Sponsors (9)
The bill channels substantial federal funding and improved interagency coordination to San Francisco Bay restoration projects, but requires non‑Federal matches and enforces foreign‑ties exclusions and compliance checks that could exclude or burden smaller local groups and applicants.
Local and state governments and nonprofits can receive federal grants that cover up to 75% of project costs to finance larger San Francisco Bay restoration projects, increasing the chance that more and bigger restoration projects get built.
The legislation directs federal resources specifically toward San Francisco Bay restoration, focusing investment on a defined regional ecosystem and its dependent communities and infrastructure.
Interagency agreements allow federal agencies to use awarded funds to carry out priority listed activities, improving coordination and delivery of restoration projects among federal, state, and local partners.
Entities with ties to the bill's listed 'foreign countries of concern' are barred from receiving funds, which could exclude some nonprofits, contractors, or firms and reduce the applicant pool for projects.
The required minimum 25% non‑Federal match may strain budgets of smaller local governments and community groups, potentially preventing them from participating in funded restoration projects.
Compliance checks for foreign‑ties and match requirements increase administrative burden for applicants and EPA program staff, adding costs and the potential for slower grant processing.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Allows multiple funding mechanisms for Bay restoration projects, sets a 75% federal/25% non‑federal cost‑share, and bars recipients tied to foreign countries of concern.
Introduced February 14, 2025 by Jared Huffman · Last progress February 14, 2025
Revises how the San Francisco Bay restoration grant program can give money for priority projects, allowing the Director to use cooperative agreements, grants, interagency agreements, contracts, or other mechanisms to fund Federal, State, local, special district, public, nonprofit, and private entities (including the Estuary Partnership). It sets a standard cost-share (Federal up to 75%, non‑Federal at least 25%) and bars recipients that are domiciled in or have agreements/relationships with a defined “foreign country of concern” from receiving funds. It also clarifies that funds provided to Federal agencies through interagency agreements can be used to carry out program activities.