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S2215119th CongressWALLET

Restoring America’s Floodplains Act

Sponsored By: Senator Ernst, Joni [R-IA]

Introduced

Summary

Floodplain easement restoration and management is the bill's main goal. It would let the Department of Agriculture provide financial and technical help under the Emergency Watershed Protection Program to restore vegetation and wetland functions on purchased floodplain easements and to manage those easements.

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  • Households near restored floodplains could see reduced flood risk as vegetation and wetland hydrology are restored to protect people and property.
  • Landowners with floodplain easements could receive financial and technical assistance and may enter compatible-use agreements that guide maintenance and restoration.
  • State and local agencies and conservation groups can make agreements with the Department to help maintain and manage restored vegetation and wetlands.
  • Wetlands and watershed functions would be targeted for restoration through adapted vegetative cover and hydrologic improvements to support ecological health.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

More help for landowners with floodplain easements

If enacted, the Agriculture Secretary would be allowed to provide money and technical help to restore plant cover and wetland functions on floodplain easements. This would apply only to easements bought through the Emergency Watershed Program (section 403(a)(1)). Help would be optional. The Secretary would also have sole authority to make compatible-use agreements with landowners and to work with agencies or nonprofits to manage and maintain the restored areas.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Ernst, Joni [R-IA]

IA • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]

    CO • D

    Sponsored 7/9/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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