New bill would fund "navigators" to help communities plan water projects

What does this do?

S 3792 creates the Water Project Navigators Program, run by Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, to fund positions helping entities plan and carry out water projects with multiple benefits like drinking water access, drought resilience, and habitat protection. Navigators would assist with grant writing, project management, engineering studies, and environmental reviews.

Who does it affect?

The program applies mainly to western states and territories under older reclamation law, plus Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. It affects state and local governments, tribes, water utilities, conservation districts, and nonprofits involved in water management, especially in rural or low-income areas.

Why does it matter?

The program would create a new federal funding stream and priorities favoring tribes, disadvantaged communities, and rural areas, while requiring recipients to generally cover part of project costs.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Federal share up to 75% of costs
• Local share waivable for tribes, poor areas
• Program capped at $15 million per year