Cooperative Watershed Management Program Reauthorization Act of 2026

The Cooperative Watershed Management Program Reauthorization Act of 2026 aims to extend a federal grant program that supports local communities in managing their water resources. The program, originally established in 2009, provides funding to "watershed groups"—diverse teams of local stakeholders that include farmers, conservationists, tribal members, and government officials. These groups work together to find consensus-based solutions for water quality, supply, and environmental health issues in their specific regions.

If enacted, the bill would allow the Bureau of Reclamation to continue providing financial assistance for two main purposes. First, it would fund the creation and expansion of new watershed groups, helping them develop restoration plans and conduct community outreach. Second, it would provide cost-sharing grants for on-the-ground projects, such as stabilizing riverbanks, reducing erosion, and improving stream habitats. These projects are designed to reduce conflicts over water use and ensure a more reliable water supply for agricultural, municipal, and environmental needs.