Extending Water Protection Programs: Great Lakes, San Francisco Bay, and Beach Safety
This Act extends the funding and operation of critical U.S. water protection programs, such as the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and programs for Long Island Sound and the Columbia River, until 2031. This ensures the continuation of efforts for cleaner water and healthier ecosystems, directly impacting citizens' recreational quality and health safety. New rules are introduced for monitoring beach water quality, including the ability to identify specific sources of contamination, enhancing swimming safety.
Key points
Funding Extension: Key water environment protection programs (e.g., Great Lakes, Long Island Sound, Columbia River) are reauthorized and funded through fiscal year 2031, ensuring long-term water resource protection.
Beach Safety: Changes to coastal water quality monitoring allow states and local governments to use grants to identify specific sources of contamination, aiming to improve the safety of public beaches and swimming areas.
San Francisco Bay Program Changes: The San Francisco Bay restoration program now requires at least 25% of project costs to come from non-Federal sources, promoting greater local investment.
Foreign Entity Restrictions: Federal funds for these water programs cannot be provided to non-Federal entities domiciled in, headquartered in, or associated with 'foreign countries of concern'.
Introduced
Citizen Poll