impact drought activities reclamation grants enter cooperative agreements water management improvement include hawaii states eligible grant agreement applicants located reauthorize grants agreements fy2015 fy2023 reauthorize authority geological survey usgs provide grants state water resource agencies national water availability use assessment program fy2014-fy2023 internal_revenue_code amended establish refundable tax credit purchase installation qualified water harvesting system reclamation safety dams act amended authorize interior subject feasibility studies specified conditions develop additional project benefits additional conservation storage capacity construction new supplementary works project conjunction authority modify reclamation dams related facilities preserve structural safety interior expend available appropriated funds construction project meets certain environmental standards bill prohibits federal cost share exceeding project costs usgs establish maintain open water data system advance availability timely distribution widespread use water data information water management education research assessment monitoring purposes title planning future water innovation prize competition act department_of_energy establish program award prizes development water desalination technologies natural_resources_conservation_service collaborate reclamation provide assistance request water power delivery authorities purposes increasing water use efficiency providing farm assistance address water quantity water quality conservation practices fish_and_wildlife_service prepare california salmon drought plan president update national response plan national disaster recovery framework include plan catastrophic drought


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Microloan Modernization Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Small Business Act with respect to the rule under the Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program (assisting low-income individuals to start and operate a small business) that permits SBA-designated microloan intermediary lenders to expend up to 25% of the grant funds they receive from the SBA to provide information and technical assistance to small business concerns that are their prospective borrowers.

(Sec. 3) The total amount of loans outstanding and committed to any particular intermediary (excluding outstanding grants) from the SBA business loan and investment fund is increased from $5 million to $6 million for the remaining years of the intermediary's participation in the program.

(Sec. 4) The SBA must establish a process by which these microloan intermediaries may apply for, and the SBA may grant, a waiver of this 25/75 allocation.

This rule shall require any waiver applicant to:

 specify how it will use the additional technical assistance, and make assurances that the intermediary will have sufficient funds to provide technical assistance to all of the intermediary's borrowers. (Sec. 5) An eligible intermediary may include lines of credit among the short-term, fixed rate loans it makes to startup, newly established, and growing small business concerns from SBA funds made available to the intermediary for working capital and the acquisition of materials, supplies, furniture, fixtures, and equipment.

(Sec. 6) The SBA may not impose limitations on the repayment term of a loan by an intermediary to a small business or entrepreneur. This repayment term, however, may not exceed:

 6 years for a loan of $10,000 or less, or 10 years for a loan greater than $10,000. (Sec. 7) The Government Accountability Office shall:

 compare the operations of a representative sample of eligible intermediaries that participate in the microloan program and of eligible intermediaries that do not, study the reasons why the latter do not participate, recommend how to encourage increased participation by intermediaries in the microloan program, and recommend how to decrease the associated costs for intermediary participation.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure microloan modernization act sec bill amends small_business_act respect rule small_business_administration sba microloan program assisting low income individuals start operate small business permits sba designated microloan intermediary lenders expend grant funds receive sba provide information technical assistance small business concerns prospective borrowers sec total loans outstanding committed particular intermediary excluding outstanding grants sba business loan investment fund increased million million remaining years intermediary participation program sec sba establish process microloan intermediaries apply sba grant waiver allocation rule shall require waiver applicant specify use additional technical assistance assurances intermediary sufficient funds provide technical assistance intermediary borrowers sec eligible intermediary include lines credit short term fixed rate loans makes startup newly established growing small business concerns sba funds available intermediary working capital acquisition materials supplies furniture fixtures equipment sec sba impose limitations repayment term loan intermediary small business entrepreneur repayment term exceed years loan years loan greater sec government_accountability_office shall compare operations representative sample eligible intermediaries participate microloan program eligible intermediaries study reasons participate recommend encourage increased participation intermediaries microloan program recommend decrease associated costs intermediary participation


Summary:
Veterans Entrepreneurial Transition Act of 2015 or the VET Act of 2015

This bill directs the Small Business Administration to carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of making grants to eligible veterans to start or acquire a qualifying business enterprise.

veterans entrepreneurial transition act vet act bill directs small_business_administration carry pilot program assess feasibility advisability making grants eligible veterans start acquire qualifying business enterprise


Summary:
Veterans Small Business Ownership Improvements Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Small Business Act to establish the Boots to Business Program under which the Small Business Administration (SBA) shall provide entrepreneurship training to:

 members of the Armed Forces, individuals participating in the Transition Assistance Program (Department of Defense), individuals who served on active duty and who were discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable, and their spouses or dependents. The SBA shall also

 establish a Women Veterans Business Training Program to provide specific training for female members of the Armed Forces, veterans, or their spouses or dependents who are interested in small business careers; and compile and disseminate information on resources available to women veterans for business training. The SBA shall in addition establish a Business Training Program for Service Disabled Veterans to provide specific training for service-disabled veterans interested in small business careers.

 The SBA may make grants to veterans' business outreach centers and other entities, including other resource partners, to carry out components of these three Programs.

The SBA shall:

 establish a veterans' business outreach center program to provide financial assistance to educational institutions, veterans' nonprofit community-based organizations, and federal, state, and local departments and agencies to conduct renewable five-year projects for the benefit of small businesses owned and controlled by veterans; and designate at least one individual in each district office as a veterans business development officer to coordinate activities of the district office with recipient entities. Financial assistance may be at least $100,000 for each fiscal year in the form of a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement, subject to requirements for specified project percentages of non-federal contributions.

 An assisted entity shall establish or operate a veterans' business outreach center to provide veterans, service-disabled veterans, and reservists, as well as their spouses, and the spouses of active duty members of the Armed Forces with:

 financial, management, and marketing advice and training; and technical assistance and training for obtaining federal procurement opportunities. An assisted entity shall also enter into an affiliation agreement with a small business development center to carry out activities under this Act.

A veterans' business outreach center may, with prior SBA approval, contract with a federal department or agency to provide specific assistance to veterans, service-disabled veterans, reservists, or the spouses of members of the Armed Forces on active duty.

 The SBA may discontinue financial assistance to an entity at any time for poor performance.

The SBA shall designate at least one individual in each SBA district office as a veterans business development officer to communicate and coordinate district office activities with entities receiving financial assistance under this Act.

 The SBA shall establish the Veterans Business Owners Initiative Pilot Program to provide grants to nonprofit entities to carry out peer support groups that provide small business career training to:

 members of the Armed Forces, individuals participating in the Transition Assistance Program (Department of Defense), Reservists, veterans, and their spouses or dependents. The SBA shall establish an online mechanism to assist veterans' assistance providers carry out their activities.

FY2016-FY2020 appropriations are authorized for programs under this Act.

(Sec. 3) The SBA shall establish: (1) guidelines to improve the network of peer-to-peer counseling for individuals eligible for a veterans' entrepreneurial development program, and (2) an online mechanism that serves as a one-stop online resource for veterans regarding SBA entrepreneurial development programs.

(Sec. 4) The SBA shall report to Congress at least once a year regarding: (1) appointments and activities of the interagency veterans small business task force, and (2) outreach and promotion of the programs authorized by this Act.

(Sec. 5) The SBA's duties are expanded to include making grants to, or entering into cooperative agreements with, nonprofit entities to operate federal contracting training programs for veteran-owned small businesses.

veterans small business ownership improvements act sec bill amends small_business_act establish boots business program small_business_administration sba shall provide entrepreneurship training members armed_forces individuals participating transition_assistance_program department_of_defense individuals served active duty discharged released conditions dishonorable spouses dependents sba shall establish women veterans business training program provide specific training female members armed_forces veterans spouses dependents interested small business careers compile disseminate information resources available women veterans business training sba shall addition establish business training program service disabled veterans provide specific training service disabled veterans interested small business careers sba grants veterans business outreach centers entities including resource partners carry components programs sba shall establish veterans business outreach center program provide financial assistance educational institutions veterans nonprofit community based organizations federal state local departments agencies conduct renewable year projects benefit small businesses owned controlled veterans designate individual district office veterans_business_development officer coordinate activities district office recipient entities financial assistance fiscal year form grant contract cooperative agreement subject requirements specified project percentages non federal contributions assisted entity shall establish operate veterans business outreach center provide veterans service disabled veterans reservists spouses spouses active duty members armed_forces financial management marketing advice training technical assistance training obtaining federal procurement opportunities assisted entity shall enter affiliation agreement small business development center carry activities act veterans business outreach center prior sba approval contract federal department agency provide specific assistance veterans service disabled veterans reservists spouses members armed_forces active duty sba discontinue financial assistance entity time poor performance sba shall designate individual sba district office veterans_business_development officer communicate coordinate district office activities entities receiving financial assistance act sba shall establish veterans business owners initiative pilot program provide grants nonprofit entities carry peer support groups provide small business career training members armed_forces individuals participating transition_assistance_program department_of_defense reservists veterans spouses dependents sba shall establish online mechanism assist veterans assistance providers carry activities fy2016-fy2020 appropriations authorized programs act sec sba shall establish guidelines improve network peer peer counseling individuals eligible veterans entrepreneurial development program online mechanism serves stop online resource veterans sba entrepreneurial development programs sec sba shall report congress year appointments activities interagency veterans small business task_force outreach promotion programs authorized act sec sba duties expanded include making grants entering cooperative agreements nonprofit entities operate federal contracting training programs veteran owned small businesses


Summary:
Veterans Entrepreneurial Transition Act of 2016 or the VET Act of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) to carry out a three-year pilot program to assess the feasibility of making grants to up to 250 eligible veterans and retiring or honorably discharged members of the Armed Forces to start or acquire a qualifying business enterprise.

The SBA shall establish a list of qualifying business enterprise categories, which shall include: (1) a small business concern, (2) a franchise business enterprise, and (3) any other appropriate business enterprise category.

The SBA shall ensure grantee geographic diversity.

The SBA may authorize eligible veterans to apply as a group. Such a group shall be treated as a single veteran.

Each grantee shall: (1) complete an SBA-approved entrepreneurship readiness program, and (2) prepare a business plan.

The SBA shall submit a program assessment within two years of the program's commencement.

The Government Accountability Office shall submit a program evaluation within one year of the program's termination.

Nothing in the bill shall be construed to modify any time limitation or period during which an individual is entitled to Post 9/11 or all-volunteer force educational assistance.

veterans entrepreneurial transition act vet act sec bill amends small_business_act direct small_business_administration sba carry year pilot program assess feasibility making grants eligible veterans retiring honorably discharged members armed_forces start acquire qualifying business enterprise sba shall establish list qualifying business enterprise categories shall include small business concern franchise business enterprise appropriate business enterprise category sba shall ensure grantee geographic diversity sba authorize eligible veterans apply group group shall treated single veteran grantee shall complete sba approved entrepreneurship readiness program prepare business plan sba shall submit program assessment years program commencement government_accountability_office shall submit program evaluation year program termination bill shall construed modify time limitation period individual entitled post volunteer force educational assistance


Summary:
California Emergency Drought Relief Act of 2015

TITLE I--CALIFORNIA EMERGENCY DROUGHT RELIEF

This bill requires the Department of the Interior and the Department of Commerce, in response to a California drought emergency declaration, to approve projects and operations to provide the maximum quantity of water supplies to Central Valley Project (CVP) agricultural, municipal and industrial, and refuge service and repayment contractors; State Water Project (SWP) contractors; and other California localities or municipalities. The requirements apply to the Klamath Project if projects or operations would benefit California federal water contractors.

Requirements are set forth concerning:

 operation of the Delta Cross Channel Gates; turbidity control; reverse flow in the Old and Middle Rivers; proposals to increase flow in the San Joaquin River through a voluntary sale, transfer, or exchange of water from an agency with rights to divert water from the river or its tributaries in conjunction with procedures to adopt a 1:1 inflow to export ratio for the increment of increased flow; management of the impacts on species listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973; coordination with the salmonid biological opinion, dated June 4, 2009, and the smelt biological opinion, dated December 15, 2008; permits for temporary barriers or operable gates in Delta channels and for water transfer requests associated with voluntarily fallowing nonpermanent crops; and coordination with the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to enter an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to study the effectiveness and environmental impacts of saltcedar biological control efforts on increasing water supplies and improving riparian habitats of the Colorado River. "Delta" means the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and the Suisun Marsh.

Federal agencies must: (1) expedite final decisions for federal water projects or operations upon California's request, and (2) develop alternative arrangements to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA).

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), during California emergency drought declarations, must require California to prioritize state revolving funds allocated under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act or the Safe Drinking Water Act to projects that will: (1) provide additional water supplies to areas at risk of having inadequate supplies for public health and safety purposes, or (2) improve resiliency to drought. The EPA must also, at California’s request, authorize 40-year financing for assistance in the case of state loan funds used to buy or refinance the debt obligation of municipalities and intermunicipal and interstate agencies at or below market rates.

Interior must confer with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) regarding the implementation of this title and any changes to the smelt or salmonid biological opinions. If the CDFW requires take authorization under California law for operation of the SWP in a manner that reduces water supply to the SWP as compared to the supply available under the biological opinions, and as a consequence the CVP yield is greater, the additional yield must be made available to SWP contractors to offset losses from the CDFW's action.

This title expires on the later of: (1) the California governor's declaration of an end of California's drought emergency, or (2) September 30, 2017.

TITLE II--ACTIONS TO BENEFIT FISH AND REFUGES

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Recovery Plan for Sacramento River winter-run Chinook salmon, Central Valley spring-run Chinook salmon, and Central Valley steelhead is authorized through FY2020.

Interior must evaluate: (1) nonstructural barriers to prevent straying of threatened or endangered salmonids through key Delta junctions, and (2) the feasibility of additional gravel and natural rearing areas to improve salmon and steelhead population recovery.

Interior must establish pilot programs to test alternative release strategies for hatchery-raised, winter-run salmon to reduce mortality rates.

Interior and Commerce must assess methods of reducing predation by: (1) modifying natural and artificial factors in the Sacramento River and the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta watershed, (2) lowering light intensity at artificial structures, and (3) redepositing salvaged salmon smolts.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) must implement a pilot program to test an experimental trap and barge program to improve survival of juvenile salmonids emigrating from the San Joaquin watershed through the Delta.

The NMFS and the Oakdale and South San Joaquin irrigation districts must implement a pilot program to remove nonnative predator fish from the Stanislaus River. Interior must begin pilot projects to implement the Calfed Bay-Delta invasive species control program.

Interior is directed to determine methods to minimize the effects of the CVP and the SWP on Delta smelt and utilize new technologies for better smelt tracking.

A federal cost share of up to 50% is authorized for the acceleration and completion of water infrastructure and conveyance facilities necessary to achieve full water deliveries to Central Valley wildlife refuges and habitat areas.

TITLE III--LONG-TERM WATER SUPPLY PROJECTS

Interior is directed to award funding on a competitive basis for certain water recycling, water desalination, and drought recovery and resiliency projects that can reduce reliance on surface and groundwater supplies. The bill identifies cities, water districts, desalination projects, and other sponsors to be included among the projects reviewed.

The Water Desalination Act of 1996 is amended to reauthorize through FY2020 research grants and a demonstration program to develop processes for converting saline water into water suitable for beneficial uses.

The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy must develop a strategic plan for future federal investments in desalination that coordinates federal agencies' activities.

The EPA must implement a program to provide financial assistance for the design of desalination facilities that provide water suitable for environmental enhancement, agricultural, industrial, municipal, and other beneficial consumptive or nonconsumptive uses.

The bill provides procedures for Interior to participate in federal and nonfederal storage projects.

Deadlines are established for Reclamation to submit to Congress water storage feasibility studies concerning specified dams and reservoirs under the Calfed Bay-Delta Authorization Act.

The Reclamation Safety of Dams Act of 1978 is amended to allow Interior to develop any necessary additional project benefits (including additional conservation storage capacity) in conjunction with its activities to modify Reclamation dams and facilities to preserve their structural safety. The costs must be subject to a cost-sharing agreement among applicable federal, state, and local agencies and repaid in accordance with reclamation laws.

The Department of the Army must carry out up to five pilot projects, including at least two nonfederal projects, to implement revisions of water operations manuals, including flood control rule curves, in states under a gubernatorial drought declaration during water year 2015. Reclamation-owned dams or reservoirs are excluded from being such a pilot project.

A WaterSense Program is established within the EPA to promote products, buildings, landscapes, facilities, processes, and services certified to display a label designating them as water efficient.

Interior must enter voluntary agreements to implement water conservation programs with public water agencies or other entities that receive water from a Reclamation-operated project. The conserved water is to be retained by: (1) the public water agencies; and (2) Interior to promote groundwater recharge and conservation, refuge water supply, or authorized projects. An existing water service or repayment contractor may contribute funds to implement such an agreement in exchange for water.

USDA must provide grants for water projects in eligible communities that are unable to meet primary water quality standards or that have severely diminished water supplies due to drought conditions.

The Department of Defense must commence at least three water conservation pilot projects on California military installations.

The Drug Enforcement Administration must assist California state or local law enforcement in the suppression of cannabis operations.

The EPA may award grants and assist with financing of research and demonstration projects to promote innovative water supply and conservation technologies.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) must establish an open water data system to advance the availability, timely distribution, and use of data for water management, education, research, assessment, and monitoring.

TITLE IV--FEDERAL SUPPORT FOR STATE AND LOCAL DROUGHT RESILIENCY PROJECTS

Interior may provide financial assistance, such as secured loans or loan guarantees, to private entities, state or local governments, irrigation districts, water users' associations, or other entities that contract with the United States under federal reclamation law to carry out water projects within the 17 western states served by Reclamation, other states where Reclamation is authorized to provide project assistance, Alaska, and Hawaii. Eligible project costs of such a project must be reasonably anticipated to be at least $20 million. The final maturity date of a secured loan may not be later than 35 years after substantial completion of the underlying project.

Interior and California may enter into a memorandum of understanding to designate California as lead agency for purposes of NEPA. Interior must permit California, and not more than four additional states, to participate in the program.

The bill establishes a process for Interior to identify, solicit public comment on, and submit to Congress a list of inactive water resources development programs or projects to be deauthorized because they are no longer viable for construction.

Under the national water availability and use assessment program, the USGS may enter into cost shared financial assistance and other long-term agreements with nonfederal participants in the 17 Reclamation-served western states, Hawaii, and Alaska to advance nonfederal permanent water storage and conveyance facilities, projects for the reclamation and reuse of municipal, industrial, domestic and agricultural wastewater, and naturally impaired ground and surface waters, and other water management improvement projects.

The Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act is amended to establish a process for Interior to award grants to nonfederal sponsors for projects that reclaim and reuse: (1) municipal, industrial, domestic, or agricultural wastewater; or (2) impaired ground or surface waters.

For FY2026-FY2050, a designated portion of revenues that would otherwise be deposited in the Reclamation Fund are to be deposited instead into a Federal Support for State and Local Drought Solutions Fund established in the Treasury for expenditures on certain federal loan guarantees and cost sharing authorized for state and local storage projects under this Act and project funding under the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act.

california emergency drought relief_act title california emergency drought relief bill requires department_of_the_interior department_of_commerce response california drought emergency declaration approve projects operations provide maximum quantity water supplies central_valley_project cvp agricultural municipal industrial refuge service repayment contractors state_water_project swp contractors california localities municipalities requirements apply klamath project projects operations benefit california federal water contractors requirements set forth concerning operation delta cross channel gates control reverse flow old middle rivers proposals increase flow san_joaquin_river voluntary sale transfer exchange water agency rights divert water river tributaries conjunction procedures adopt inflow export ratio increment increased flow management impacts species listed threatened endangered endangered species act coordination salmonid biological opinion dated june smelt biological opinion dated december permits temporary barriers operable gates delta channels water transfer requests associated voluntarily crops coordination department_of_agriculture usda enter agreement national_academy_of_sciences study effectiveness environmental impacts biological control efforts increasing water supplies improving riparian habitats colorado_river delta means sacramento san_joaquin delta federal agencies expedite final decisions federal water projects operations california request develop alternative arrangements comply national_environmental_policy_act nepa environmental_protection_agency epa california emergency drought declarations require california prioritize state revolving funds allocated federal_water_pollution_control_act safe_drinking_water_act projects provide additional water supplies areas risk having inadequate supplies public health safety purposes improve resiliency drought epa california request authorize year financing assistance case state loan funds buy refinance debt obligation municipalities interstate agencies market rates interior confer california department fish wildlife implementation title changes smelt salmonid biological opinions requires authorization california law operation swp manner reduces water supply swp compared supply available biological opinions consequence cvp yield greater additional yield available swp contractors offset losses action title expires later california governor declaration end california drought emergency september title actions benefit fish refuges national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration recovery plan sacramento_river winter run chinook salmon central valley spring run chinook salmon central valley steelhead authorized fy2020 interior evaluate nonstructural barriers prevent threatened endangered key delta feasibility additional gravel natural areas improve salmon steelhead population recovery interior establish pilot programs test alternative release strategies hatchery raised winter run salmon reduce mortality rates interior_and_commerce assess methods reducing predation modifying natural artificial factors sacramento_river sacramento san_joaquin_river delta watershed lowering light intensity artificial structures salmon national_marine_fisheries_service bureau_of_reclamation reclamation implement pilot program test experimental trap barge program improve survival juvenile san_joaquin watershed delta south san_joaquin irrigation districts implement pilot program remove nonnative predator fish stanislaus_river interior begin pilot projects implement calfed bay delta invasive species control program interior directed determine methods minimize effects cvp swp delta smelt utilize new technologies better smelt tracking federal cost share authorized acceleration completion water infrastructure conveyance facilities necessary achieve water deliveries central valley wildlife refuges habitat areas title iii long term water supply projects interior directed award funding competitive basis certain water recycling water desalination drought recovery resiliency projects reduce reliance surface groundwater supplies bill identifies cities water districts desalination projects sponsors included projects reviewed water desalination act amended reauthorize fy2020 research grants demonstration program develop processes converting saline water water suitable beneficial uses white_house office_of_science_and_technology_policy develop strategic plan future federal investments desalination coordinates federal agencies activities epa implement program provide financial assistance design desalination facilities provide water suitable environmental enhancement agricultural industrial municipal beneficial consumptive uses bill provides procedures interior participate federal nonfederal storage projects deadlines established reclamation submit congress water storage feasibility studies concerning specified dams reservoirs calfed bay delta authorization act reclamation safety dams act amended allow interior develop necessary additional project benefits including additional conservation storage capacity conjunction activities modify reclamation dams facilities preserve structural safety costs subject cost sharing agreement applicable federal state local agencies repaid accordance reclamation laws department_of_the_army carry pilot projects including nonfederal projects implement revisions water operations manuals including flood control rule curves states drought declaration water year reclamation owned dams reservoirs excluded pilot project watersense program established epa promote products buildings landscapes facilities processes services certified display label designating water efficient interior enter voluntary agreements implement water conservation programs public water agencies entities receive water reclamation operated project conserved water retained public water agencies interior promote groundwater recharge conservation refuge water supply authorized projects existing water service repayment contractor contribute funds implement agreement exchange water usda provide grants water projects eligible communities unable meet primary water quality standards severely diminished water supplies drought conditions department_of_defense commence water conservation pilot projects california military installations drug_enforcement_administration assist california state local law enforcement suppression cannabis operations epa award grants assist financing research demonstration projects promote innovative water supply conservation technologies geological survey usgs establish open water data system advance availability timely distribution use data water management education research assessment monitoring title federal support state local drought resiliency projects interior provide financial assistance secured loans loan guarantees private entities state local governments irrigation districts water users associations entities contract united_states federal reclamation law carry water projects western states served reclamation states reclamation authorized provide project assistance alaska hawaii eligible project costs project reasonably anticipated million final maturity date secured loan later years substantial completion underlying project interior california enter memorandum understanding designate california lead agency purposes nepa interior permit california additional states participate program bill establishes process interior identify solicit public comment submit congress list inactive water resources development programs projects deauthorized longer viable construction national water availability use assessment program usgs enter cost shared financial assistance long term agreements nonfederal participants reclamation served western states hawaii alaska advance nonfederal permanent water storage conveyance facilities projects reclamation reuse municipal industrial domestic agricultural wastewater naturally impaired ground surface waters water management improvement projects reclamation_wastewater groundwater_study facilities act amended establish process interior award grants nonfederal sponsors projects reclaim reuse municipal industrial domestic agricultural wastewater impaired ground surface waters fy2026 designated portion revenues deposited reclamation fund deposited instead federal support state local drought solutions fund established treasury expenditures certain federal loan guarantees cost sharing authorized state local storage projects act project funding reclamation_wastewater groundwater_study facilities act


Summary:
Small Business Access to Capital Act of 2015 Amends the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 to extend for an additional eight fiscal years the State Small Business Credit Initiative to assist participating states to give collateral support and other innovative credit access and guarantee initiatives for small businesses and manufacturers.

Prescribes allocations of federal funds to participating states.

Authorizes the Department of the Treasury to award, on a competitive basis, up to a total of $1 billion in two tranches, according to specified criteria, to participating states and consortiums of participating states for use: (1) for making federal contributions to, or for the account of, an approved state program; or (2) as collateral for a qualifying loan or swap funding facility.

small business access capital act amends small_business_jobs_act extend additional fiscal years state small business credit initiative assist participating states collateral support innovative credit access guarantee initiatives small businesses manufacturers prescribes allocations federal funds participating states authorizes department_of_the_treasury award competitive basis total billion according specified criteria participating states consortiums participating states use making federal contributions account approved state program collateral qualifying loan swap funding facility


Summary:
Scale-Up Manufacturing Investment Company Act of 2015

This bill amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to require the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish a scale-up manufacturing investment company (SUMIC) program under which it shall provide leverage to participating investment funds (PIFs) to support debt and equity investments in qualifying manufacturing projects of specified small and emerging manufacturers.

Within 60 days after SBA approves and issues a license to operate as a PIF under SUMIC, it may provide up to $1 of leverage for every $1 of private capital raised by the PIF.

The maximum amount of outstanding leverage made available in any given fiscal year:

 to any PIF may not exceed $500 million, and to all PIFs in aggregate may not exceed $1 billion. The private capital of a PIF must be at least $250 million.

Any national bank, or any member bank of the Federal Reserve System or nonmember insured bank, to the extent permitted under state law, may invest in any one or more PIFs, or in any entity established to invest solely in PIFs. In no event must the total amount of such investments exceed 5% of the bank's capital and surplus.

The SBA must charge a leverage fee of between 3% and 5.5% of the face amount of the leverage issued.

Each PIF shall have authority to borrow money and issue debentures and preferred securities, subject to SBA limitations and regulations. Of the SBA leverage provided to a PIF: (1) at least 70% must be issued as debentures, and (2) up to 30% may be issued as preferred securities. The Federal Financing Bank may acquire such a debenture.

A PIF must use its SBA leverage to make debt and equity investments in small and emerging manufacturers to carry out qualifying manufacturing projects.

The SBA shall issue policy directives to provide for enhanced outreach efforts to increase investments by PIFs in small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and by women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

The SBA may establish a SUMIC Credit Council.

scale manufacturing investment company act bill amends small_business_investment_act require small_business_administration sba establish scale manufacturing investment company program shall provide leverage participating investment funds support debt equity investments qualifying manufacturing projects specified small emerging manufacturers days sba approves issues license operate provide leverage private capital raised maximum outstanding leverage available given fiscal year exceed million aggregate exceed billion private capital million national bank member bank federal_reserve_system nonmember insured bank extent permitted state law invest entity established invest solely event total investments exceed bank capital surplus sba charge leverage fee face leverage issued shall authority borrow money issue debentures preferred securities subject sba limitations regulations sba leverage provided issued debentures issued preferred securities federal financing bank acquire debenture use sba leverage debt equity investments small emerging manufacturers carry qualifying manufacturing projects sba shall issue policy directives provide enhanced outreach efforts increase investments small businesses owned controlled socially economically disadvantaged individuals women veterans individuals disabilities sba establish credit council


Summary:
New Mexico Drought Preparedness Act of 2015

 Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation (Secretary), to carry out a water acquisition program in specified basins in New Mexico, under which the Secretary shall: (1) make acquisitions of water by lease or purchase of water rights or contractual entitlements from willing lessors or sellers; and (2) take other actions to enhance stream flow to benefit fish and wildlife, water quality, and river ecosystem restoration and to enhance stewardship and conservation of working land, water, and watersheds.

Authorizes the Secretary, in cooperation with the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, to provide funding and technical assistance for the installation of metering and measurement devices and the construction of check structures on irrigation diversions, canals, laterals, ditches, and drains to: (1) ensure the conservation and efficient use of water within the District by reducing actual consumptive use or by not increasing the use of water, and (2) improve the measurement and allocation of water acquired through such water acquisition program.

Requires the Secretary to provide for development of a comprehensive plan for the San Acacia and Isleta reaches to plan, design, construct, and prioritize projects that balance river maintenance, water availability, use, and delivery, and ecosystem benefits.

Requires the Secretary of the Army to continue, for five years after enactment of this Act, the temporary deviation in the operation of Cochiti Lake and Jemez Canyon Dam that was initiated in 2009 and terminated in 2013, to evaluate the benefits of the deviation while a permanent reauthorization of the reservoirs is pursued.

Requires the Secretaries to: (1) conduct a feasibility study to address Cochiti Dam operation limitations on the timing, magnitude, and duration of flows that support federally listed species in the Middle Rio Grande; (2) submit a feasibility report on the reauthorization of the purposes of Cochiti Dam; and (3) enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to study water and reservoir management and operation issues along the Rio Grande.

Authorizes financial assistance to be made available for eligible water projects to help New Mexico and other Western states address drought-related impacts to water supplies or any other immediate water-related crisis or conflict.

Amends the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (OPLMA) to: (1) authorize the use of water management improvement grants to assist applicants in planning for or addressing the impacts of drought, (2) authorize the Commissioner of Reclamation to waive any cost-share requirements to address emergency drought situations and to prioritize projects based on drought relief benefits, and (3) authorize appropriations for such grants.

Reauthorizes appropriations for: (1) the Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act of 1991, and (2) Rio Grande Pueblos infrastructure grants under OPLMA.

Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to allocate certain financial assistance made available under the Food Security Act of 1985 (FSA) to establish special conservation initiatives to assist producers in implementing eligible activities on agricultural land in the western states for: (1) mitigating the effects of drought; (2) improving water quality and quantity; (3) restoring, enhancing, and preserving fish and wildlife habitat; and (4) promoting innovative and collaborative conservation tools and approaches.

Amends the FSA to provide that areas eligible for designation as conservation priority areas shall include areas with actual and significant water quantity impacts related to agricultural production activities.

new_mexico drought preparedness act directs secretary interior acting commissioner reclamation secretary carry water acquisition program specified basins new_mexico secretary shall acquisitions water lease purchase water rights contractual entitlements willing lessors sellers actions enhance stream flow benefit fish wildlife water quality river ecosystem restoration enhance stewardship conservation working land water watersheds authorizes secretary cooperation middle rio_grande conservancy district provide funding technical assistance installation metering measurement devices construction check structures irrigation diversions canals ensure conservation efficient use water district reducing actual consumptive use increasing use water improve measurement allocation water acquired water acquisition program requires secretary provide development comprehensive plan san reaches plan design construct prioritize projects balance river maintenance water availability use delivery ecosystem benefits requires secretary army continue years enactment act temporary deviation operation lake canyon dam initiated terminated evaluate benefits deviation permanent reauthorization reservoirs pursued requires secretaries conduct feasibility study address dam operation limitations timing magnitude duration flows support federally listed species middle rio_grande submit feasibility report reauthorization purposes dam enter arrangement national_academy_of_sciences study water reservoir management operation issues rio_grande authorizes financial assistance available eligible water projects help new_mexico western states address drought related impacts water supplies immediate water related crisis conflict amends omnibus_public_land_management_act authorize use water management improvement grants assist applicants planning addressing impacts drought authorize commissioner reclamation waive cost share requirements address emergency drought situations prioritize projects based drought relief benefits authorize appropriations grants reauthorizes appropriations reclamation_states emergency drought relief_act rio_grande pueblos infrastructure grants authorizes secretary agriculture allocate certain financial assistance available food security act fsa establish special conservation initiatives assist producers implementing eligible activities agricultural land western states mitigating effects drought improving water quality quantity restoring enhancing preserving fish wildlife habitat promoting innovative collaborative conservation tools approaches amends fsa provide areas eligible designation conservation priority areas shall include areas actual significant water quantity impacts related agricultural production activities


Summary:
Prepare, Ready, Equip, and Prevent Areas at Risk of Emergency Wildfires Act of 2015 or the PREPARE Act of 2015

 Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to direct the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish a pilot program to make grants to states or Indian tribal governments for wildfire mitigation.

Permits a grant to be used: (1) to reduce the use of fuels that may contribute to catastrophic wildfires in high-risk areas; (2) to invest in personnel, organizations, vehicles, and other equipment to conduct wildfire mitigation; (3) to mitigate against damage from runoff into waterways and floods caused by erosion from wildfires; (4) to build essential community collaboration and outline the necessary groundwork systems in anticipation of future fires; and (5) for other wildlife mitigation activities at the discretion of the governor of a state or the chief executive of an Indian tribal government.

Sets forth a grant eligibility requirement based on specified ratios of the relative population of, and the relative number fire management assistance grants received in the previous 10 years by, a prospective recipient. Authorizes the President to waive that requirement if a recipient demonstrates that significant environmental changes or shifts in forest health put the recipient at an elevated risk for catastrophic wildfires.

Allows the governor of a state to award grant funds to: (1) any county or municipality with a community wildfire protection plan or a local multi-hazard mitigation plan, (2) any Indian tribal government with a tribal mitigation plan, or (3) any other entity that is explicitly referenced in and central to the design of a community wildfire protection plan or a local multi-hazard mitigation plan.

Directs FEMA, in awarding such grants, to: (1) give preference to a recipient that has a high level of need for assistance based on the best scientific data available or that used previous grant funds efficiently and effectively for wildfire mitigation activities, and (2) consider environmental conditions in a state or area.

Directs FEMA to use specified unobligated amounts in the National Predisaster Mitigation Fund for each of FY2016-FY2021 in carrying out this Act.

Amends the Stafford Act to authorize the President, whether or not a major disaster is declared, to provide hazard mitigation assistance in any area affected by a fire for which assistance was otherwise provided.

Directs FEMA to require FEMA, in evaluating a governor's request for major disaster assistance under the Public Assistance Program, to consider whether: (1) post-fire flooding occurred within five years of, and as a result of, a single wildfire event in the state; and (2) the state received fire management assistance related to the major disaster for which the governor is requesting assistance.

Directs FEMA to create and make publicly available a post-fire recovery funding and resource guide for local communities.

prepare ready equip prevent areas risk emergency wildfires act prepare act amends robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act direct federal_emergency_management_agency fema establish pilot program grants states indian tribal governments wildfire mitigation permits grant reduce use fuels contribute catastrophic wildfires high risk areas invest personnel organizations vehicles equipment conduct wildfire mitigation mitigate damage runoff waterways floods caused erosion wildfires build essential community collaboration outline necessary systems anticipation future fires wildlife mitigation activities discretion governor state chief executive indian tribal government sets forth grant eligibility requirement based specified ratios relative population relative number fire management assistance grants received previous years prospective recipient authorizes president waive requirement recipient demonstrates significant environmental changes shifts forest health recipient elevated risk catastrophic wildfires allows governor state award grant funds county municipality community wildfire protection plan local multi hazard mitigation plan indian tribal government tribal mitigation plan entity explicitly referenced central design community wildfire protection plan local multi hazard mitigation plan directs fema awarding grants preference recipient high level need assistance based best scientific data available previous grant funds efficiently effectively wildfire mitigation activities consider environmental conditions state area directs fema use specified unobligated amounts national mitigation fund fy2016 fy2021 carrying act amends stafford act authorize president major disaster declared provide hazard mitigation assistance area affected fire assistance provided directs fema require fema evaluating governor request major disaster assistance public assistance program consider post fire flooding occurred years result single wildfire event state state received fire management assistance related major disaster governor requesting assistance directs fema create publicly available post fire recovery funding resource guide local communities


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on February 9, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Directing Dollars to Disaster Relief Act of 2015

(Sec. 3) This bill directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to:

 develop and implement an integrated plan to control and reduce administrative costs incurred by FEMA in support of the delivery of assistance for major disasters; compare the costs and benefits of tracking the administrative cost data for major disasters by the public assistance, individual assistance, hazard mitigation, and mission assignment programs; track such information; and clarify FEMA guidance and minimum documentation requirements for a direct administrative cost claimed by a grantee or subgrantee of a public assistance grant program authorized by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. (Sec. 4) FEMA must submit to Congress, by November 30 of each year for seven years beginning on the date of this Act's enactment, and make publicly available on its website, a report on the development and implementation of the plan for the previous fiscal year, with three-year and five-year updates. Each report shall contain:

 the total amount spent on administrative costs and the average annual percentage of administrative costs for the fiscal year period for which the report is being submitted; an assessment of the effectiveness of the plan; an analysis of whether FEMA is achieving its strategic goals for the average annual percentage of administrative costs of major disasters for each fiscal year and, in the case of it not achieving such goals, what is preventing it from doing so; any actions FEMA has identified as useful in improving upon and reaching those goals; and any administrative cost data for major disasters, if FEMA determines it is feasible to track such data.

measure amended passed senate february summary version repeated directing dollars disaster relief_act sec bill directs federal_emergency_management_agency fema develop implement integrated plan control reduce administrative costs incurred fema support delivery assistance major disasters compare costs benefits tracking administrative cost data major disasters public assistance individual assistance hazard mitigation mission assignment programs track information clarify fema guidance minimum documentation requirements direct administrative cost claimed grantee subgrantee public assistance grant program authorized robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act sec fema submit congress november year seven years beginning date act enactment publicly available website report development implementation plan previous fiscal year year year updates report shall contain total spent administrative costs average annual percentage administrative costs fiscal year period report submitted assessment effectiveness plan analysis fema achieving strategic goals average annual percentage administrative costs major disasters fiscal year case achieving goals preventing actions fema identified useful improving reaching goals administrative cost data major disasters fema determines feasible track data


Summary:
Small Business Broadband and Emerging Information Technology Enhancement Act of 2015

 (Sec. 3) This bill amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Investment and Innovation to designate a senior employee to serve as the broadband and emerging information technology (BEIT) coordinator.

The Office must also provide SBA employees BEIT training to assist small businesses in the use of such technologies.

The SBA Chief Counsel for Advocacy shall evaluate the impact of broadband speed and price on small businesses.

(Sec. 4) Services provided by a small business development center shall include accessing and using BEIT as an authorized activity of small business development centers.

small business broadband emerging information technology enhancement_act sec bill amends small_business_act direct small_business_administration sba office investment innovation designate senior employee serve broadband emerging information technology coordinator office provide sba employees training assist small businesses use technologies sba chief counsel advocacy shall evaluate impact broadband speed price small businesses sec services provided small business development center shall include accessing authorized activity small business development centers


Summary:
Small Business Lending and Economic Inequality Reduction Act of 2015

 This bill amends the Small Business Act to establish a Community Advantage Program, under which the Small Business Administration (SBA) may guarantee loans up to $350,000 made by specified kinds of institutions, including:

 development companies eligible for the state and local development company program, nonprofit intermediaries, non-federally regulated entities certified as community development financial institutions, and any other SBA-approved nonprofit organizations. At least 60% of these loans must be made to businesses in certain underserved markets, such as low- or moderate-income communities, HUBZones, empowerment zones, or enterprise communities.

The SBA must promulgate regulations for this Program, which shall be substantially similar to its Community Advantage Pilot Program, which shall terminate when these regulations take effect.

The Federal Home Loan Bank Act is amended to authorize Federal Home Loan Banks to make long-term secured advances to their members to provide funds to community development financial institutions.

At the time of origination or renewal of a loan or advance, a Bank must obtain and maintain a security interest in collateral eligible pursuant to any secured loan for any community development financial institution.

small business lending economic reduction act bill amends small_business_act establish community advantage program small_business_administration sba guarantee loans specified kinds institutions including development companies eligible state local development company program nonprofit intermediaries non federally regulated entities certified community development financial institutions sba approved nonprofit organizations loans businesses certain underserved markets low- moderate income communities hubzones empowerment zones enterprise communities sba promulgate regulations program shall substantially similar community advantage pilot program shall terminate regulations effect federal_home_loan_bank_act amended authorize federal_home_loan_banks long term secured advances members provide funds community development financial institutions time origination renewal loan advance bank obtain maintain security interest collateral eligible pursuant secured loan community development financial institution


Summary:
Women's Small Business Ownership Act of 2015

 (Sec. 3) This bill amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Women's Business Ownership to address issues concerning specified disciplines required for starting, operating, and increasing a small business.

The Office must work with SBA officials and collaborate with non-SBA entities to ensure that the work of the women's business center program:

 maximizes taxpayer dollars, and coordinates effectively with and is not duplicative of other federal and private sector programs. The mission of the Office shall be to assist women entrepreneurs in starting, growing, and competing in global markets by providing quality support with access to capital, access to markets, job creation, growth, counseling, and training in a specified manner.

The SBA must:

 provide annual programmatic and financial examination training for women's business center representatives, award grants or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements related to the training, and develop plans for a professional development training program for women's business centers and for a women's business center accreditation program. (Sec. 4) "Women's business center" shall mean a project conducted by any of the following eligible entities:

 a private nonprofit organization; a state, regional, or local economic development organization; a state-chartered development, credit, or finance corporation; a junior or community college; or any combination of these entities. The SBA may award:

 up to $250,000 of financial assistance to eligible entities per project year to conduct projects designed to provide training and counseling meeting the needs of women, especially socially and economically disadvantaged women; and more than $250,000 additional assistance in a given project year for which the eligible entity has obtained more than that amount in non-federal contributions and is otherwise in good standing, has met performance goals, and proposes a new project to use the additional funds. The bill prescribes further requirements for applications for initial financial assistance (and for renewal grants) as well as selection criteria, including a requirement that an applicant's principal place of business be more than 50 miles from a women's business center's principal place of business unless specified criteria are met.

The bill authorizes appropriations for FY2017-FY2020.

(Sec. 5) The SBA, upon request by an eligible entity, may waive for a fiscal year (but no more than two consecutive fiscal years) the requirement to obtain matching non-federal funds for the entity's technical assistance and counseling activities carried out using financial assistance under the program. The bill specifies considerations to be taken in determining whether to grant such a waiver.

An eligible entity may:

 solicit cash and in-kind contributions from private individuals and entities for use in carrying out the entity's activities under the project, and use amounts made available by the SBA for the cost of the solicitation and management of the contributions received. The amount of non-federal dollars obtained by an eligible entity above the amount it is required to obtain, and not used as matching funds to implement the women's business center program, shall not be subject to uniform administrative requirements, cost principles, and audit requirements for federal awards.

women small business ownership act sec bill amends small_business_act direct small_business_administration sba office women business ownership address issues concerning specified disciplines required starting operating increasing small business office work sba officials collaborate non sba entities ensure work women business center program maximizes taxpayer dollars coordinates effectively duplicative federal private sector programs mission office shall assist women entrepreneurs starting growing competing global markets providing quality support access capital access markets job creation growth counseling training specified manner sba provide annual programmatic financial examination training women business center representatives award grants enter contracts cooperative agreements related training develop plans professional development training program women business centers women business center accreditation program sec women business center shall mean project conducted following eligible entities private nonprofit organization state regional local economic development organization state chartered development credit finance corporation junior community college combination entities sba award financial assistance eligible entities project year conduct projects designed provide training counseling meeting needs women especially socially economically disadvantaged women additional assistance given project year eligible entity obtained non federal contributions good standing met performance goals proposes new project use additional funds bill prescribes requirements applications initial financial assistance renewal grants selection criteria including requirement applicant principal place business miles women business center principal place business specified criteria met bill authorizes appropriations fy2017 fy2020 sec sba request eligible entity waive fiscal year consecutive fiscal years requirement obtain matching non federal funds entity technical assistance counseling activities carried financial assistance program bill specifies considerations taken determining grant waiver eligible entity solicit cash kind contributions private individuals entities use carrying entity activities project use amounts available sba cost solicitation management contributions received non federal dollars obtained eligible entity required obtain matching funds implement women business center program shall subject uniform administrative requirements cost principles audit requirements federal awards


Summary:
Improving Small Business Innovative Research and Technologies Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Small Business Act to extend through FY2017 the requirement that the Small Business Administration (SBA) allow each federal agency required to conduct a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program to use up to 3% of allocated SBIR funds for the administration of its SBIR or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program as well as other specified administrative, oversight, and contract processing costs.

The SBA shall establish the Regional SBIR State Collaborative Initiative Pilot Program to provide one-year renewable awards of up to $300,000 to a regional collaborative, consisting of a research institution or a small business located in at least three eligible states, to address the needs of small businesses in order to: (1) be more competitive in the proposal and selection process for SBIR and STTR Program awards, and (2) increase technology transfer and commercialization.

An eligible state is one:

 in the bottom half of states, based on the average number of annual SBIR program awards made to companies in the state for the preceding three years for which the SBA has applicable data, and participating in the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) of the National Science Foundation, as established by the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1988. Each eligible EPSCoR state in a regional collaborative shall designate one eligible entity located in the state to serve as its lead eligible entity. Each regional collaborative to designate a coordinator from amongst the eligible entities in the collaborative, who shall serve as the interface between the regional collaborative and the SBA with respect to measuring cross-state collaboration and program effectiveness and documenting best practices.

Each regional collaborative with an award under the pilot program may use its award funds to perform specified services applicants for SBIR or STTR awards, including training and technical assistance.

Each federal agency required to conduct an SBIR Program must provide to the SBA 15% of its allocated SBIR funds set aside for administrative purposes:

 for the Pilot Program, for the Federal and State Technology Partnership (FAST) Program, and to support the SBA Office that administers the SBIR and the STTR Programs. This bill provides funding for the Pilot Program through FY2017.

(Sec. 3) The bill also reauthorizes the FAST Program, including Mentoring Networks and the mentoring database, through FY2017.

improving small business innovative research technologies act sec bill amends small_business_act extend fy2017 requirement small_business_administration sba allow federal agency required conduct small_business_innovation_research sbir program use allocated sbir funds administration sbir small_business_technology_transfer sttr program specified administrative oversight contract processing costs sba shall establish regional sbir state collaborative initiative pilot program provide year renewable awards regional collaborative consisting research institution small business located eligible states address needs small businesses order competitive proposal selection process sbir sttr program awards increase technology transfer commercialization eligible state half states based average number annual sbir program awards companies state preceding years sba applicable data participating experimental_program stimulate competitive research epscor national_science_foundation established national_science_foundation_authorization_act eligible epscor state regional collaborative shall designate eligible entity located state serve lead eligible entity regional collaborative designate coordinator eligible entities collaborative shall serve interface regional collaborative sba respect measuring cross state collaboration program effectiveness documenting best practices regional collaborative award pilot program use award funds perform specified services applicants sbir sttr awards including training technical assistance federal agency required conduct sbir program provide sba allocated sbir funds set aside administrative purposes pilot program federal_and_state_technology_partnership fast program support sba office administers sbir sttr programs bill provides funding pilot program fy2017 sec bill reauthorizes fast program including mentoring networks mentoring database fy2017


Summary:
Small Business Subcontracting Transparency Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Small Business Act to revise requirements with respect to the Small Business Administration (SBA) review and acceptance of subcontracting plans.

If a contractor or subcontractor fails to comply in good faith with assurances for the submission of periodic reports and cooperate in any studies or surveys required by the federal agency or the SBA to determine the extent of compliance with the contracting plan, such failure shall be a material breach of the contract or subcontract and may be considered in any past performance evaluation of the contractor.

(Sec. 3) The bill eliminates the limitation that SBA findings submitted to an appropriate federal agency after review of solicitations for procurement contracts be "advisory in nature."

(Sec. 4) A federal agency's procurement center representative (PCR) or commercial market representative (CMR) may delay acceptance of a subcontracting plan for 30 days if the PCR or CMR determines that it fails to provide the maximum practicable opportunity for certain covered small businesses to participate in the performance of the applicable contract. The written notice of such determination to the contracting agency's head of the procuring activity must include recommendations for altering the plan to provide the maximum practicable opportunity.

In the case of a Department of Defense PCR or CMR, the acceptance may be delayed for only 15 days. This delayed acceptance authority, however, does not include delay of the award or performance of the contract.

A PCR or CMR may not delay acceptance of a subcontracting plan if the head of the contracting agency certifies that the agency's need for the supplies or services is of such an unusual and compelling urgency that the United States would be seriously injured unless the agency is permitted to accept the subcontracting plan.

(Sec. 5) The SBA shall issue regulations providing examples of activities that would be considered a failure to make a good faith effort to comply with the requirements imposed on any entity (other than a small business) awarded a prime contract exceeding a certain amount that contains certain required SBA clauses regarding subcontracting plans.

small business subcontracting transparency_act sec bill amends small_business_act revise requirements respect small_business_administration sba review acceptance subcontracting plans contractor subcontractor fails comply good faith assurances submission periodic reports cooperate studies surveys required federal agency sba determine extent compliance contracting plan failure shall material breach contract subcontract considered past performance evaluation contractor sec bill eliminates limitation sba findings submitted appropriate federal agency review solicitations procurement contracts advisory nature sec federal agency procurement center representative commercial market representative delay acceptance subcontracting plan days determines fails provide maximum practicable opportunity certain covered small businesses participate performance applicable contract written notice determination contracting agency head procuring activity include recommendations altering plan provide maximum practicable opportunity case department_of_defense acceptance delayed days delayed acceptance authority include delay award performance contract delay acceptance subcontracting plan head contracting agency certifies agency need supplies services unusual compelling urgency united_states seriously injured agency permitted accept subcontracting plan sec sba shall issue regulations providing examples activities considered failure good faith effort comply requirements imposed entity small business awarded prime contract exceeding certain contains certain required sba clauses subcontracting plans