Bill > S1765

This bill establishes the Connecticut River Watershed Partnership Program to coordinate restoration and protection efforts across Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The program, to be managed by the Secretary of the Interior, will create a comprehensive strategy to support environmental conservation, ecological health, and community resilience in the Connecticut River Watershed region. It includes establishing a voluntary grant program that will provide competitive matching grants to eligible entities like state and local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions, with special provisions to support environmental justice communities by offering up to 90% (and potentially 100%) federal funding for projects. The program's broad objectives include restoring wildlife habitats, improving water quality, supporting farmland conservation, enhancing public access to trails and open spaces, promoting traditional ecological knowledge, and increasing community engagement in environmental protection. The bill authorizes appropriations from fiscal years 2026 through 2030, mandating that at least 75% of funds be used for grants and technical assistance, and requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to Congress detailing funded projects. The program aims to collaborate with various stakeholders, including federal agencies, tribal governments, state and local organizations, and community representatives, to create a holistic approach to watershed management and conservation.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1765/all-info