Bill · S. 4234· Senate(119-S-4234)
Healthy Watersheds, Healthy Communities Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 3/26/2026
- Last activity
- 3/26/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
- Sponsored by
- Michael Bennet
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Healthy Watersheds, Healthy Communities Act of 2026," seeks to amend the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act. It focuses on improving water resource management, including flood prevention, drought reduction, and water conservation. The legislation updates definitions for terms like "multibenefit work of improvement" and "local organization." It also adjusts how the Secretary of Agriculture handles cost-sharing, project approvals, and funding for construction materials. Additionally, the bill outlines new requirements for local organizations seeking federal assistance.
Yes· 3 of 9
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+7
The bill prioritizes multibenefit works that improve water quality, conserve water, and protect natural features.
Would farmers be better off under this?+6
The bill enhances agricultural production by addressing erosion, floodwater, and drought impacts.
Does this invest in rural communities?+5
The bill directs that works of improvement must provide benefits directly related to agriculture or rural communities.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Environmental and Resource Protection: The bill aims to prevent damages caused by erosion, floodwater, drought, and sediment, which can lead to loss of life and damage to property (Section 2(b)).
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Increased Focus on Multibenefit Projects: The bill directs that at least 50 percent of total annual funding be allocated to multibenefit works of improvement, which can provide benefits such as improved water quality, water conservation, or enhanced fish passage (Section 3(3) and Section 5).
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Improved Decision-Making Efficiency: The Secretary can delegate final decision-making authority to State Conservationists regarding when a watershed plan is released for public comment, which may streamline processes (Section 4(c)).
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Support for Local Infrastructure: The Secretary may approve funding for specific construction materials, such as pipes that are fully recyclable and maintain structural integrity for at least 100 years (Section 4(g)).
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Flexibility for Local Organizations: Local organizations can secure various services, including planning and design, and may receive advance payments for these services depending on the project type (Section 10).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Land and Water Rights Burdens: Local organizations seeking federal assistance are required to acquire land, easements, or rights-of-way without cost to the Federal Government, and must ensure they have necessary water rights according to State law (Section 7(a)(1) and (3)).
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Financial Responsibilities for Local Organizations: Organizations must make arrangements to pay for the ongoing operation and maintenance of works of improvement (Section 7(a)(2)).
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Limitations on Recreational Development: Federal assistance for recreational development in reservoirs is subject to specific limitations based on the size of the watershed project (Section 7(b)(1)(B)).
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Restrictions on Water Storage Costs: The cost of water storage to meet future demands is capped at 30 percent of the total estimated cost of the reservoir structure (Section 7(c)(1)(A)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+7Improves Rural Development+5Increases Renewable Energy Investment+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Farmers+6Good For Rural Residents+5Good For Low Income Households+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+4
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Affordable Housing+1
- 3/26/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Deb FischerRepublican · Nebraska
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon