Sponsors (6)
The bill expands funding and eligibility to scale up roadside pollinator restoration (including tribal participation and nonprofit implementers) and allows larger projects, but does so at increased federal cost, with potential administrative delays and reduced opportunities for smaller contractors.
State and local transportation agencies, nonprofits, and tribal governments get more funding (up to $5 million per year through 2031) to restore roadside pollinator habitat and rights-of-way, increasing capacity for conservation projects.
State and local governments can award larger roadside-pollinator and rights-of-way projects more quickly because the contract/project threshold is raised from $50,000 to $500,000, enabling more comprehensive restoration efforts.
Federally recognized tribes can participate in roadside pollinator projects, giving tribal communities greater control over local land stewardship and conservation activities.
Small contractors and local firms that rely on sub-$50,000 work may lose competitive opportunities as more projects are consolidated into larger $500,000 contracts.
Taxpayers bear higher federal spending commitments because the bill authorizes $5 million per year through 2031, which could add to budget pressures or require offsets.
State and local agencies and partner organizations may face added administrative burden and slower planning because of required consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Adds federally recognized tribes and 501(c)(3) nonprofits as eligible partners for roadside pollinator projects, tightens consultation rules, raises thresholds, and authorizes $5M per year for 2026–2031.
Introduced January 16, 2026 by James Varni Panetta · Last progress January 16, 2026
Expands who can take part in federally supported roadside pollinator and rights-of-way habitat projects by adding federally recognized tribes and 501(c)(3) nonprofits as eligible partners, tightens which federal offices must be consulted during planning, raises certain dollar thresholds for project review, and authorizes $5 million per year in program funding for fiscal years 2026–2031. The changes aim to broaden participation, simplify some administrative limits, and increase available program resources (subject to future appropriations).