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119-s-3792119th CongressWALLET

Water Project Navigators Act

Sponsored By: Senator Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO]

In Committee

Summary

Water Project Navigators Program would place technical experts with communities to plan, develop, and implement multi-benefit water projects that increase drought resilience and improve watershed and ecosystem health, prioritizing Tribal, disadvantaged, and rural areas.

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  • Disadvantaged communities, Indian Tribes, and rural areas are prioritized for navigators and support aimed at safe drinking water, conservation, ecosystem restoration, and local economic benefits.
  • Navigators would assist with grant writing, feasibility studies, project design, preliminary environmental review, engineering, and project management to speed projects. Initial grants may last up to 3 years and can be extended up to 2 more years if performance and funding allow.
  • Federal awards may cover up to 75% of Program costs. Non-Federal shares can be cash or in-kind and may be reduced or waived for Tribes, acequias, land grant entities, and disadvantaged communities facing financial hardship.

*Would limit federal expenditures to no more than $15.0 million per fiscal year to carry out the Program.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Water project navigators for communities

This bill would require the Interior Department to create a Water Project Navigators Program within 180 days. The program would give grants or cooperative agreements to hire navigators who help plan, design, and finance multi‑benefit water projects. Initial awards would last up to 3 years and could be extended up to 2 more years for good performance. The federal share would not exceed 75 percent; non‑Federal shares can be cash or in‑kind and may be reduced or waived for Tribes, acequias, and disadvantaged communities facing hardship. The Secretary would have to publish draft award criteria for public comment, coordinate with other programs, and could not use funds to meet existing legal mitigation or compliance obligations. Federal funding for the program would be limited to not more than $15,000,000 in any one fiscal year.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO]

CO • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS]

    KS • R

    Sponsored 2/5/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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