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119-s-3967119th CongressWALLET

FLOWS Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Senator Boozman, John [R-AR]

Introduced

Summary

Digital grants for rural water systems would create an EPA-run program to pay for sensors, SCADA, analytics, cybersecurity, and related tools so small utilities can detect leaks, assess assets, and run systems more efficiently.

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  • Owners and operators of public water systems in rural areas, especially those serving fewer than 3,300 people, would be prioritized for grants to design, build, operate, and maintain digital infrastructure for drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, desalination, reuse, and groundwater projects.
  • Project managers and utility staff would receive training and workforce development to run digital systems, while grant funds could cover on-site cybersecurity training, technical assistance, and both initial software purchase and ongoing maintenance costs.
  • States and Tribes could apply on behalf of eligible systems, the program is authorized at $50 million per year for fiscal years 2027–2031, and the Comptroller General would study digital adoption and report by December 31, 2030 with recommendations on interoperability, costs, resilience, and affordability.

*Would authorize $50 million per year for 2027–2031, increasing potential federal outlays if those appropriations are enacted.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Digital grants for rural water systems

If enacted, this bill would create an EPA-run Rural Area Digital Infrastructure Technology Grant Program. The program would give grants to publicly owned water systems, rural areas, or States and Tribes acting for them. Grants would pay to design, build, operate, and maintain digital water technology, including software and ongoing software maintenance, workforce training, and on-site cybersecurity help. The EPA would prioritize systems serving fewer than 3,300 people and those most in need. The bill would authorize $50 million per year for FY2027 through FY2031 (about $250 million total), with funds available until spent. Nothing in the bill would waive federal or state laws that otherwise apply to funded projects.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Boozman, John [R-AR]

AR • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ]

    AZ • D

    Sponsored 3/3/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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