Sponsors (10)
The bill provides targeted, predictable federal support and prioritizes nature‑based watershed protections while preserving state and private land rights — but limited funding levels, cost‑share and evidence requirements, and constraints on federal authority risk leaving under‑resourced communities and emergency responses underserved.
Local governments, acequia associations, water managers, and nonprofits can apply for and receive federal support to implement watershed projects that protect water supply and quality, backed by an annual program authorization.
Communities and downstream water users will get prioritized support for projects that reduce drought, wildfire/post-wildfire impacts, extreme weather, flooding, and other watershed hazards, lowering risks to lives and property.
The Act prioritizes nature-based and ecosystem-focused approaches (wetland and riparian restoration, forest watershed protections), which can improve long-term water security and ecosystem health.
Non‑Federal partners are required to provide at least a 20% cost share, which could strain smaller local governments, nonprofits, and small businesses and limit their ability to participate.
Requirements for measurable, quantifiable benefits and higher non‑Federal contributions favor better‑resourced applicants and may disadvantage underfunded rural, tribal, and low‑income communities unless waivers or extra assistance are used.
The authorized $30 million per year program may be insufficient to meet widespread watershed, wildfire resilience, and post‑fire recovery needs, leaving many viable projects without funding.
Based on analysis of 4 sections of legislative text.
Expands and funds the Water Source Protection Program to add partners and projects (including certain adjacent non‑Federal lands), set project priorities, and authorize $30M/year for 2025–2029.
Introduced January 22, 2025 by Jim Costa · Last progress January 22, 2025
Expands and funds the federal Water Source Protection Program to add new eligible partners, broaden the types and locations of projects (including certain non‑Federal lands adjacent to National Forests), set clear priorities for drought, wildfire, flooding, and nature‑based solutions, and require that activities not degrade watershed health. It also authorizes $30 million per year for fiscal years 2025–2029 to carry out the program and preserves existing State and Federal water law and limits federal authority to acquire or control non‑Federal land. The changes direct the Secretary to prioritize projects that deliver measurable water‑supply or water‑quality benefits, include qualified partners (including those serving disadvantaged communities), and improve climate and watershed resilience, while adding new eligible participants such as acequia associations, public stormwater/wastewater managers, certain land‑grant entities (as written), and private water delivery authorities.