H.R. 7408: Water Project Navigators Act

This bill, known as the Water Project Navigators Act, aims to establish a program to support the development and implementation of multi-benefit water projects across eligible states in the United States. Here’s a breakdown of what the bill proposes:

Definitions

- **Disadvantaged Community**: A community with an annual median income below the state average.- **Eligible Entity**: This includes states, Indian tribes, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and other entities involved in water management.- **Eligible State**: States and territories that meet certain legislative criteria, including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.- **Multi-Benefit Water Project**: Projects that enhance community resilience to climate impacts, improve water efficiency, reduce water imbalances, and promote ecosystem health.

Program Establishment

- The Secretary of the Interior will establish a program called the Water Project Navigators Program within 180 days of the bill's enactment. This program will provide support for multi-benefit water projects in eligible states.

Grant Provisions

- The Secretary can award grants or cooperative agreements to eligible entities to fund positions responsible for advancing these water projects.- The criteria for these grants will consider the ability of applicants to implement projects effectively and their history of developing projects.

Priority for Grants

- Applications from entities that will benefit disadvantaged or rural communities and Indian tribes will be prioritized. The goal is to assist communities with limited resources to undertake water projects.

Navigators' Duties

- Funded positions, known as multi-benefit water project navigators, will aid in: - Writing grant proposals. - Project management. - Providing technical assistance and support throughout the project development process.

Grant Duration and Cost Sharing

- Grants will generally have a duration of up to three years, with a potential two-year extension based on satisfactory performance.- Federal funding may cover up to 75% of the project costs, with the remaining portion potentially waived for certain eligible entities experiencing financial hardship.

Coordination with Other Programs

- The Secretary is tasked with coordinating the program with other federal, tribal, and state assistance programs to boost the effectiveness of multi-benefit water project development.

Reporting Requirements

- A report must be submitted to Congress five years after enactment, detailing how the program has aided in balancing water supply and demand and the various benefits derived from the funded projects.

Funding Authorization

- The bill authorizes appropriations of $15 million for each fiscal year from 2027 to 2032 to support the program.

Relevant Companies

• None found.