Bill > HR605

This bill amends the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 to reauthorize and improve the Water Source Protection Program, expanding its scope and effectiveness. The bill broadens the definition of eligible partners to include acequia associations, local water infrastructure entities, land-grant mercedes, and private water delivery authorities. It establishes new priorities for watershed protection and restoration projects, emphasizing risk management for drought, wildfire, extreme weather, and flooding, while also focusing on ecological restoration and supporting disadvantaged communities. The bill requires explicit consent and partnership from adjacent landowners for any projects on their land and ensures no changes to land ownership or management beyond the project's scope. It increases funding to $30 million annually from 2025 to 2033, with at least 10% dedicated to partner technical assistance and capacity building. Additionally, the bill mandates that forest management activities cannot result in long-term watershed health degradation and adds a new authorization for appropriations to support watershed condition improvements. Importantly, the bill explicitly states that it does not supersede existing water laws, interstate compacts, or treaty obligations, and does not authorize federal land acquisition or control over non-federal lands.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/605/all-info