U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) has joined bipartisan legislation that would extend federal funding programs supporting stormwater innovation, infrastructure and flood mitigation through fiscal year 2031.

The Stormwater Treatment, Optimization, Resilience, and Management with Academic Technological Expertise and Research (STORMWATER) Act, introduced by Rep. Tim Kennedy (D-N.Y.) in August, would reauthorize two grant programs that support community stormwater management. The legislation is endorsed by the Great Lakes Commission.

The bill would establish a fifth Stormwater Center of Excellence focused on the Great Lakes region and provide $5 million annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to support five centers nationwide.

It would also authorize $10 million annually over the same period for competitive Stormwater Control Infrastructure Project grants. The funding could support community stormwater infrastructure needs, including projects intended to reduce flooding and protect waterways from polluted runoff.

The legislation comes as the existing grant programs are set to expire in September 2026. The Great Lakes Commission said communities across the region are facing more frequent flooding and stormwater runoff carrying nutrients, debris, chemicals and other pollutants into waterways.

Kelly, a member of the House Great Lakes Task Force, said the legislation would help protect the Great Lakes, including Lake Erie, while Kennedy said the measure would strengthen infrastructure and provide communities with technical resources to prepare for major storms.