§3207 Multi-benefit projects to improve watershed health

Summary

The Secretary must create a competitive grant program within one year after November 15, 2021, working with other agency leaders. The program will award money to eligible applicants to plan, carry out, and check habitat restoration projects that improve watershed health in river basins harmed by a Bureau of Reclamation water project. Eligible applicants are: States; Tribal or local governments; organizations that deliver water; regional authorities; and nonprofit conservation groups. Projects must produce one or more benefits, such as healthier ecosystems, restoring native species, helping habitats deal with climate change, controlling invasive species, restoring natural ecosystem features, improving fishing (commercial, recreational, subsistence, or Tribal ceremonial), or boosting river recreation. The Secretary must give priority to projects that deliver more than one benefit. Grants cannot be used to meet existing federal or state mitigation or compliance obligations. Projects must follow all federal and state laws. The federal share of project costs must not exceed 50 percent, except if at least 75 percent of the project cost (as the Secretary determines) is for nonconsumptive water conservation or habitat restoration that provides ecological or recreational value, in which case federal funding may cover up to 75 percent.