Bill expands water storage funding across western states through 2033

Q: What does it cost, and who pays?

The small storage program is authorized at $20 million per year from 2027 to 2033; the natural water retention grant program is authorized at $15 million per year from 2027 to 2031, covering up to 50% of project costs.

Placed on the calendarS. 3732Latest action Sep 17, 2026

Sponsor: Ruben Gallego · Senator · AZ

AIDecoded by AI · checked against the record

Read the official text

Official title: Water Security and Drought Resilience Act

119th Congress

Topics: Environment & energy

Introduced: January 29, 2026

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

In plain words

The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.

The bill expands federal funding for water storage and natural retention projects in western states through 2033.

50-second read · 5 questions answered below

What does this do?

S 3732 updates Interior Department rules for funding large water storage projects, requiring funds be spread across multiple states. It renews and expands a small storage program for projects like reservoirs and groundwater recharge, extending it from 5 to 10 years. It also creates a new grant program for natural water retention projects like floodplain and wetland restoration.

Who does it affect?

Water utilities, farmers, tribal governments, and residents in the 17 western states served by the Bureau of Reclamation. States, tribes, municipalities, irrigation districts, and qualifying nonprofits can apply for the new natural retention grants.

Why does it matter?

The bill aims to increase water storage capacity and drought resilience without changing water rights ownership; funding cannot be used to acquire water rights or override existing water laws, agreements, or .

What does it cost, and who pays?

Small storage: $20M/year, 2027-2033
Natural retention grants: $15M/year, 2027-2031
Federal share capped at 50% of costs

AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.

Based on the “Reported to Senate” text of Sep 17, 2026.

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

Make the call

Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.

Where do you stand?

Where does it stand?

IntroducedJan 29, 2026
Senate committee
Senate voteYou are here · Sep 17, 2026
House
The president's desk

Right now: it was placed on the , and the official record shows no floor action on it since. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.

Latest action: September 17, 2026 — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 650.

See how a call works

Share on WhatsApp