(a) General. In accordance with section 601 of WRDA 2000, flood protection, consistent with restoration, preservation, and protection of the natural system, is a purpose of the Plan.
(b) Existing flood protection. Each Project Implementation Report shall include appropriate analyses, and consider the operational conditions included in the pre-CERP baseline developed pursuant to § 385.35(a), to demonstrate that the levels of service for flood protection that:
(1) Were in existence on the date of enactment of section 601 of WRDA 2000; and
(2) Are in accordance with applicable law, will not be reduced by implementation of the project.
(c) Improved and new flood protection. The overarching objective of the Plan is the restoration, preservation, and protection of the South Florida Ecosystem while providing for other water-related needs of the region, including water supply and flood protection. As appropriate, the Corps of Engineers and the non-Federal sponsor shall consider opportunities to provide additional flood protection, consistent with restoration of the natural system, and the provisions of section 601(f)(2)(B) of WRDA 2000 and other applicable laws.