S. 4350: Southeast New England Program Authorization Act of 2026

This bill, titled the Southeast New England Program Authorization Act of 2026, seeks to establish a program under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) aimed at enhancing and protecting the coastal watersheds in southeast New England, specifically in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. The key components of the bill are as follows:

Definition of Coastal Watersheds

The bill defines "coastal watersheds of southeast New England" as those areas in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts that drain into the coastal waters between Long Island Sound and the Gulf of Maine.

Program Establishment

It establishes a program referred to as the "Southeast New England Program." The primary purpose of this program is to protect, enhance, and restore the coastal watersheds through various projects that involve collaboration with regional partners.

Grant Program

The bill authorizes the EPA Administrator to award grants to support projects aimed at:

• Reducing or eliminating pollution
• Restoring contaminated sites
• Protecting or restoring ecosystems and habitats
• Improving water quality
• Monitoring watersheds for trend evaluation
• Reducing stormwater runoff
• Promoting resilience of the coastal watersheds
• Supporting workforce development and training initiatives related to watershed health
• Providing technical assistance for project implementation

Eligible Recipients

Various entities can apply for grants under the program, including:

• State governments
• County or local governments and their subdivisions
• Federally recognized Indian tribes
• Regional planning organizations
• Nonprofit organizations
• Institutions of higher education

Cost-Share Requirement

For activities funded through these grants, the federal share will not exceed 75% of the total cost, meaning that recipients must cover at least 25% of the expenses.

Coordination of Actions

The EPA Administrator is tasked with coordinating actions among federal agencies that can influence water quality and the ecosystems within the coastal watersheds of southeast New England to enhance efficiency and improve resource management.

Authorities and Duties of the Administrator

The Administrator is empowered to:

• Enter into interagency agreements
• Establish interagency working groups
• Contract services to support program implementation

Additionally, the Administrator must ensure adequate staffing to carry out these responsibilities.

Financial Provisions

The bill authorizes an appropriation of $30 million each fiscal year from 2027 to 2031 to fund the program, allowing these funds to remain available until spent. A portion of the funds (up to 10%) can be used for technical assistance, while no more than 5% can be allocated for administrative expenses.

Conclusion

Overall, the Southeast New England Program Authorization Act of 2026 aims to enhance the health of coastal watersheds in southeast New England through funding, collaboration, and oversight intended to lead to greater environmental protection and restoration in the region.

Relevant Companies

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