# Understanding the Urban Waters Federal Partnership Act of 2025

This bill creates a formal program that brings together multiple federal agencies to help cities and towns reconnect with their local waterways. Think of it as a coordinated effort where the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Interior, Department of Agriculture, and about a dozen other federal agencies work together instead of separately to improve urban water systems and the communities around them.

The program focuses specifically on helping communities that have been left behind or are struggling economically. These neighborhoods often have polluted rivers, creeks, or harbors that have become disconnected from community life. The bill aims to change that by having federal agencies pool their resources and expertise to clean up these waterways, create recreational opportunities, improve water quality, and help communities engage with their local water resources. For example, a city might use the program to transform an abandoned industrial waterfront into a park with walking trails and fishing areas, or to clean up a polluted river that runs through a low-income neighborhood.

The bill establishes a steering committee led by the EPA to coordinate this work across different federal agencies and creates "Urban Waters ambassadors"—local coordinators who work in specific communities to bring federal and local partners together and develop plans for improvement projects. Each participating location gets technical assistance, funding for projects, and support for their local ambassador. The bill also sets up a learning network where different communities can share what's working and learn from each other's successes. Congress would receive annual reports on how the money is being spent and what progress is being made. The bill authorizes $10 million per year for five years to fund this coordination and support, though Congress would still need to actually approve that spending.