§3203 Small Water Storage and Groundwater Storage Projects

Summary

Creates a competitive grant program to help pay for planning, design, and building of small water storage and groundwater projects. Non‑federal project sponsors in Reclamation States, including Alaska and Hawaii, can apply by submitting a finished feasibility study. Eligible projects must hold between 200 and 30,000 acre‑feet of water and must either increase surface or groundwater storage or move water to or from storage. The Secretary must issue study guidelines within 60 days after November 15, 2021, review each study to make sure it followed federal rules, is technically and financially viable under the guidelines and reclamation laws, and provides a federal benefit, and send a report to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the House Natural Resources Committee within 180 days after getting a study. If the Secretary finds a project feasible, the sponsor can apply for a grant to cover the federal share of costs for planning, design, and construction. The federal share cannot exceed 25% of the project cost or $30,000,000, whichever is less. Before giving money, the Secretary must confirm enough non‑federal funds exist. Priority goes to projects that improve water reliability, increase management flexibility or reduce environmental harm, are regional or involve many stakeholders, or deliver multiple benefits like ecosystem, groundwater, or water quality improvements. All funded projects must follow applicable environmental laws, including NEPA. The program ends 5 years after November 15, 2021.