Cooperative Watershed Management Program Reauthorization Act of 2026

Key Points

• This bill continues a federal program that helps local groups work together to manage water resources. It provides money for communities to create plans for sharing water, protecting local rivers, and preparing for future water needs.
• The plan makes it easier for Indian tribes to participate. It specifically includes tribes that have ancestral ties to a local watershed, even if they do not currently live on that specific land.
• It increases the amount of money local groups can receive. Starting in 2027, groups can get up to $150,000 per year for at least three years, and they can apply for two-year extensions if they are doing a good job.
• The bill adds new reasons for groups to get help. Communities facing serious problems from drought, wildfires, or other natural disasters will now have a better chance of getting funding.
• Groups can use the money for more than just physical projects. The bill allows funds to be used for hiring grant writers, managing projects, and paying for technical work like engineering and environmental reviews.
• The government would be required to accept applications multiple times a year. This makes the program more flexible for local groups that might need help quickly rather than waiting for a single yearly deadline.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.

Votes

No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.

News

No related news coverage found for this legislation yet.