Sponsors (2)
The bill speeds and funds emergency watershed restoration and lowers local barriers to act, but does so by increasing federal costs and leaving some financial and long-term safety risks with local sponsors and downstream communities.
Rural downstream communities and local governments will receive faster post-disaster cleanup and reduced flood risk through funded emergency watershed projects.
State, local, and tribal sponsors will face lower financial barriers and improved cash flow for restoration work because matching requirements are waived and partial/final payments can be made quickly.
State, local, and tribal sponsors will have reduced legal risk when carrying out urgent repairs because the bill limits sponsor liability except for willful or wanton negligence.
Downstream residents and water users could face lingering safety and water-quality risks if monitoring and maintenance lapse after the limited (three-year) liability/maintenance allowance ends.
State, local, and tribal sponsors may incur significant costs and legal exposure for emergency work performed before formal agreements are in place, risking local budgets.
State and local sponsors and contractors may face pressure on project quality or higher contractor costs because the two-year completion deadline after a disaster may be too tight for complex restorations.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Creates an Emergency Forest Watershed Program letting the Forest Service fund and partner with local/state/tribal entities to carry out emergency watershed and forest‑health measures after disasters.
Introduced March 25, 2025 by Michael F. Bennet · Last progress March 25, 2025
Creates a new Emergency Forest Watershed Program that lets the Forest Service work with qualified partners (state and local governments, Indian Tribes, and water management entities) to carry out emergency watershed protection and forest‑health measures on National Forest System lands after a natural disaster or sudden natural occurrence. The program authorizes expedited agreements, payments (including partial payments), a waiver of matching requirements, defined project and maintenance timelines, and limits on partner liability to speed work that reduces runoff, erosion, flooding, and immediate downstream risks to water users and life or property.