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119-s-1626119th CongressWALLET

National Landslide Preparedness Act Reauthorization Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Senator Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]

Passed Senate

Summary

Modernizing federal landslide preparedness and water monitoring is the bill's core aim. It reauthorizes and expands the National Landslide Preparedness Act to add climate-driven risks like atmospheric rivers and extreme precipitation, broaden who participates, and fund early warning and real-time water observing systems.

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  • Communities and households: Requires national risk assessments and a better landslide hazards database so local areas get clearer maps and real-time risk information during storms and atmospheric river events.
  • Tribal governments, Native Hawaiian organizations, local governments, and colleges: Expands grant and partnership eligibility to include Indian tribes, Tribal organizations, Native Hawaiian organizations, institutions of higher education, and local governments for planning, monitoring, and response.
  • Scientists and water managers: Creates a Next Generation Water Observing System for denser, real-time water data and models, sets an initial $30 million baseline for 10 basins, requires at least $10 million for landslide early warning in high-risk areas, and raises streamgage funding authorization to $30 million per year.

*The bill ties these activities to U.S. Geological Survey appropriations and requires canceled funds to be transferred to the general fund while authorizing the specified new and expanded funding.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

More funding for water monitoring

If enacted, the U.S. Geological Survey would start a Next Generation Water Observing System. The bill would authorize $30 million in fiscal year 2026 to launch it in 10 basins, and funds would stay available until spent. It would also authorize $30 million each year for fiscal years 2026 through 2033 for the Federal Priority Streamgage Network. The Secretary would prioritize drought‑prone, reservoir‑reliant, groundwater or snowpack‑reliant, and flood‑prone areas. State and local water agencies, Indian tribes, Tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations would be eligible to take part. Groundwater quality checks tied to permafrost thaw and changing rain would be included. Existing priority streamgages would keep running if their data still meet needs.

More local and Tribal grants

If enacted, more local and Tribal partners could win NLPA grants. Eligible groups would include local governments, Indian tribes, Tribal organizations, Native Hawaiian organizations, and colleges and universities. The Secretary would give extra weight to areas that recently lost lives to landslides. The Secretary would set up regional partnerships in high‑hazard regions with expert higher‑education groups. The bill would also add clear definitions for Native Hawaiian and Tribal organizations and for atmospheric river and extreme precipitation to guide who and what is covered.

Stronger landslide warnings and data

If enacted, the bill would authorize $35 million to carry out landslide work and extend the program through 2030. At least $10 million would be used to buy, deploy, and repair early warning systems in high‑risk areas. USGS would expand landslide risk assessments and its database to include hydrologic change, atmospheric river flooding, extreme precipitation, geologic events, and data‑poor areas. The first national strategy after enactment would include a risk review, done with the Secretary of Commerce, on atmospheric rivers and extreme rain.

Updates to 3D mapping and role

If enacted, USGS would update its 3D Elevation Program. It would allow derivative 3D products and require data to be processed and integrated. The coordinating committee would add a 3D Hydrography Program Working Group. The program’s authorization would run through 2034. The bill would also shift NLPA wording to emphasize sharing information, not direct implementation.

Tighter funding rules and cancellations

If enacted, agencies would only use money Congress authorized for them to do NLPA work. Any NLPA funds that later get cancelled under 31 U.S.C. 1552(a) would be moved to the Treasury’s general fund and used to reduce the deficit.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]

AK • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA]

    WA • D

    Sponsored 5/6/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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