H.R. 7560: Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program Enhancements Act of 2026

This legislation, known as the Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program Enhancements Act of 2026, aims to modify the management structure of the Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. The primary changes outlined in the bill can be summarized as follows:

Selection of Fiscal Agent

The bill mandates that the Steering Committee and the Administrator of the program jointly select a qualified entity to serve as the fiscal agent. This fiscal agent will be responsible for financial and administrative management support for the program.

Assessment and Selection Process

• The Steering Committee and the Administrator must assess the effectiveness of the fiscal agent starting after the bill is enacted. This assessment must occur at least once every five years.
• Stakeholder feedback will be integrated into this assessment process to ensure that the impacts of the program are understood from various perspectives.
• Funding can be awarded to the selected fiscal agent without a competitive process until a new fiscal agent is chosen.

Continuity and Responsibilities

If a new fiscal agent is selected, the Administrator has the authority to manage existing funds and ensure continuity in program operations, including:

• Maintaining staff and programming related to the Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program.
• Ensuring that the new fiscal agent, if selected, is preferably located in the Lake Champlain drainage basin or, if not possible, in New York or Vermont.
• The fiscal agent may also have responsibilities such as executing payroll, managing funding agreements, and acting as a fiduciary for the program.

Engagement with Other Bodies

The act allows the United States Section of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission to conduct work in the Lake Champlain drainage basin, including:

• Research and monitoring of fisheries and aquatic ecosystems.
• Management of sea lamprey populations and prevention of aquatic invasive species.
• Public engagement and educational initiatives related to the basin.

In this context, the section emphasizes collaboration with various stakeholders, including federal and state agencies, non-profit organizations, local governments, and educational institutions.

Reporting Requirements

The Administrator is required to report to Congress detailing the findings of the assessment of the fiscal agent within 90 days of completion of that assessment. This report will include rationale for either maintaining the current fiscal agent or selecting a new one.

Extended Authorization Timeline

The bill changes the authorization timeline for the program, extending it to 2032.

Definitions

The bill provides definitions for key terms, including:

• Fiscal Agent: An organization, like a nonprofit or an interstate commission, that receives financial and administrative management support for the program.
• Steering Committee: The group established to implement the Lake Champlain Management Plan in cooperation with relevant states and provinces.

Relevant Companies

None found