DELAWARE INLAND BAYS WATERSHED STUDY.

SEC. 1211. DELAWARE INLAND BAYS WATERSHED STUDY. (a) In General.—The Secretary shall carry out a study on the restoration of aquatic ecosystems in the Delaware Inland Bays watershed. (b) Requirements.— (1) In general.—In carrying out the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall— (A) conduct a comprehensive analysis of ecosystem restoration needs in the Delaware Inland Bays watershed, including— (i) saltmarsh restoration; (ii) shoreline stabilization; and (iii) stormwater management; (B) identify sources for the beneficial use of dredged materials; and (C) recommend feasibility studies for projects to address the needs identified under this paragraph. (2) Natural or nature-based features.—To the maximum extent practicable, a feasibility study that is recommended under paragraph (1)(C) shall consider the use of natural features or nature-based features (as those terms are defined in section 1184(a) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (33 U.S.C. 2289a(a))). (c) Consultation and Use of Existing Data.— (1) Consultation.—In carrying out the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with applicable— (A) Federal, State, and local agencies; (B) Indian Tribes; (C) non-Federal interests; and (D) other stakeholders, as determined appropriate by the Secretary. (2) Use of existing data.—To the maximum extent practicable, in carrying out the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall use existing data provided to the Secretary by entities described in paragraph (1). (d) Feasibility Studies.— (1) In general.—The Secretary is authorized to conduct feasibility studies recommended under subsection (b)(1)(C). (2) Congressional authorization.—The Secretary may not begin construction for a project recommended by a feasibility study described in paragraph (1) unless the project has been authorized by Congress. (e) Report.—Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that includes— (1) the results of the study carried out under subsection (a); and (2) a description of actions taken under this section, including any feasibility studies conducted under subsection (b)(1)(C).