Detailed Summary

Willamette River United Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to enter into cooperative agreements with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) and the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board to administer grants for recreation, historic, archeological, and cultural preservation or conservation projects. Specifies the general types of projects and specific projects for which grants may be made.

Prohibits grant funds from being used: (1) to support regulatory actions or mitigation thereof; or (2) for operations and maintenance costs.

Sets forth grant matching requirements.

Provides that: (1) private property owners located in the Willamette Basin are not required to participate in programs established under this Act; and (2) funds appropriated to carry out this Act may be used to purchase land only from willing sellers.

Requires private landowners voluntarily participating in this Act to permit access to their property to implement, inspect, monitor, or perform repairs or maintenance to funded projects.

Authorizes federal agencies with jurisdiction over U.S. natural resources or parks to: (1) use funds to provide assistance to the grant programs of the Board and OPRD when a private investment has been identified and private funds have been committed to a project and to provide financial assistance to Willamette River restoration, recreation, heritage and tourism efforts if the partner can demonstrate strong support in the community; and (2) enter into an agreement with the Board or OPRD to administer federal assistance.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 9/20/2007: Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands.

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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