S. 1615: Northwest Wetlands Voluntary Incentives Program Act

This legislation, known as the Northwest Wetlands Voluntary Incentives Program Act, proposes the establishment of a voluntary grant and technical assistance pilot program aimed at enhancing habitats and water availability for shorebirds, waterfowl, and other birds that depend on wetlands. The program will focus on the Pacific Northwest, specifically in the Oregon and Washington Coastal Zone and the Columbia River Basin.

Key Components of the Bill

1. Pilot Program Implementation

The Secretary of the Interior will coordinate with existing Migratory Bird Joint Ventures to implement this program. The components include:

• Grants: Providing competitive grants to eligible entities to support habitat restoration projects.
• Technical Assistance: Offering support in carrying out these habitat restoration projects.

2. Eligible Entities

Various organizations and groups can apply for funding under this program, including:

• Federal and state agencies
• Local governments
• Tribal governments or organizations
• Nonprofit organizations
• Private landowners

3. Project Eligibility

Projects that are eligible for funding must aim to:

• Enhance and restore wetlands for migratory birds.
• Manage vegetative habitats to benefit these birds.

Eligible projects can be conducted on various types of land, including public and private, as well as agricultural land.

4. Funding and Financial Requirements

The program is authorized to receive $10 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030. Funding allocation specifics include:

• Up to 3% of the funds can be used for administrative costs.
• Eligible entities are required to provide a non-federal match of at least 25% of the project costs.

5. Reporting and Oversight

The Secretary will be responsible for annual reporting to Congress on the program’s implementation and project progress. This includes detailing every habitat restoration project that receives funding.

6. Compliance and Limitations

Projects funded through this program must comply with applicable federal and state laws. Additionally, the program will not cover costs associated with existing environmental mitigation or compliance obligations under current regulations.

7. Focus and Priorities

The pilot program aims to prioritize projects located in critical areas where migratory bird habitats are in danger of being lost or where recreational access is limited. There is an emphasis on projects that can demonstrate long-term sustainability and monitoring of ecological outcomes.

Relevant Companies

• None found