Cooperative Watershed Management Program Reauthorization Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7978
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-18: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-25T08:08:32Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation reauthorizes and updates the Cooperative Watershed Management Program established under the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009. It aims to support collaborative efforts among various groups to manage watersheds through planning and project implementation.
Key Provisions
- Definitions: Adds a definition for "Indian tribe" and expands the term "stakeholder" to include entities with ancestral lands in the watershed.
- Program Eligibility and Grants:
- Allows Indian tribes to participate more directly.
- Adds eligibility for groups facing significant need due to drought, wildfire, or other natural disasters.
- Increases first-phase grants to up to $150,000 per year for at least three years.
- Permits extensions of up to two additional years at the same amount for satisfactory performance.
- Expands second-phase grant uses to include grant writing, project management, and technical assistance such as feasibility studies and engineering.
- Application Process: Requires the Secretary to offer funding opportunities on a regular basis and accept applications multiple times per year.
- Reporting: Mandates that annual reports be made available to the public.
- Funding: Authorizes $40,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces Indian tribes as explicit participants and broadens stakeholder criteria to include ancestral land interests.
- Raises grant amounts and adds flexibility for extensions and continuous enrollment.
- Expands allowable activities under second-phase grants.
- Requires public availability of reports and ongoing application cycles, replacing prior limitations.
- Extends the program with new multi-year funding authorization.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of the Interior would administer expanded grants and continuous application processes, potentially increasing administrative workload.
- Citizens and Communities: Watershed groups, including those in drought- or wildfire-affected areas, may gain easier access to funding and technical support for local projects.
- International Relations: No direct effects identified in the legislation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Indian tribes and entities with ancestral watershed lands.
- Local watershed groups and nonprofit organizations seeking grants.
- Federal agencies responsible for program implementation.
- Communities impacted by drought, wildfire, or other natural disasters.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill makes targeted amendments to existing environmental management statutes without altering constitutional authority or creating new federal powers. It emphasizes inclusive participation for tribes and disaster-affected areas through administrative changes to grant processes.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2], Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-18]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-18: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2026-03-18: Introduced in House
- 2026-03-18: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Cooperative Watershed Management Program Reauthorization Act of 2026 — issued 2026-03-18 — PDF (5 pages)