33 U.S.C. § 2314: Innovative technology

use procurement and contracting procedures that encourage innovative project design, construction, rehabilitation, repair, and operation and maintenance technologies; frequently review technical and design criteria to remove or modify unnecessary impediments to innovation; increase timely exchange of technical information with universities, private companies, government agencies, and individuals; foster design competition; and encourage greater participation by non-Federal project sponsors in the development and implementation of projects. The Secretary shall approve an appropriate number of projects to test, under actual field conditions, innovative technologies for environmentally sound management of contaminated sediments. The Secretary may approve an appropriate number of projects to demonstrate innovative technologies that have been pilot tested under paragraph (1). Each pilot project under paragraph (1) and demonstration project under paragraph (2) shall be conducted by a university with proven expertise in the research and development of contaminated sediment treatment technologies and innovative applications using waste materials. At least 1 of the projects under this subsection shall be conducted in New England by the University of New Hampshire. Within 2 years after November 17, 1988 , and thereafter at the Secretary’s discretion, the Secretary shall provide Congress with a report on the results of, and recommendations to increase, the development and use of innovative technology in water resources development projects under the Secretary’s jurisdiction. Such report shall also contain information regarding innovative technologies which the Secretary has considered and rejected for use in water resources development projects under the Secretary’s jurisdiction. For the purpose of this section, the term “innovative technology” means designs, methods, or materials, including roller compacted concrete, geosynthetic materials, and advanced composites, that the Secretary determines are appropriate to carry out this section. Not later than June 1, 2001 , the Secretary shall complete a review of innovative dredging technologies designed to minimize or eliminate contamination of a water column upon removal of contaminated sediments. After completion of the review under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall select, from among the technologies reviewed, the technology that the Secretary determines will best increase the effectiveness of removing contaminated sediments and significantly reduce contamination of the water column. Not later than December 31, 2001 , the Secretary shall enter into an agreement with a public or private entity to test the selected technology in the vicinity of Peoria Lakes, Illinois. There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $2,000,000.” The Secretary shall, when appropriate, encourage the beneficial use of waste tire rubber (including crumb rubber and baled tire products) recycled from tires. Beneficial uses under subsection (a) may include marine pilings, underwater framing, floating docks with built-in flotation, utility poles, and other uses associated with transportation and infrastructure projects receiving Federal funds. The Secretary shall encourage the use, when appropriate, of waste tire rubber (including crumb rubber) in projects described in subsection (b).”