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119-s-2926119th Congress

New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act

Sponsored By: Senator Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]

Introduced

Summary

A coordinated New York–New Jersey watershed restoration program would create a nonregulatory federal program and competitive grant fund to restore habitat, improve water quality, advance natural climate solutions, and target investments in communities facing environmental injustice.

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  • Families and local communities: Would support projects that improve water quality, expand recreational access along rivers and shore fronts, and fund outreach, education, and workforce development in environmental justice communities.
  • State, Tribal, local governments and nonprofits: Would offer competitive matching grants for restoration and protection work. The general federal share is up to 50 percent, rising to 90 percent for small, rural, and disadvantaged communities, with a possible 100 percent waiver for financial hardship.
  • Science, conservation, and infrastructure partners: Would fund planning, monitoring, research, feasibility studies for green infrastructure and living shorelines, land conservation, and projects drawn from approved regional watershed plans.

*Would authorize $20.0 million per year from 2026 through 2031, increasing federal spending if appropriated.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

New watershed restoration program

This bill would create a New York–New Jersey Watershed Restoration Program within 180 days. The program would coordinate habitat, water quality, natural climate, and living-shoreline work. It would prioritize communities facing environmental injustice and boost science, planning, and workforce activities. The Secretary would report to Congress within 180 days and then every year. The program would end on October 1, 2031 unless extended. The federal government would not keep land bought under the program except to quickly transfer it to an eligible local owner.

Watershed restoration grants and funding

This bill would authorize $20 million each year for fiscal years 2026 through 2031. At least 75 percent of each year's money would go to competitive watershed grants and technical help. The federal share would generally cover up to 50 percent of project costs. Projects serving small, rural, or disadvantaged communities could get 90 percent federal funding. The Secretary could raise federal support to 100 percent if a recipient cannot pay or faces serious hardship. Non-federal match would be no more than 50 percent and could be cash or in-kind. No more than 5 percent of appropriated money could pay administrative costs. Funds must add to, not replace, other watershed funding.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]

NJ • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY]

    NY • D

    Sponsored 9/29/2025

  • Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ]

    NJ • D

    Sponsored 9/29/2025

  • Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY]

    NY • D

    Sponsored 9/29/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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