Bipartisan Bill Proposes Grants and Loan Forgiveness for Struggling Rural Water Systems
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
Renters in rural areas served by struggling water systems could see indirect benefits if the financial assistance prevents rate hikes that landlords would pass along. However, the impact is less direct than for homeowners since renters don't deal with the water utility directly in many cases.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) joined Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) to introduce legislation granting the USDA additional authorities to provide low- and zero-interest loans, loan forgiveness, and refinancing to help rural communities modernize failing water and wastewater infrastructure.
The National Rural Water Association (NRWA) announced its support for the reintroduction of the Assistance for Rural Water Systems Act of 2025, highlighting new long-term financing options and debt restructuring tools designed to maintain service affordability in economically distressed areas.
This analysis covers the reintroduction of S. 783, noting that the bill aims to prevent utility bill spikes for rural residents by offering zero-interest loans and loan forgiveness for system repairs and modernization, particularly as communities face increasing climate-related infrastructure costs.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Assistance for Rural Water Systems Act of 2025
Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.