Cooperative Watershed Management Program Reauthorization Act of 2026

Progress

Timeline

• Mar 18Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Summary

**Bill Summary: HR 7978 - Cooperative Watershed Management Program Reauthorization** This bill would renew funding and authority for the Cooperative Watershed Management Program, which helps local communities work together to protect and manage their water resources. **What it does:** Extends an existing federal program that provides grants and technical assistance to help communities, tribes, and local organizations collaborate on watershed protection projects like water conservation, habitat restoration, and flood management. **Who it affects:** - Local communities and water districts - Tribal nations - Environmental organizations - Farmers and ranchers - Anyone who depends on clean water supplies **What would change:** The program would continue operating with renewed federal funding, allowing more communities to access grants for water-related projects. Without reauthorization, the program would lose its funding authority and end. **Current status:** The bill is under review in congressional committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.

How This Affects You