Water for Conservation and Farming: Securing Supply and Drought Resilience Funding.
This law establishes long-term funding ($300 million annually starting 2035) for critical water infrastructure, including dam safety and water reuse projects. It introduces new payment programs for farmers who create waterbird habitats and significantly increases funds for protecting fisheries and biodiversity during droughts. The goal is to enhance water supply reliability and ecosystem resilience against climate change impacts, directly affecting agricultural stability and the natural environment.
Key points
Establishes a $300 million annual infrastructure fund (2035-2065) dedicated to dam modernization, public safety, and developing water reclamation and reuse projects.
New financial payments and credits available to farmers in drought-prone states for creating and maintaining habitats for waterbirds and shorebirds ($3.5 million annually).
Increased funding and expanded scope for water management programs (WaterSMART) and mandatory plans to protect critical fisheries and biodiversity during drought periods.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_2102
Sponsor: Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]
Process start date: 2023-06-21