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Cooperative Watershed Management Program Reauthorization Act of 2026

USA119th CongressS-4041| Senate 
| Updated: 3/17/2026
Steve Daines

Steve Daines

Republican Senator

Montana

Cosponsors (1)
John W. Hickenlooper (Democratic)

Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Water and Power Subcommittee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill reauthorizes the Cooperative Watershed Management Program, making several key amendments to its structure and funding. It expands the definition of eligible watershed groups to include Indian tribes and those with ancestral lands within the watershed , while also adding a criterion for eligibility based on significant need due to drought, wildfire, or other natural disaster. The legislation increases the maximum first-phase grant amount to $150,000 each year for a period of not less than 3 years . It also introduces a provision for the Secretary to issue a continuation of first-phase grants for up to two additional years, provided satisfactory performance. The bill broadens the scope of technical assistance available to include grant writing project management feasibility, design, preliminary environmental review, and engineering . Furthermore, it mandates continuous enrollment by requiring regular funding opportunities and allowing multiple application submissions per calendar year. Finally, the bill authorizes $40,000,000 annually for the program for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.

Bill Text Versions

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2 versions available

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Timeline
Mar 10, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Mar 10, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Mar 17, 2026
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power. Hearings held.
Mar 18, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-7978
Introduced in House
  • March 10, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • March 10, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.


  • March 17, 2026
    Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power. Hearings held.


  • March 18, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-7978
    Introduced in House

Water Resources Development

Water qualityWater resources fundingWatershedsWater use and supply

Cooperative Watershed Management Program Reauthorization Act of 2026

USA119th CongressS-4041| Senate 
| Updated: 3/17/2026
This bill reauthorizes the Cooperative Watershed Management Program, making several key amendments to its structure and funding. It expands the definition of eligible watershed groups to include Indian tribes and those with ancestral lands within the watershed , while also adding a criterion for eligibility based on significant need due to drought, wildfire, or other natural disaster. The legislation increases the maximum first-phase grant amount to $150,000 each year for a period of not less than 3 years . It also introduces a provision for the Secretary to issue a continuation of first-phase grants for up to two additional years, provided satisfactory performance. The bill broadens the scope of technical assistance available to include grant writing project management feasibility, design, preliminary environmental review, and engineering . Furthermore, it mandates continuous enrollment by requiring regular funding opportunities and allowing multiple application submissions per calendar year. Finally, the bill authorizes $40,000,000 annually for the program for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.

Bill Text Versions

View Text
2 versions available

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Mar 10, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Mar 10, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Mar 17, 2026
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power. Hearings held.
Mar 18, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-7978
Introduced in House
  • March 10, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • March 10, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.


  • March 17, 2026
    Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power. Hearings held.


  • March 18, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-7978
    Introduced in House
Steve Daines

Steve Daines

Republican Senator

Montana

Cosponsors (1)
John W. Hickenlooper (Democratic)

Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Water and Power Subcommittee

Water Resources Development

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Water qualityWater resources fundingWatershedsWater use and supply