II 110th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 2032 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES September 7, 2007 Mrs. Murray (for herself and Ms. Cantwell) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry A BILL To authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a competitive grant program for the Puget Sound area to provide comprehensive conservation planning to address water quality.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Puget Sound Watershed Comprehensive Conservation Project Act of 2007.

2.

Comprehensive conservation planning for Puget Sound area

(a)

Grant program

(1)

In general

The Secretary of Agriculture (referred to in this Act as the Secretary) shall carry out a competitive grant program for the Puget Sound area to provide comprehensive conservation planning to address water quality. (2)

Cooperative agreements

The Secretary shall enter into cooperative agreements with State and local governments, Indian tribes, or nongovernmental entities with a history of working with agricultural producers to carry out projects under the program. (b)

Assistance

In carrying out the program, the Secretary may— (1)provide project demonstration grants and technical assistance and carry out information and education programs to improve water quality in the Puget Sound area by reducing soil erosion and improving sediment control; and (2)provide a priority for projects and activities that directly reduce soil erosion or improve water quality. (c)

Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 to carry out the program.