§2347c Small Water Storage Projects

Summary

The Secretary must run a program to study and build new small water storage projects or make existing ones bigger with a non‑federal partner. New projects must hold between 2,000 and 30,000 acre‑feet. Enlargements must add between 1,000 and 30,000 acre‑feet. Projects must give flood risk management, ecological benefits, or water management, conservation, or supply. They must be economically justified, environmentally acceptable, and technically feasible, or if only for ecological benefits, cost‑effective. Projects in states with fewer than 1,000,000 people get preference. For 10 years starting December 27, 2020, projects that have finished federal permits must be sped up. Studies should use state data and partner information when possible. The federal share of study costs is 100% up to $100,000 and 50% above that. Project cost shares follow existing rules: municipal/industrial water supply is 100% non‑federal, agricultural is 35% non‑federal, and recreation is 50% of separable costs (and 50% of assigned recreation costs for harbors/channels). Operation, maintenance, repair, and replacement costs belong to the non‑federal partner. No more than $65,000,000 in federal funds can go to a single project. Up to $130,000,000 may be provided each year through fiscal year 2030.