Water Project Navigators Program: Funding Support for Community Water Resilience.
This Act establishes the Water Project Navigators Program to provide grants and technical assistance to local entities, especially disadvantaged and rural communities, for developing crucial multi-benefit water projects. The goal is to enhance water supply resilience against climate impacts, improve access to safe drinking water, and protect local ecosystems. The program authorizes $15 million annually from 2027 through 2032 to fund specialists who help manage and implement these vital infrastructure improvements.
Key points
Technical and Financial Aid: States, Tribes, local governments, and water suppliers can receive grants to hire "navigators" who assist with grant writing, project management, and technical design for water infrastructure projects.
Focus on Underserved Areas: Priority funding is directed towards projects benefiting Indian Tribes, rural communities, and disadvantaged communities that lack the capacity to develop complex water projects independently.
Dual Benefit Requirement: Funded projects must simultaneously increase drought resilience (e.g., water recycling, efficiency) and provide environmental benefits (e.g., improving water quality and ecosystem health).
Cost Share Relief: The requirement for local cost sharing (up to 25%) can be reduced or waived for Indian Tribes and disadvantaged communities facing financial hardship.
Status:
Introduced
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