What does Preamble of Connecticut River Watershed Partnership Act do?

This bill, formally titled 'To direct restoration and protection efforts of the 5-State Connecticut River Watershed region, and for other purposes,' aims to direct restoration and protection efforts within the 5-State Connecticut River Watershed region.

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' refers to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The 'grant program' is the voluntary Connecticut River Watershed Partnership grant program established under section 4(b). The 'program' is the nonregulatory Connecticut River Watershed Partnership program established under section 3(a). ’Restoration and protection’ means conserving 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’ are defined as 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 efforts, restoring fish and wildlife populations, improving water quality, and advancing nature-based solutions. Activities will support farmland conservation, public engagement, and the promotion of traditional Tribal ecological knowledge. The program aims to improve access to open space, trails, and active transportation options within the Watershed. Monitoring environmental quality and facilitating strategic planning are also key components of the program.

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 to eligible entities. Eligible entities 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. The Secretary will develop criteria for the grant program, consulting with various agencies and organizations, to ensure equitable distribution of funds and alignment with purposes outlined in section 3(d). The Federal share of project costs generally cannot exceed 75 percent, but increases to 90 percent for projects serving environmental justice communities, and potentially 100 percent if the recipient faces 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 certain requirements of 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. The reports must include a description of each project funded by 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. Sums are 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.

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Connecticut River Watershed Partnership Act

Last updated: 5/14/2025 · Introduced: 5/14/2025

Author: Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a non-regulatory Connecticut River Watershed Partnership program to coordinate restoration and protection activities, improve water quality, and support conservation efforts within a five-state region.
The bill creates a grant program offering competitive matching funds and technical assistance to state, tribal, local governments, nonprofits, and higher education institutions for projects within the Connecticut River Watershed.
The Act authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, prioritizing the grant program and requiring annual reports to Congress detailing funded projects.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 9226(In Committee)Official page

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

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