Bill > HR7294

This bill amends the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through a state or local government, Indian tribe, water district, or other sponsor, to carry out emergency watershed protection measures on National Forest System land. The measures are necessary to address runoff, soil erosion, and flood mitigation caused by natural disasters or other natural occurrences that have impaired the natural resources on the land and pose an immediate risk to water resources or loss of life or property downstream. The Secretary can enter into agreements with sponsors and make payments to them to undertake these measures, which must be completed within 2 years, with the option for 3 years of continued monitoring and maintenance. The bill also waives any matching requirements for these payments and limits the liability of the sponsors.