# Northwest Lawmakers Propose Wetlands Grant Program

On October 16, 2026, Representatives Val Hoyle, Ryan Zinke, and Kim Schrier introduced the bipartisan Northwest Wetlands Voluntary Incentives Program Act. The proposed legislation would establish a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grant program for wetland habitat restoration and water infrastructure in the Columbia River Basin and along the Washington and Oregon coasts. It is not an open funding opportunity; the announcement specifies no funding amount, solicitation schedule, or application contact.

- The proposed program could support work in water-management infrastructure, habitat restoration, invasive-species management, and conservation easements if enacted and funded.
- Contractors and conservation organizations can assess their relevant capabilities and monitor the bill’s progress and subsequent USFWS grant or implementation announcements, as no application process is currently available.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Environment, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Grants & Funding, Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** October 17, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
- U.S. House of Representatives

### Key Quotes
> The future of conservation is on private working lands. This important legislation will bring much-needed resources for landowners to more effectively provide multi-benefits for people, wildlife, agriculture, and wetlands in the Northwest and the Columbia River Basin.
> — Jeff McCreary, Director of Operations for the Western Region, Ducks Unlimited

> The Northwest Wetlands VIP Act would bring critical infrastructure dollars to Pacific Northwest farmers and ranchers.
> — Nellie McAdams, Executive Director, Oregon Agricultural Trust

> Our bipartisan bill supports habitat restoration and active management of invasive species across Northwest wetlands that support Tribes, farmers and other local economies.
> — Val Hoyle, Representative

### Sources
- [REP. HOYLE JOINS REP. ZINKE AND REP SCHRIER TO INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN NORTHWEST WETLANDS VIP ACT | Congresswoman Val Hoyle](https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-hoyle-joins-rep-zinke-and-rep-schrier-to-introduce-bipartisan-northwest-wetlands-vip-act) - Hoyle House