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119-hr-9226119th Congress

Connecticut River Watershed Partnership Act

Sponsored By: Representative McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2]

Introduced

Summary

Would create a coordinated restoration and protection program for the five‑state Connecticut River Watershed. The bill would also establish a separate, voluntary grant program to fund projects and require inclusive planning that engages States, Tribes, local groups, and environmental justice communities.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Money and Rules for Grants

If enacted, the bill would authorize whatever sums are necessary for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out the program, but it does not set dollar amounts. Each year at least 75% of funds made available must go to the grant program and technical help. The Secretary could hire the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation or a similar group to manage grants and receive an annual advance payment (on October 1 or soon after) and to invest those funds for the program. The Secretary would report to Congress within 180 days of enactment and then every year, and funds must supplement, not supplant, other Secretary activities in the watershed.

New Connecticut River Partnership

If enacted, the bill would create a nonregulatory Connecticut River Watershed Partnership within 180 days. The program would coordinate restoration, habitat, water quality, public access, and nature-based resilience across CT, ME, MA, NH, and VT. The Secretary would consult Governors, Tribal governments, regional partners, and environmental justice communities. The bill would define key terms like ‘‘environmental justice community,’’ ‘‘Tribes,’’ and ‘‘Watershed State’’ to guide who is included.

Grants to Restore the River

If enacted, the bill would set up a voluntary competitive grant and technical assistance program within 180 days. Eligible applicants would include States, Tribes, local governments, nonprofits, and institutions of higher education. Federal grants would generally cover up to 75% of project costs, up to 90% for projects serving environmental justice communities, and up to 100% if the Secretary finds hardship. Nonfederal shares could be cash or in-kind. The Secretary would make grant rules to ensure equitable distribution and that projects meet program goals.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2]

MA • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Neal, Richard E. [D-MA-1]

    MA • D

    Sponsored 6/9/2026

  • Rep. Balint, Becca [D-VT-At Large]

    VT • D

    Sponsored 6/9/2026

  • Rep. Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2]

    CT • D

    Sponsored 6/9/2026

  • Rep. Goodlander, Maggie [D-NH-2]

    NH • D

    Sponsored 6/9/2026

  • Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5]

    CT • D

    Sponsored 6/9/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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