H.R. 5257 · 118th Congress
To amend the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 to enhance the long-term protection of watersheds, and for other purposes.
- Stage
- In committee
- Sponsor
- Zachary (Zach) Nunn
- Introduced
- 2023-08-22
- Latest action
- 2023-09-25 · Referred to the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit.
Summary
This bill amends the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program to allow the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide for certain restoration activities. The EWP Program offers technical and financial assistance, including the purchase of floodplain easements, to safeguard people and property from floods, drought, fires, windstorms, and other natural disasters that impair a watershed.
Under the bill, USDA may allow restoration above pre-disaster conditions if that restoration is in the best interest of the long-term health and protection of the watershed.