The Advancing Water Research and Collaboration Act of 2025 amends the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 to update research priorities and funding allocations for water resources research institutes. The bill adds artificial intelligence to the list of research areas alongside private industry and increases federal funding authorization to $16 million annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2029. It requires 20 percent of these funds to support research addressing interstate water problems and allows grants for projects focusing on regional or multi-state water issues. The legislation also expands the types of research institutes eligible for funding to include those working on problems identified by Congress as having interstate significance.
This bill reauthorizes conservation programs for the Delaware River Basin by extending the program's funding period through 2033. It officially adds Maryland as a fifth state to the basin, expanding the geographic scope of the program beyond the original four states. The legislation also allows the Secretary to prioritize funding for projects that benefit small, rural, or disadvantaged communities. These changes amend the existing Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act to provide continued support for water conservation efforts in the region.
This bill establishes a grant program to help rural water systems adopt digital technologies like sensors, data analytics, and cybersecurity tools to improve water infrastructure management. The Environmental Protection Agency would administer the program, which provides funding for designing, constructing, and maintaining digital systems that monitor water flow, detect leaks, and protect against cyber threats. Grants can also cover software costs and workforce training, with priority given to smaller systems serving fewer than 3,300 people and community-owned organizations. The legislation authorizes $50 million annually from 2027 to 2031 and requires a study five years after enactment to evaluate the program's impact on rural water systems.
This bill reauthorizes the Cooperative Watershed Management Program through fiscal year 2031, providing $40 million annually to support collaborative watershed projects. The program directly affects land management agencies, local communities, and Indian tribes by expanding eligibility criteria and increasing grant funding amounts to $150,000 per year for a minimum of three years. Key changes include adding Indian tribes as eligible participants, allowing multiple grant applications per year, and permitting grant extensions for successful projects. The legislation also clarifies what types of technical assistance are covered under the program and requires regular availability of funding opportunities.
This bill, titled the Community Water Project Acceleration Act, would allow certain small water resources development projects to bypass formal environmental review requirements. It directly affects non-Federal sponsors who lead construction work on water projects funded by federal programs like the Water Resources Reform and Development Act or environmental infrastructure assistance programs. The key provision requires the Secretary of the Army to designate these projects as categorically excluded from National Environmental Policy Act reviews if they meet specific cost thresholds, such as having a federal share under $6 million or a federal share under 15 percent with total costs not exceeding $35 million. The bill mandates that the Secretary of the Army issue regulations to implement these exclusions within 150 days of enactment and complete the designation process within 180 days.
This resolution designates April 2026 as National Native Plant Month to raise awareness about the importance of indigenous plant species in the United States. The bill directly affects environmental advocates, land managers, and the general public by encouraging recognition of native plants' ecological benefits, such as supporting wildlife habitats and improving soil and water quality. It formally acknowledges that native plants are better adapted to local conditions and play a critical role in ecosystem resilience compared to non-native species. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the value of preserving native plant diversity.
This bill authorizes the Chesapeake Bay Program Office to join as an advisory member of state watershed management teams, including Maryland's Whole Watershed Program and similar programs in other states. The legislation allows the office to coordinate with state and local governments and federal agencies while providing technical assistance and financial resources for projects within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. By formalizing this advisory role, the bill enables the federal office to participate more directly in state-level watershed planning and implementation efforts.
This bill reauthorizes the Chesapeake Bay Office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and establishes its role as the primary NOAA representative in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The legislation creates a new Director position with expertise in Chesapeake Bay research and resource management, and expands the office's responsibilities to include coastal hazards, climate change, and education initiatives. Key provisions authorize programs for scientific peer review, coastal observing systems, education and training grants, and habitat restoration projects focused on oysters, blue crabs, and other living marine resources. The bill also requires biennial reports to Congress on the office's activities and progress in protecting and restoring the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.
This bill authorizes the Chesapeake Bay Program Office to join state watershed management teams in Maryland and other states with similar programs. It allows the office to coordinate with local and federal agencies while providing technical support and funding for environmental projects in the Chesapeake Bay area. The legislation defines the Chesapeake Bay Program Office as the entity established under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.
This bill resolves long-standing water rights claims for the Yavapai-Apache Nation regarding the Verde River Watershed and Colorado River by ratifying a settlement agreement. It authorizes construction of the Tú ńlį́į́níchoh Water Infrastructure Project, including a pipeline to deliver water from C.C. Cragin Dam and a drinking water system for the tribe. The bill establishes a $731 million fund for pipeline infrastructure and a $152 million fund for drinking water, with additional funds for water projects and watershed restoration. It includes waivers of water rights claims by the tribe and U.S. government, with specific exceptions for future claims and certain water uses.
