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Core Policy Mechanism Top 5
New natural water retention and release grant program
Creates a new federal grant program for natural water retention and release projects — such as wetland or floodplain restoration — with the federal government covering up to 90% of costs and grants spread across multiple western states.
- Population Scope Low Eligible recipients are states, tribes, municipalities, water districts, and qualifying nonprofits in western Reclamation States — a narrow, specialized set of governmental and quasi-governmental entities.
- Budgetary Magnitude Medium The program authorizes up to 90% federal cost share on grants, with $75 million total authorized over FY2027–2031 — a moderate, time-bounded discretionary commitment.
- Legal / Regulatory Depth High Creates a wholly new statutory grant program with new eligibility criteria, a binding cost-share requirement, a nonreimbursability rule, and a geographic distribution mandate — a new set of substantive legal entitlements and obligations that did not previously exist.
- Degree of Discretion Granted Medium The Secretary of the Interior (DOI) retains discretion over which projects receive grants within eligibility criteria and cost thresholds, but geographic distribution and the 90% cost-share cap impose binding constraints on that discretion.
- Implementation & Enforcement Burden Low No new enforcement mechanisms or penalties are created; compliance is managed through grant award conditions and the existing Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) administrative apparatus.
- Temporal Commitment Low The appropriation authority expires after FY2031, a hard end date within 10 years, so the program self-terminates unless Congress affirmatively reauthorizes it.
No signal yet
Core Policy Mechanism Top 5
Expand water storage financial assistance authority
Broadens the federal government's authority to fund water storage projects across all western states and ensures that money is spread across multiple states rather than concentrated in one.
- Population Scope Low Directly affects water storage project sponsors, state water agencies, and water users in the 17 Reclamation States — a geographically bounded, sector-specific population well under a broad share of the U.S.
- Budgetary Magnitude Medium Expands eligibility for existing financial assistance authority without itself authorizing new appropriations; budgetary impact depends on future spending within the amended Section 4007 framework.
- Legal / Regulatory Depth Medium Amends an existing statutory program to expand geographic eligibility and impose a multi-state distribution obligation — a procedural constraint on the Secretary of the Interior (DOI)'s award decisions rather than a new substantive mandate on the regulated public.
- Degree of Discretion Granted Medium The Secretary of the Interior retains discretion over individual assistance awards, but the new multi-state distribution obligation and IIJA project eligibility rules constrain how that discretion may be exercised.
- Implementation & Enforcement Burden Low No new enforcement mechanisms are introduced; the geographic distribution obligation is an internal administrative duty without penalties or compliance infrastructure.
- Temporal Commitment High The amendments to Section 4007 of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act carry no sunset, so they persist indefinitely until Congress acts to repeal or modify them.
No signal yet
Core Policy Mechanism Top 5
Expand and extend small water storage grant program
Expands a federal small water storage grant program to cover groundwater recharge projects with larger storage capacity, requires grants to reach multiple western states, and adds a savings clause protecting existing water rights and state water law.
- Population Scope Low Directly affects states, water districts, tribes, and municipalities in Reclamation States seeking small storage and groundwater recharge grants — a narrow governmental and quasi-governmental population in western states.
- Budgetary Magnitude Low This provision changes eligibility criteria and adds a savings clause but does not itself authorize appropriations; fiscal impact flows from the separately authorized $20M/year funding provision.
- Legal / Regulatory Depth Medium Expands the statutory definition of eligible projects and adds a savings clause preserving water rights and state law — a procedural widening of program scope and a clarifying constraint, not a new substantive mandate on the public.
- Degree of Discretion Granted Medium The Secretary of the Interior (DOI) retains grant award discretion, but the expanded eligibility definition and geographic distribution requirement impose new boundaries on how that discretion operates.
- Implementation & Enforcement Burden Low No enforcement mechanisms or penalties are created; the savings clause and eligibility changes impose no compliance obligations beyond existing grant administration.
- Temporal Commitment High The eligibility expansion and savings clause amendments to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act carry no expiry date, persisting indefinitely until Congress acts to change them.
No signal yet
Funding / Appropriations Top 5
$20M/year authorization for small storage grants FY2027–2033
Authorizes $20 million per year in federal funding for the small water storage grant program for fiscal years 2027 through 2033, providing about $140 million total over seven years for grants to western states and water agencies.
- Population Scope Low Funding reaches states, water districts, tribes, and municipalities in Reclamation States — a narrow, specialized population of western governmental entities.
- Budgetary Magnitude Medium Authorizes $20 million per year for FY2027–2033, totaling approximately $140 million in discretionary appropriations subject to annual congressional action.
- Legal / Regulatory Depth Low Authorizes an appropriation ceiling within an existing program structure, with no new substantive duties or enforceable rights — a routine funding authorization.
- Degree of Discretion Granted Low Sets a maximum appropriation level but does not constrain how Congress appropriates within that ceiling; the Secretary of the Interior (DOI)'s grant discretion is governed by the program provisions, not this authorization.
- Implementation & Enforcement Burden Low No enforcement obligations arise from an authorization of appropriations; actual disbursement is subject to annual appropriations acts and existing grant administration.
- Temporal Commitment Low The authorization expires after FY2033, a hard end date within 10 years, self-terminating unless Congress reauthorizes.
No signal yet
Funding / Appropriations Top 5
$15M/year authorization for natural water retention grants FY2027–2031
Authorizes $15 million per year in federal funding for the new natural water retention and release grant program for fiscal years 2027 through 2031, providing about $75 million total over five years.
- Population Scope Low Funding reaches states, tribes, municipalities, water districts, and qualifying nonprofits in Reclamation States — a narrow set of specialized western entities.
- Budgetary Magnitude Medium Authorizes $15 million per year for FY2027–2031, totaling approximately $75 million in discretionary appropriations subject to annual congressional action.
- Legal / Regulatory Depth Low Authorizes an appropriation ceiling for a newly created program without itself imposing new substantive duties or enforceable rights — a routine funding authorization.
- Degree of Discretion Granted Low Sets a maximum appropriation level only; grant award discretion is governed by the Natural Water Retention and Release Project Grants program provision, not this authorization.
- Implementation & Enforcement Burden Low No enforcement obligations arise from an authorization of appropriations; disbursement is subject to annual appropriations acts and Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) grant administration.
- Temporal Commitment Low The authorization expires after FY2031, a hard end date within 10 years, self-terminating unless Congress reauthorizes.
No signal yet
Duration, Sunset, and Review
Extend small storage program from 5 to 10 years
Doubles the lifespan of the small water storage grant program by extending its sunset from 5 years to 10 years, allowing the program to operate longer before expiring.
No signal yet
Duration, Sunset, and Review
Extend small storage program from 5 to 10 years
Doubles the lifespan of the small water storage grant program by extending its sunset from 5 years to 10 years, allowing the program to operate longer before expiring.
No signal yet
Summary
This bill expands federal support for water storage and drought resilience in the western United States. It changes how the Department of the Interior (DOI) awards grants and financial assistance for water projects, and creates a new grant program focused on natural water systems. Among other elements, the bill * broadens which water storage projects can receive federal financial assistance under existing law, and requires that money be spread across multiple western states; * expands a small water storage grant program by adding new project types, doubling the program's lifespan to 10 years, and authorizing $20 million per year through 2033; * creates a new grant program for natural water retention and release projects, with the federal government covering up to 90% of costs and $15 million per year authorized through 2031; * and adds protections ensuring the new programs do not override existing state or federal water law, water rights, or treaty obligations.
AI-generated summary, pending human review.
| Version | Event | Date | User support | Your vote | Roll calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original |
Initial publication
Jan 29, 2026
|
Jan 29, 2026 | No votes yet | — | — |
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Core Policy Mechanism Top 5
New natural water retention and release grant program
Creates a new federal grant program for natural water retention and release projects — such as wetland or floodplain restoration — with the federal government covering up to 90% of costs and grants spread across multiple western states.
- Population Scope Low Eligible recipients are states, tribes, municipalities, water districts, and qualifying nonprofits in western Reclamation States — a narrow, specialized set of governmental and quasi-governmental entities.
- Budgetary Magnitude Medium The program authorizes up to 90% federal cost share on grants, with $75 million total authorized over FY2027–2031 — a moderate, time-bounded discretionary commitment.
- Legal / Regulatory Depth High Creates a wholly new statutory grant program with new eligibility criteria, a binding cost-share requirement, a nonreimbursability rule, and a geographic distribution mandate — a new set of substantive legal entitlements and obligations that did not previously exist.
- Degree of Discretion Granted Medium The Secretary of the Interior (DOI) retains discretion over which projects receive grants within eligibility criteria and cost thresholds, but geographic distribution and the 90% cost-share cap impose binding constraints on that discretion.
- Implementation & Enforcement Burden Low No new enforcement mechanisms or penalties are created; compliance is managed through grant award conditions and the existing Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) administrative apparatus.
- Temporal Commitment Low The appropriation authority expires after FY2031, a hard end date within 10 years, so the program self-terminates unless Congress affirmatively reauthorizes it.
No signal yet
Core Policy Mechanism
New natural water retention and release grant program
Core Policy Mechanism Top 5
Expand water storage financial assistance authority
Broadens the federal government's authority to fund water storage projects across all western states and ensures that money is spread across multiple states rather than concentrated in one.
- Population Scope Low Directly affects water storage project sponsors, state water agencies, and water users in the 17 Reclamation States — a geographically bounded, sector-specific population well under a broad share of the U.S.
- Budgetary Magnitude Medium Expands eligibility for existing financial assistance authority without itself authorizing new appropriations; budgetary impact depends on future spending within the amended Section 4007 framework.
- Legal / Regulatory Depth Medium Amends an existing statutory program to expand geographic eligibility and impose a multi-state distribution obligation — a procedural constraint on the Secretary of the Interior (DOI)'s award decisions rather than a new substantive mandate on the regulated public.
- Degree of Discretion Granted Medium The Secretary of the Interior retains discretion over individual assistance awards, but the new multi-state distribution obligation and IIJA project eligibility rules constrain how that discretion may be exercised.
- Implementation & Enforcement Burden Low No new enforcement mechanisms are introduced; the geographic distribution obligation is an internal administrative duty without penalties or compliance infrastructure.
- Temporal Commitment High The amendments to Section 4007 of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act carry no sunset, so they persist indefinitely until Congress acts to repeal or modify them.
No signal yet
Core Policy Mechanism
Expand water storage financial assistance authority
Core Policy Mechanism Top 5
Expand and extend small water storage grant program
Expands a federal small water storage grant program to cover groundwater recharge projects with larger storage capacity, requires grants to reach multiple western states, and adds a savings clause protecting existing water rights and state water law.
- Population Scope Low Directly affects states, water districts, tribes, and municipalities in Reclamation States seeking small storage and groundwater recharge grants — a narrow governmental and quasi-governmental population in western states.
- Budgetary Magnitude Low This provision changes eligibility criteria and adds a savings clause but does not itself authorize appropriations; fiscal impact flows from the separately authorized $20M/year funding provision.
- Legal / Regulatory Depth Medium Expands the statutory definition of eligible projects and adds a savings clause preserving water rights and state law — a procedural widening of program scope and a clarifying constraint, not a new substantive mandate on the public.
- Degree of Discretion Granted Medium The Secretary of the Interior (DOI) retains grant award discretion, but the expanded eligibility definition and geographic distribution requirement impose new boundaries on how that discretion operates.
- Implementation & Enforcement Burden Low No enforcement mechanisms or penalties are created; the savings clause and eligibility changes impose no compliance obligations beyond existing grant administration.
- Temporal Commitment High The eligibility expansion and savings clause amendments to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act carry no expiry date, persisting indefinitely until Congress acts to change them.
No signal yet
Core Policy Mechanism
Expand and extend small water storage grant program
Funding / Appropriations Top 5
$20M/year authorization for small storage grants FY2027–2033
Authorizes $20 million per year in federal funding for the small water storage grant program for fiscal years 2027 through 2033, providing about $140 million total over seven years for grants to western states and water agencies.
- Population Scope Low Funding reaches states, water districts, tribes, and municipalities in Reclamation States — a narrow, specialized population of western governmental entities.
- Budgetary Magnitude Medium Authorizes $20 million per year for FY2027–2033, totaling approximately $140 million in discretionary appropriations subject to annual congressional action.
- Legal / Regulatory Depth Low Authorizes an appropriation ceiling within an existing program structure, with no new substantive duties or enforceable rights — a routine funding authorization.
- Degree of Discretion Granted Low Sets a maximum appropriation level but does not constrain how Congress appropriates within that ceiling; the Secretary of the Interior (DOI)'s grant discretion is governed by the program provisions, not this authorization.
- Implementation & Enforcement Burden Low No enforcement obligations arise from an authorization of appropriations; actual disbursement is subject to annual appropriations acts and existing grant administration.
- Temporal Commitment Low The authorization expires after FY2033, a hard end date within 10 years, self-terminating unless Congress reauthorizes.
No signal yet
Funding / Appropriations
$20M/year authorization for small storage grants FY2027–2033
Funding / Appropriations Top 5
$15M/year authorization for natural water retention grants FY2027–2031
Authorizes $15 million per year in federal funding for the new natural water retention and release grant program for fiscal years 2027 through 2031, providing about $75 million total over five years.
- Population Scope Low Funding reaches states, tribes, municipalities, water districts, and qualifying nonprofits in Reclamation States — a narrow set of specialized western entities.
- Budgetary Magnitude Medium Authorizes $15 million per year for FY2027–2031, totaling approximately $75 million in discretionary appropriations subject to annual congressional action.
- Legal / Regulatory Depth Low Authorizes an appropriation ceiling for a newly created program without itself imposing new substantive duties or enforceable rights — a routine funding authorization.
- Degree of Discretion Granted Low Sets a maximum appropriation level only; grant award discretion is governed by the Natural Water Retention and Release Project Grants program provision, not this authorization.
- Implementation & Enforcement Burden Low No enforcement obligations arise from an authorization of appropriations; disbursement is subject to annual appropriations acts and Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) grant administration.
- Temporal Commitment Low The authorization expires after FY2031, a hard end date within 10 years, self-terminating unless Congress reauthorizes.
No signal yet
Funding / Appropriations
$15M/year authorization for natural water retention grants FY2027–2031
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