The Connecticut River Watershed Partnership Act directs the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to establish a coordinated program and grant initiative to restore and protect the Connecticut River and its watershed across five states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The program will work with federal agencies, state governments, Tribal nations, nonprofits, and local communities to identify and implement restoration projects focused on fish and wildlife habitat, water quality, flood resilience, farmland conservation, trail access, and climate adaptation. The bill creates a competitive grant program offering matching grants to states, Tribal governments, local governments, nonprofits, and universities, with the federal government covering up to 75 percent of project costs—or up to 90 percent (potentially 100 percent) for projects serving low-income and communities of color. At least 75 percent of authorized funding must go to the grant program and technical assistance. The bill authorizes "such sums as are necessary" for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 and requires annual reports to Congress on implementation and funded projects.
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