What does Preamble of Connecticut River Watershed Partnership Act do?

This bill aims to direct restoration and protection efforts within the 5-State Connecticut River Watershed region. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on June 9, 2026.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Connecticut River Watershed Partnership Act do?

This bill is formally titled the "Connecticut River Watershed Partnership Act".

What does DEFINITIONS. of Connecticut River Watershed Partnership Act do?

This section defines terms used throughout the Act. An 'environmental justice community' is defined as one with significant representation of communities of color, low-income communities, or Tribal and Indigenous communities facing adverse health or environmental effects. The 'Foundation' is defined as the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The 'grant program' refers to the voluntary Connecticut River Watershed Partnership grant program established under section 4(b). The 'program' refers to the nonregulatory Connecticut River Watershed Partnership program established under section 3(a). ’Restoration and protection’ means conserving and enhancing land and water for fish, wildlife, and people to preserve ecosystems and for public use. The 'Secretary' is the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. ’Tribes’ includes Native American groups indigenous to the Watershed, regardless of federal or state recognition. The 'Watershed' encompasses a 5-State region including the Connecticut River and its tributaries. ’Watershed state’ refers to Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

What does CONNECTICUT RIVER WATERSHED PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM. of Connecticut River Watershed Partnership Act do?

This section establishes the "Connecticut River Watershed Partnership program" as a non-regulatory program. The Secretary is tasked with drawing on existing and new plans to identify, prioritize, and implement restoration and protection activities within the Connecticut River Watershed. The program requires consultation with various entities, including federal agencies, state governors, Tribal governments, and organizations representing environmental justice communities. The program's purposes include coordinating restoration and protection activities, restoring fish and wildlife populations, enhancing habitat, improving water quality, and advancing nature-based solutions. The program aims to support farmland conservation, engage the public, promote traditional Tribal ecological knowledge, and improve access to open space and trails. The program also seeks to improve water management, monitor environmental quality, increase scientific capacity, and provide technical assistance throughout the Watershed.

What does CONNECTICUT RIVER WATERSHED PARTNERSHIP GRANT PROGRAM. of Connecticut River Watershed Partnership Act do?

This section establishes the "Connecticut River Watershed Partnership grant program" to provide competitive matching grants and technical assistance. Eligible entities for the grant program include State, Tribal, or local governments, nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education. The Secretary must establish the program within 180 days of the Act's enactment. Grant criteria will be developed to ensure equitable distribution of funds and alignment with purposes described in section 3(d). The Federal share of project costs generally cannot exceed 75%, but increases to 90% for projects serving environmental justice communities. The Secretary can increase the Federal share to 100% if a grant recipient demonstrates financial hardship. The non-Federal share can be provided in cash or in-kind contributions. The Secretary may contract with the Foundation or a similar organization to manage the grant program. If a contract is made with the Foundation, it will receive advance payments and administer the program to support public-private partnerships, subject to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act.

What does ANNUAL REPORTS. of Connecticut River Watershed Partnership Act do?

This section requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to Congress. The first report is due within 180 days of the Act's enactment. Subsequent reports are due annually thereafter. The reports must include a description of each project funded under the grant program in the preceding fiscal year.

What does AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. of Connecticut River Watershed Partnership Act do?

This section authorizes appropriations to the Secretary to carry out the Act. Funding is authorized for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. At least 75 percent of available funds must be used for the grant program and technical assistance. The authorized funds are intended to supplement, not supplant, existing funding for the Secretary's activities in the Watershed.

Back to bills

Connecticut River Watershed Partnership Act

Last updated: 6/9/2026 · Introduced: 6/9/2026

Author: James McGovern (D-MA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a non-regulatory program to coordinate restoration and protection activities within the 5-State Connecticut River Watershed, prioritizing fish and wildlife populations, habitat enhancement, and water quality improvements.
The bill creates a grant program offering competitive matching funds to state, tribal, local governments, nonprofits, and higher education institutions for projects within the Watershed, with increased federal funding for projects benefiting environmental justice communities.
The Act authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, directing that at least 75% of funds support the grant program and technical assistance initiatives.

119th Congressin committeeS. 1765(In Committee)Official page

Verified Votes

No verified votes yet.

Community Votes

No community votes yet. Be the first!

Voting as guest · Sign in for verified votes

Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 5 more.

7 sections

Click "Show details" to explore individual sections. Use the community vote above or visit All Sections to vote per section.

Read official text

Want the full experience?

Create a free account to cast verified votes on each section, get a personalized summary, and track your voting history.

Create Free Account