Watershed Protection and Forest Recovery Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Representative Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2]
Introduced
Summary
This bill would create an Emergency Forest Watershed Program to let the Forest Service work with states, tribes, and local water districts to fund urgent fixes for runoff, erosion, and flood risks on National Forest System land.
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- Sponsors such as States, Indian Tribes, and water districts could get federal payments to carry out emergency watershed protection projects, with no matching funds required and liability protection unless there is willful or reckless conduct.
- Projects would need to be completed within 2 years after the triggering natural disaster, and sponsors may monitor or maintain work for up to 3 years when needed to prevent risks to forests or downstream water users.
- Work done under the program would be treated as emergency response actions for National Environmental Policy Act review, which would speed environmental clearances and coordinate funding with the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Quicker funds for states and Tribes after forest disasters
This bill would let states, local governments, Tribes, and water districts get federal help to fix emergency watershed damage on National Forest land. The help would target runoff, erosion, and flood risks after a disaster. The Secretary of Agriculture could sign agreements quickly, pay part of costs during the project, and make final payment within 30 days after completion. No local match would be required. Sponsors would have to finish the work within 2 years after the Secretary says the disaster has ended, and could monitor or repair for up to 3 years if needed to avoid unacceptable risk. If a sponsor starts work before an agreement, they would assume the cost and liability; under an agreement, they generally would not be liable unless they act with willful or wanton negligence or reckless conduct.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2]
CO • D
Cosponsors
Maloy
UT • R
Sponsored 10/24/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov