The Northwest Wetlands Voluntary Incentives Program Act

A Bill Introduced in the 119th Congress

https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/BILLS-119s1615is

Section 1: Short Title

This Act may be cited as the “Northwest Wetlands Voluntary Incentives Program Act”.

Section 2: Definitions

Columbia River Basin: The term ‘‘Columbia River Basin’’ includes—
1. (A) the Columbia River; and
2. (B) all tributaries of the Columbia River and the watersheds of those tributaries.
Eligible Entity: The term ‘‘eligible entity’’ means—
1. (A) a Federal or State agency or unit of local government;
2. (B) a Tribal government or organization;
3. (C) a nonprofit organization;
4. (D) a conservation district;
5. (E) a private landowner;
6. (F) any other entity or individual that the Secretary determines to be appropriate to receive a grant under the pilot program in accordance with the criteria established under section 3(h).

Section 3: Pacific Northwest Migratory Bird Conservation Pilot Program

The Secretary shall, in coordination with Migratory Bird Joint Ventures, establish and carry out a voluntary grant and technical assistance pilot program, to be known as the ‘‘Pacific Northwest Migratory Bird Conservation pilot program’’.

(a) Establishment

The Secretary shall establish the Pacific Northwest Migratory Bird Conservation pilot program in coordination with Migratory Bird Joint Ventures.

(b) Purpose

The purpose of the pilot program is to enhance, maintain, and restore habitats for shorebirds, waterfowl, and other wetlands-dependent birds along the Oregon and Washington Coastal Zone and in the Columbia River Basin, including birds that are important for migrating, staging, and wintering populations of waterfowl, shorebirds, waterbirds, and passerines.

(c) Application

To be eligible to receive a grant under the pilot program, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.

Section 5: Authorization of Appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the pilot program $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

(a) In General

Of the amounts made available to carry out the pilot program for each fiscal year, not more than 3 percent may be used for administrative costs of carrying out the pilot program.

(b) Administration

Amounts made available to carry out the pilot program shall supplement, and not supplant, funding for other activities conducted by the Secretary in an area in which a habitat restoration project is carried out.