Water Project Navigators Act
House Bill Would Fund "Navigator" Staff to Help Rural and Tribal Communities Secure Water Project Grants
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- Creates a new Interior Department program to fund “navigator” staff who help plan and deliver local water projects.
- Gives grants to states, Tribes, local water agencies, and partner nonprofits to hire or keep people who can write grants and manage projects.
- Prioritizes help for Tribal, rural, and lower-income communities that often lack staff time and expertise to get projects off the ground.
- Limits grants to up to 3 years at a time, with a possible extension of up to 2 more years if performance is strong.
- Authorizes $15 million per year from 2027–2032, with most projects requiring a local match unless waived for hardship.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
How this policy affects specific groups of people
State Impacts
Milestones
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
2 articles
Senate Subcommittee Discusses Bills Focused on Water Issues
A Senate subcommittee held a hearing on the Water Project Navigators Act (S. 5014), which seeks to establish a program supporting the implementation of multi-benefit water projects within eligible states, helping communities navigate complex federal funding processes.
Federal Water Tap, September 30: Court Orders EPA to Address Fluoride Risk in Drinking Water
The Water Project Navigators Act would establish a program to help western states, tribes, and local governments plan water projects and apply for federal funding, specifically targeting communities that lack the capacity to manage complex grant applications.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Water Project Navigators Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
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