§1477 Snow water supply forecasting

Summary

Creates the Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program inside the Department of the Interior. The term "program" means that program. The Secretary of the Interior must make a program plan with other federal agencies and, by October 1, 2021, send Congress a report explaining how new snow-measuring tools (like synthetic aperture radar, laser altimetry, and other emerging technologies) will be used, what benefits for the environment and water reliability are expected, and how agencies will coordinate. When making water supply forecasts or deciding water allocations to federal contractors, the Secretary must use data from these new technologies as much as practicable. After the October 1, 2021 report, the Secretary must work with partners to improve snowpack measurement in specific watersheds. The work should improve forecasting, target river basins not covered as of December 27, 2020, and test or expand new or better measurement tools. The Secretary may share data and enter cooperative, cost‑sharing deals with partners such as water districts, states, universities, other federal agencies, private companies, and NGOs, and may provide nonreimbursable matching funds. All actions must follow federal and state environmental laws. Not later than 4 years after December 27, 2020, the Secretary must report to the House Committee on Natural Resources, the House Committee on Appropriations, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and the Senate Committee on Appropriations listing basins, the technologies used, and participating agencies and partners. Up to $15,000,000 is authorized for fiscal years 2022 through 2026.