Southeast New England Program Authorization Act of 2026

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.

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).

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.

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).

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.

The Federal share of an activity carried out using a grant under this subsection shall not exceed 75 percent.

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.

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.

The Administrator shall provide adequate staff to carry out this section.

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.

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.

Of the amounts made available under paragraph (1) in a fiscal year, not more than 5 percent may be used for administrative expenses.