(b) Studies and projects
(1) Authority
In carrying out the program, the Secretary may conduct studies to identify appropriate flood damage reduction, conservation, and restoration measures and may design and implement projects described in subsection (a) of this section.
(2) Consultation and coordination
The studies and projects carried out under this section shall be conducted, to the maximum extent practicable, in consultation and coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other appropriate Federal agencies, and in consultation and coordination with appropriate State and local agencies and tribes.
(3) Nonstructural approaches
The studies and projects shall emphasize, to the maximum extent practicable and appropriate, nonstructural approaches to preventing or reducing flood damages.
(4) Participation
The studies and projects shall be conducted, to the maximum extent practicable, in cooperation with State and local agencies and tribes to ensure the coordination of local flood damage reduction or riverine and wetland restoration studies with projects that conserve, restore, and manage hydrologic and hydraulic regimes and restore the natural functions and values of floodplains.
(e) Priority areas In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall examine appropriate locations, including
(1) Pima County, Arizona, at Paseo De Las Iglesias and Rillito River;
(2) Coachella Valley, Riverside County, California;
(3) Los Angeles and San Gabriel Rivers, California;
(4) Murrieta Creek, California;
(5) Napa River Valley watershed, California, at Yountville, St. Helena, Calistoga, and American Canyon;
(6) Santa Clara basin, California, at Upper Guadalupe River and Tributaries, San Francisquito Creek, and Upper Penitencia Creek;
(7) Pond Creek, Kentucky;
(8) Red River of the North, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota;
(9) Connecticut River, New Hampshire;
(10) Pine Mount Creek, New Jersey;
(11) Southwest Valley, Albuquerque, New Mexico;
(12) Upper Delaware River, New York;
(13) Briar Creek, North Carolina;
(14) Chagrin River, Ohio;
(15) Mill Creek, Cincinnati, Ohio;
(16) Tillamook County, Oregon;
(17) Willamette River basin, Oregon;
(18) Blair County, Pennsylvania, at Altoona and Frankstown Township;
(19) Delaware River, Pennsylvania;
(20) Schuylkill River, Pennsylvania;
(21) Providence County, Rhode Island;
(22) Shenandoah River, Virginia;
(23) Lincoln Creek, Wisconsin;
(24) Perry Creek, Iowa;
(25) Lester, St. Louis, East Savanna, and Floodwood Rivers, Duluth, Minnesota;
(26) Lower Hudson River and tributaries, New York;
(27) Susquehanna River watershed, Bradford County, Pennsylvania;
(28) Clear Creek, Harris, Galveston, and Brazoria Counties, Texas;
(29) Ascension Parish, Louisiana;
(30) East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana;
(31) Iberville Parish, Louisiana;
(32) Livingston Parish, Louisiana; and
(33) Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana.