What does Preamble of New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act do?

This bill is formally titled 'To establish the New York-New Jersey Watershed Restoration Program, and for other purposes.'

What does SHORT TITLE. of New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act do?

This bill is formally titled the New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act.

What does DEFINITIONS. of New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act do?

This section defines key terms used throughout the Act. An 'approved plan' is defined as a plan approved by a governmental entity or determined by the Secretary to contribute to the Act's purposes. Specific conservation projects, including the New York-New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program Action Agenda, are explicitly included as 'approved plans'. “Environmental justice” is defined as fair treatment and meaningful involvement for all people, regardless of demographic factors. The 'Foundation' refers to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The 'grant program' is the voluntary New York-New Jersey Watershed Restoration Grant Program established under section 4(a). The 'program' is the New York-New Jersey Watershed Restoration Program established under section 3(a). “Restoration and protection” involves conserving and enhancing habitat for fish and wildlife, including water quality, for public use. The 'Secretary' is the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The 'Watershed' is defined as the New York-New Jersey Watershed, encompassing the land area draining into the New York-New Jersey Harbor and associated estuaries.

What does NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY WATERSHED RESTORATION PROGRAM. of New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act do?

This section establishes the "New York-New Jersey Watershed Restoration Program" within 180 days of enactment. The program's purposes include coordinating restoration and protection activities among various entities throughout the Watershed. Activities will focus on sustaining fish and wildlife habitat, improving water quality, and enhancing opportunities for public access and recreation. The program aims to advance natural climate solutions and natural infrastructure to increase resilience to climate change impacts. Public engagement, particularly within communities experiencing environmental injustice, is a key component, focusing on capacity building and workforce development. The Secretary will draw on existing and new approved plans for the Watershed and consult with various management entities, including the New York-New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program. A Watershed-wide strategy will be adopted, prioritizing cost-effective projects, measurable results, conservation outcomes, and the needs of communities experiencing environmental injustice.

What does NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY WATERSHED RESTORATION GRANT PROGRAM. of New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act do?

This section establishes the "New York-New Jersey Watershed Restoration Grant Program" to provide competitive matching grants for restoration and protection activities. Eligible entities for grants include State, Tribal, and local governments, nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, and other entities determined by the Secretary. The Secretary will develop criteria for the grant program, ensuring activities align with purposes identified in section 3(b)(2) and the Watershed-wide strategy in section 3(c)(3). The federal share of project costs is generally capped at 50 percent, but can be up to 90 percent for small, rural, or disadvantaged communities, and potentially 100 percent if the recipient faces financial hardship. The non-federal share can be provided in cash or through in-kind contributions. The Secretary may contract with the Foundation or a similar organization to manage the grant program. Funding for the grant program, as outlined in section 7, will be provided to the managing organization in advance on October 1 of each fiscal year. If the Foundation manages the program, the funds are subject to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act, excluding section 10(a).

What does ANNUAL REPORTS. of New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection 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 describe activities funded under this Act in the preceding fiscal year.

What does PROHIBITION ON FEDERAL LAND HOLDINGS. of New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act do?

This section prohibits the Federal Government from owning land acquired under this Act. The Federal Government may only maintain ownership of land for the purpose of transferring it to an entity described in section 4(a).

What does AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. of New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act do?

This section authorizes appropriations to the Secretary to carry out the Act. A total of $20,000,000 is authorized for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2031. No more than 5 percent of the appropriated funds can be used for administrative costs. At least 75 percent of the funds each fiscal year must be used for the grant program, including technical assistance. The funds are intended to supplement, not supplant, existing funding for the Secretary's activities in the Watershed.

What does SUNSET. of New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act do?

This Act will expire on October 1, 2031.

Back to bills

New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act

Last updated: 9/29/2025 · Introduced: 9/29/2025

Author: Cory Booker (D-NJ)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes the New York-New Jersey Watershed Restoration Program to coordinate habitat restoration, improve water quality, and enhance public access within the designated Watershed.
It creates a grant program offering competitive matching funds to state, tribal, and local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions for restoration and protection projects.
The bill prioritizes projects that advance natural climate solutions and address the needs of communities experiencing environmental injustice, potentially increasing federal funding to 100% for disadvantaged areas.
It authorizes $20 million annually from 2026 to 2031 to support the program and grant activities, limiting administrative costs to 5 percent.
The Federal Government is prohibited from acquiring land under this Act, with any existing land holdings intended for transfer to eligible entities.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 5762(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 7 more.

9 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