Cooperative Watershed Management Program Reauthorization Act of 2026

Key Points

• This bill would renew a federal program that gives money to local groups to help them manage and protect their water supplies. It specifically supports groups that bring together different people in a community—like farmers, city leaders, and environmentalists—to solve water problems together.
• The bill increases the size of initial grants from $100,000 to $150,000 per year. These grants would last for at least three years, and the government could extend them for another two years if the local group is doing a good job.
• For the first time, the bill makes it easier for Indian tribes to participate, especially if the water is on their ancestral lands. It also prioritizes communities that are struggling with natural disasters like droughts or wildfires.
• Local groups could use the money for more than just planning. The bill allows them to spend funds on hiring grant writers, managing projects, and paying for technical work like engineering and environmental reviews.
• The bill authorizes $40 million in spending every year from 2027 through 2031. It also requires the government to accept applications multiple times a year instead of just once, making it easier for local groups to get help when they need it.

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