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S5402119th CongressWALLET

Western Water Reinvestment Act

Sponsored By: Senator Wyden, Ron [D-OR]

In Committee

Summary

This bill would refocus federal water policy on drought resilience and habitat recovery by expanding Reclamation programs and funding targeted fish and bird habitat work. It would extend program authorizations, create a Waterbird and Shorebird Habitat Creation program, and require drought plans for critically important fisheries to guide voluntary, compensated actions and habitat investments.

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  • Farmers and agricultural producers in Reclamation States could receive payments to create or maintain waterbird and shorebird habitat, under a program capped at $3.5 million per year that requires demonstrable habitat outcomes.
  • Tribes, fisheries managers, and imperiled fish populations would gain planning and recovery support, including a dedicated $25 million fish‑recovery appropriation for FY2027 and new drought plans for critically important fisheries due by Jan. 1, 2027.
  • Local watershed groups, states, and the Bureau of Reclamation would see expanded cooperative watershed authorities and grant flexibility, including $40 million per year authorized for FY2027–2031 and a new categorical NEPA exclusion to speed many aquatic restoration projects.

*If enacted, this bill would authorize at least $367.5 million in new appropriations for FY2027–2031, increasing potential federal spending.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

More grants for local watershed projects

If enacted, the Cooperative Watershed Management Program would be authorized at $40 million per year for FY2027 through FY2031. First‑phase grants could be up to $150,000 per year for at least three years and may be extended up to two more years at up to $150,000 per year. The bill would expand who can apply, including Indian Tribes and applicants showing need from drought, wildfire, or other disasters, and would let the Secretary offer multiple application windows each year.

More funding and flexibility for water projects

If enacted, the WaterSMART program would have an authorized funding level of $1.4 billion. It would allow WaterSMART to support temporary, voluntary, paid agreements that reduce regional consumptive water use. It would also allow a WaterSMART grant to be used to increase farm consumptive water use above preproject levels if State law permits that increase.

More fisheries money and drought plans

If enacted, the Fisheries Restoration and Irrigation Mitigation program would be authorized at $25 million per year for FY2027 through FY2031. The bill would also authorize $25 million for fish recovery work in fiscal year 2027. The Secretary of the Interior would be required to prepare drought plans to sustain critically important fisheries by January 1, 2027, and update them every three years, with at least 90 days for public comment. The bill would expand the Fisheries Act definition of "Pacific Ocean drainage area" to include terminal lakes.

Payments for farm bird habitat

If enacted, the bill would create a Waterbird and Shorebird Habitat Creation Program to pay eligible farmers in Reclamation States for creating or maintaining habitat. Total payments would be capped at $3.5 million per year and are authorized for FY2027 through FY2031, with funds to remain available until spent. The Secretary would only pay where the activity creates or maintains habitat that would not otherwise occur, and must report to Congress by October 1, 2027, and every two years after.

Extend basin study and restoration authorizations

If enacted, the bill would extend the Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program authorization through fiscal year 2031. It would also extend the Reclamation Basin Study Program authorization through fiscal year 2033. These changes keep the programs authorized but do not by themselves change funding amounts.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Wyden, Ron [D-OR]

OR • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]

    OR • D

    Sponsored 9/15/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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