16 U.S.C. § 1003a — Cost share assistance

(a) Easements. The Secretary may provide cost-sharing assistance to project sponsors so they can acquire permanent wetland or floodplain conservation easements. The easements must preserve, restore, and improve the natural ability of wetlands and floodplains to hold excess floodwater, improve water quality and quantity, and provide fish and wildlife habitat. (b) Amount. The Secretary must require watershed-project sponsors to provide up to 50 percent of the cost of acquiring easements under subsection (a).