Southeast New England Program Authorization Act of 2026
Southeast New England Program: Coastal Watershed Restoration
This bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process after being sent to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. It is actively moving through the system, but no future hearings or votes have been scheduled yet. There is no companion bill listed for this legislation at this time.
Legislative Progress
While the bill has strong support from New England leaders, it currently lacks the Republican cosponsors usually needed to move regional environmental bills through the Senate.
Key Points
- This bill creates the Southeast New England Program within the Environmental Protection Agency. The program focuses on protecting and fixing the coastal areas and waterways in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.
- The government would give out grants to state and local governments, tribes, and nonprofits. These funds can be used to clean up pollution, restore natural habitats, and improve water quality in local communities.
- The money would help reduce stormwater runoff and make coastal areas stronger against flooding and environmental changes. It also supports training and education for workers in jobs that help keep the coast healthy.
- The bill authorizes $30 million every year from 2027 to 2031. The federal government would pay for up to 75 percent of the cost for these projects, while local partners would be responsible for the remaining 25 percent.
Impact Analysis
Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Milestones
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1859)
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
News
No related news coverage found for this legislation yet.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Southeast New England Program Authorization Act of 2026
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(3)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.