Tina Smith: “I am very glad that you asked that question. First let me explain what subsection (h)(3) does. Subsection (h)(3)…”

“I am very glad that you asked that question. First let me explain what subsection (h)(3) does. Subsection (h)(3) requires the issuance of programmatic regulations to ensure that the goals and purposes of the Plan are achieved by guiding the implementation of the project implementation reports. Confusion was raised due to the wording that we used in the bill as reported. In order to clarify section (h)(3)(B)(i), we deleted the words ``provide guidance.'' Despite the change in the manager's amendment, the report language for this section is still relevant, and reflects the committee's interpretation of this section. It is still the committee's intent that in developing the programmatic regulations, the Federal and State partners should establish interim goals-expressed in terms of restoration standards-to provide a means by which the restoration success of the plan may be evaluated through the implementation process. The restoration standards should be quantitative and measurable at specific points in the plan implementation.”