Urban Waters Federal Partnership Act of 2025

This bill keeps the Urban Waters Federal Partnership going. It asks the EPA, Interior, and Agriculture to work together to help cities and suburbs reconnect with their rivers, lakes, and streams—especially in overburdened or economically stressed neighborhoods—by improving how federal agencies coordinate their efforts.

It sets up a steering committee to guide the program, supports on-the-ground “Urban Waters ambassadors,” and allows new communities to join as partnership locations. The program can give technical help and funding to states, cities, Tribes, nonprofits, colleges, and others for projects that improve water quality and habitat, boost river recreation, build resilience, add needed infrastructure, and strengthen local education and involvement. It also keeps an Urban Waters Learning Network to share tools and best practices, and requires yearly progress reports to Congress. The bill authorizes $10 million per year for fiscal years 2026–2030, and lets these funds be combined with other federal and non-federal dollars .

Key points

• Who is affected: Urban and suburban communities, especially those overburdened or economically distressed; states, Tribes, local governments, nonprofits, and schools that work on water projects.
• What changes: Ongoing federal partnership, a steering committee, support for local ambassadors, funding and technical help for water projects, a learning network, and annual progress reports.
• When: Funding is authorized for 2026–2030; existing partnership locations continue, and new ones can be added going forward .