Detailed Summary

Cooperative Watershed Management Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a cooperative watershed management program under which the Secretary shall provide grants to eligible management entities to: (1) form a self-sustaining, cooperative watershed-wide management group; (2) enlarge a management group; or (3) conduct projects in accordance with the goals of a management group.

Requires an eligible management entity to be comprised of each affected stakeholder of the watershed that is the subject of the entity, including: (1) representatives of private interests; (2) any federal agency that has authority regarding the watershed; (3) any state or local agency that has such authority; and (4) any Indian tribe member who owns land within the watershed or land held in trust.

Directs the Secretary, during the first phase, to provide to a recipient a grant of not greater than $100,000 each year for not more than three years. Requires a recipient to use the funds to establish or enlarge a management group, develop a mission statement, and develop project concepts.

Directs the Secretary, for each year of the first phase, to determine whether the recipient has made sufficient progress during the year to justify additional funding. Sets conditions to receive funds for each phase. Prohibits a management group from using grant funds for any group initiative unless it reaches a consensus decision. Sets federal cost share requirements.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 9/16/2008: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 999.

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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