U.S. Senators Steve Daines and John Hickenlooper introduced the “Cooperative Watershed Management Program Reauthorization Act” on Mar. 17, aiming to extend the Cooperative Watershed Management Program (CWMP) for four more years. The legislation seeks to address water management needs for local communities and tribal lands in Montana and beyond, with a companion bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative Juan Ciscomani.
The proposed reauthorization is significant as it would help ensure continued federal support for local efforts to manage water resources, particularly in regions facing drought, wildfires, or other natural disasters. The CWMP provides funding for non-regulatory watershed groups to develop strategies and implement projects that address water management challenges.
“Reliable access to clean water is a basic necessity for Montanans. This bipartisan bill provides a common sense solution to water management needs by funding CWMP and will help ensure our communities are equipped to face drought, wildfires, or other natural disasters,” said Daines.
Hickenlooper said, “We need to put local communities at the center of solving our evolving water issues and empower them to lead the way. When Coloradans work together to manage our water challenges, we protect watershed health and strengthen resilience against drought and floods.”
Ciscomani added, “Southern Arizona knows firsthand how important it is to manage our water resources wisely. The Cooperative Watershed Management Program helps bring local communities, tribes, farmers, and water managers together to develop practical, locally driven solutions to drought and long-term water security… I’m proud to introduce this legislation to strengthen and reauthorize the program so communities in Arizona’s Sixth District and across the country can continue working together to protect and sustain our water resources for generations to come.”
Supporters of the bill include organizations such as the National Audubon Society, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, and The Nature Conservancy. Marnie Froimson of the National Audubon Society said the act “will extend this critical program and provide for improved funding accessibility and maximized watershed impacts.” Alex Funk from Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership said it ensures “federal resources remain available for local watershed planning efforts that are critical in the development of projects designed to improve watershed function and resilience.” Stephanie Bailenson from The Nature Conservancy said robust resources are essential “to support collaborative projects that will better manage Western waters.”
The CWMP is part of the Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART program set to expire at the end of 2026; this new act would extend authorization until 2031 with increased annual funding up to $40 million.
Daines represents Montana in the U.S. Senate according to his official website. He grew up in Bozeman as a fifth-generation Montanan where he attended public schools according to his official website. Daines earned a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from Montana State University according to his official website.
He engages in public service through constituent assistance as well as Senate committee work according to his official website, providing services such as help with federal agencies or veterans’ resources according to his official website. Daines has also received awards from the Congressional Management Foundation recognizing transparency efforts according to his official website.
