Headwaters Protection Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Representative Costa
In Committee
Summary
Would reauthorize and expand the Water Source Protection Program to protect watershed health, water supplies, and related infrastructure by broadening who can participate, boosting non‑Federal leadership, and increasing funding and technical support.
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- Communities and water systems would get steadier support because the bill sets program funding at $30 million per year for fiscal years 2025 through 2033 and requires at least 10% of funds each year be used for technical assistance and capacity building for non‑Federal partners.
- Local governments, acequia associations, stormwater and wastewater managers, "land‑grant mercedes," and private entities with water delivery authority would become explicitly eligible and must take leading roles in assessments, planning, design, and implementation. The bill generally requires non‑Federal partners to provide at least a 20% cost share, with the Secretary allowed to waive that requirement.
- Landowners near National Forest System watersheds would be able to host projects only with owner express support and active partnership. Project planning is modernized to rely on ecological integrity, best available science, existing watershed plans, and nature‑based solutions to boost resilience to wildfire, drought, and extreme weather.
*Would increase federal spending by setting program funding at $30 million per year for FY2025 through FY2033.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Five-year funds for watershed work
If enacted, the government would be authorized to provide $30 million each year from 2025 through 2029 for watershed work. This would fund planning and projects, if Congress later appropriates the money.
More funds for water source projects
If enacted, the program would be authorized $30 million each year from 2025 through 2033. At least 10% each year (about $3 million) would support partner technical help and capacity. This would replace the prior $10 million level. Congress would still need to approve the money each year.
New rules and 20% local match
If enacted, non‑Federal partners would help lead assessments, planning, design, and project work. Most projects would need at least a 20% non‑Federal cost share, but the Secretary could waive it. Plans would use the best available science and protect ecological integrity. Projects that cut drought, wildfire, flood, and water‑quality risks, help forest work, aid disadvantaged communities, or show clear water benefits would be prioritized. Existing watershed plans and Good Neighbor agreements could be used.
More partners and work on nearby lands
If enacted, more groups could join projects, including acequia associations, stormwater or wastewater managers, land‑grant institutions, and private entities with water delivery authority. Projects could also occur on nearby non‑Federal land in the same watershed if the landowner agrees and is an active partner. The bill would not change land ownership or long‑term management, beyond what is needed to carry out the project.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Costa
CA • D
Cosponsors
Valadao
CA • R
Sponsored 1/22/2025
Pettersen
CO • D
Sponsored 1/22/2025
Stansbury
NM • D
Sponsored 1/22/2025
Perez
WA • D
Sponsored 1/22/2025
Schrier
WA • D
Sponsored 2/7/2025
Harder (CA)
CA • D
Sponsored 3/11/2025
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
PA • R
Sponsored 3/11/2025
Neguse
CO • D
Sponsored 6/3/2025
Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7]
CA • D
Sponsored 8/1/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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