Bill > S1615

This bill establishes the Pacific Northwest Migratory Bird Conservation pilot program, which will be managed by the Secretary of the Interior to enhance and restore habitats for migratory birds in the Oregon and Washington Coastal Zone and Columbia River Basin. The program will provide competitive grants and technical assistance to a wide range of eligible entities, including federal and state agencies, tribal governments, nonprofits, conservation districts, and private landowners. Eligible projects can include water infrastructure improvements and vegetation management aimed at supporting wetlands-dependent birds like waterfowl, shorebirds, and passerines. When awarding grants, the Secretary will prioritize projects in areas with rapidly disappearing bird habitats, high population growth, or limited recreational land access. Grant recipients can use up to 10% of their funds to assess ecosystem benefits and create conservation easements, and must use the funds within four years. The program requires grant recipients to provide a 25% non-federal match, which can include cash, in-kind services, government funding, or volunteer labor. The bill authorizes $10 million annually from fiscal years 2026 to 2030, with no more than 3% allocated to administrative costs, and mandates annual reporting to Congress about the program's implementation. Importantly, the bill explicitly does not interfere with state water laws or private property rights.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1615/all-info