What does Preamble of Watershed Results Act do?

This bill authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to carry out watershed pilots. The bill's stated purpose is to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to carry out watershed pilots, and for other purposes.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Watershed Results Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Watershed Results Act.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Watershed Results Act do?

This section defines key terms used throughout the Act. “Advance watershed analytics” refers to a technical analysis conducted before funding a watershed outcomes project, identifying outcomes, costs, and efficient activity combinations. “Appropriate committees of Congress” are defined as the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the House Committee on Natural Resources. “Eligible entity” includes States, Indian Tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, local authorities, and nongovernmental entities. A “pay-for-performance contract” is a contract to purchase verified outcomes from qualifying activities in a watershed outcomes project. “Qualifying activity” is a conservation project identified through advance watershed analytics as having a high likelihood of cost-effectively achieving outcomes. “Reclamation State” includes states and territories described in the Act of June 17, 1902, as well as Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico. The “Secretary” is the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation. A “watershed outcomes project” is a watershed project managed by the watershed partner. A “watershed partner” is an eligible entity selected by the Secretary to carry out a watershed outcomes project.

What does WATERSHED OUTCOMES PROJECTS. of Watershed Results Act do?

This section establishes a program for Watershed Outcomes Projects. The Secretary is directed to solicit proposals from eligible entities to develop and implement strategies using advance watershed analytics to achieve watershed-scale outcomes. Selected watershed partners will complete advance watershed analytics, carry out projects, manage partnerships, and support pay-for-performance contracts. Proposals will be evaluated based on criteria including scope, purpose, stakeholder outreach, community support, and the partner's capability. Partnership agreements can last up to 5 years, with potential for renewal or a 2-year extension. The Secretary will provide technical and financial assistance to watershed partners, including grants and cooperative agreements. Qualifying activities must produce measurable outcomes such as increased water quantity or quality, or improved aquatic habitat. Federal funding for projects can cover up to 75% of total costs. The Secretary will review documentation and provide financial assistance for verified outcomes. A maximum of 5 watershed outcomes projects can be carried out under this section. Data collected for advance watershed analytics is considered confidential commercial information and exempt from Freedom of Information Act disclosure. This section does not create, impair, alter, or supersede any existing water rights.

What does BRIEFING; REPORTS. of Watershed Results Act do?

This section requires the Secretary to provide an annual briefing or report to Congress on watershed outcomes projects. The annual report must describe the status of each project, progress towards the strategy outlined in section 3(d)(1), and any payments made for outcomes. The report is due by the date the President submits the U.S. budget under section 1105 of title 31. A 5-year report is also required, summarizing projected results, outcomes, funding secured, funding expended, and other appropriate information. The 5-year report must include recommendations for continuing, terminating, or making permanent the authorizations under this Act.

What does AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. of Watershed Results Act do?

This section authorizes appropriations to the Secretary to carry out the Act. A total of $17,000,000 is authorized for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2031.

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Watershed Results Act

Last updated: 3/17/2026 · Introduced: 4/1/2025

Author: Ron Wyden (D-OR)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a program for Watershed Outcomes Projects, allowing the Secretary of the Interior to select eligible entities to develop and implement strategies using data-driven analysis to achieve watershed-scale improvements.
The program provides financial and technical assistance, covering up to 75% of project costs, to support conservation activities that demonstrably increase water quantity or quality and improve aquatic habitat.
The bill authorizes $17 million annually from 2026 through 2031 to fund these projects and requires annual reports to Congress on project status and outcomes.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 4 more.

6 sections

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