§8209. Accountability and reporting

(a) Reporting

(1) In general

Not later than 5 years after October 30, 2020, and every 5 years thereafter, the Board shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report describing the progress of this chapter.

(2) Contents

Each report submitted under paragraph (1) shall include-

(A) an estimate of the number of acres, stream miles, or acre-feet, or other suitable measures of fish habitat, that was maintained or improved by Partnerships under this chapter during the 5-year period ending on the date of submission of the report;

(B) a description of the public access to fish habitats established or improved under this chapter during that 5-year period;

(C) a description of the improved opportunities for public recreational fishing achieved under this chapter; and

(D) an assessment of the status of fish habitat conservation projects carried out with funds provided under this chapter during that period, disaggregated by year, including-

(i) a description of the fish habitat conservation projects recommended by the Board under section 8205(b) of this title;

(ii) a description of each fish habitat conservation project approved by the Secretary under section 8205(f) of this title, in order of priority for funding;

(iii) a justification for-

(I) the approval of each fish habitat conservation project; and

(II) the order of priority for funding of each fish habitat conservation project;

(iv) a justification for any rejection of a fish habitat conservation project recommended by the Board under section 8205(b) of this title that was based on a factor other than the criteria described in section 8205(c) of this title; and

(v) an accounting of expenditures by Federal, State, or local governments, Indian Tribes, or other entities to carry out fish habitat conservation projects under this chapter.

(b) Status and trends report

Not later than December 31, 2021, and every 5 years thereafter, the Board shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that includes-

(1) a status of all Partnerships designated under this chapter;

(2) a description of the status of fish habitats in the United States as identified by designated Partnerships; and

(3) enhancements or reductions in public access as a result of-

(A) the activities of the Partnerships; or

(B) any other activities carried out pursuant to this chapter.

( Pub. L. 116–188, title II, §209, Oct. 30, 2020, 134 Stat. 935 .)