Southeast New England Program Authorization Act of 2026

Jack Reed

Democrat · RI · Senator

Source: Congress.gov · FEC

• Edward J. Markey (D-MA)Original· 2026-04-21
• Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)Original· 2026-04-21
• Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)Original· 2026-04-21

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1859)

2026-04-21

Source: Congress.gov

The bill would create a new Southeast New England Program under federal water pollution laws to address water quality issues in that region. The program would likely establish standards, funding, or coordinated efforts to reduce pollution in rivers, coastal areas, and other waterways affecting communities and businesses in southeastern New England. This would impact residents, fishing industries, and local governments in states like Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts that depend on clean water resources.

AI-assisted summary generated from the official bill metadata (title, subjects, actions) sourced from Congress.gov. Cached and reviewed. Always verify against the official text linked below.

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [S. 4350 Introduced in Senate (IS)] <DOC> 119th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 4350 To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to establish the Southeast New England Program, and for other purposes. _______________________________________________________________________ IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 21, 2026 Mr. Reed (for himself, Mr. Whitehouse, Mr. Markey, and Ms. Warren) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works _______________________________________________________________________ A BILL To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to establish the Southeast New England Program, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Southeast New England Program Authorization Act of 2026''. SEC. 2. SOUTHEAST NEW ENGLAND PROGRAM. Title I of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 127. SOUTHEAST NEW ENGLAND PROGRAM. ``(a) Definition of Coastal Watersheds of Southeast New England.-- In this section, the term `coastal watersheds of southeast New England' means all of the watersheds of Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts that drain into coastal waters between Long Island Sound and the Gulf of Maine. ``(b) Establishment.--There is established in the Environmental Protection Agency a program, to be known as the `Southeast New England Program' (referred to in this section as the `Program'). ``(c) Purpose.--The purpose of the Program shall be to protect, enhance, and restore the coastal watersheds of southeast New England by developing, funding, and advancing implementation of protection and restoration projects in collaboration with partners across the southeast New England region. ``(d) Grant Program.-- ``(1) In general.--In carrying out the Program, the Administrator may award grants to support and carry out projects in the coastal watersheds of southeast New England that assist in-- ``(A) eliminating or reducing pollution; ``(B) restoring contaminated sites; ``(C) protecting or restoring ecosystems or habitat; ``(D) improving water quality; ``(E) monitoring watersheds to evaluate trends; ``(F) reducing stormwater runoff; ``(G) promoting resilience of the coastal watersheds; ``(H) supporting workforce development, training, or education initiatives that contribute to the health of the coastal watersheds of southeast New England; or ``(I) providing technical assistance in carrying out projects described in subparagraphs (A) through (H). ``(2) Eligible recipients.--An entity eligible for a grant under this subsection is-- ``(A) a State; ``(B) a county or local government, or a subdivision of such a government; ``(C) a federally recognized Indian tribe; ``(D) a regional planning organization; ``(E) a nonprofit organization; and ``(F) an institution of higher education. ``(3) Cost-share.--The Federal share of an activity carried out using a grant under this subsection shall not exceed 75 percent. ``(e) Coordination.--The Administrator shall coordinate the actions of Federal agencies that affect water quality and the living resources of the coastal watersheds of southeast New England to improve those resources and enhance efficiency. ``(f) Authorities and Duties of Administrator.-- ``(1) In general.--In carrying out this section, the Administrator may-- ``(A) enter into interagency agreements; ``(B) establish interagency working groups; and ``(C) contract for services to carry out the purposes of this section. ``(2) Staffing.--The Administrator shall provide adequate staff to carry out this section. ``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.-- ``(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator to carry out this section $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031, to remain available until expended. ``(2) Technical assistance.--Of the amounts made available to award grants under subsection (d) in a fiscal…

year, not more than 10 percent may be used to award grants the primary purpose of which is providing technical assistance pursuant to paragraph (1)(I) of that subsection. ``(3) Administrative expenses.--Of the amounts made available under paragraph (1) in a fiscal year, not more than 5 percent may be used for administrative expenses.''. <all>

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