- Bipartisan bill introduced on September 10, 2024.
- Proposes navigator positions to help communities access water funds.
- Focuses on rural and Tribal areas affected by drought.
- Navigators will aid in planning and funding water projects.
- Supported by conservation groups and state agencies.
September 20, 2024 — A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers introduced the Water Project Navigators Act on September 10, 2024. The bill aims to establish a program within the Bureau of Reclamation to fund “navigator” positions that would assist states, Tribes, and rural communities in accessing federal resources for water management and conservation projects.
Helping Communities Access Federal Funds.
Senators John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and Jerry Moran (R-KS), along with Representatives Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), are sponsoring the legislation. The proposed navigators would help communities plan, implement, and secure resources for projects that improve water efficiency, reduce consumption, and enhance ecosystem resilience.
“Rural and Tribal communities deserve their fair share of federal funds to address drought, but all too often are left out,” Hickenlooper said
. “Our Water Project Navigators will help these communities get their share.”
Moran highlighted the impact of drought in his state. “Widespread drought is impacting many communities across Kansas, hurting family farms, local municipalities, and businesses,” he said. “While there are federal resources available to help preserve water, accessing these resources can be a challenge for Tribal and rural communities.”
Addressing Drought Challenges.
The bill comes as states across the West grapple with severe drought conditions. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, as of last week, more than 51% of Kansas is experiencing some level of drought, mostly moderate or severe. Arizona faces extreme drought in almost 5% of the state, while about 12% of Colorado is affected.
“In Arizona, water is our most precious resource,” Ciscomani said. “As the drought worsens in the West, it is now more important than ever that impacted communities have the necessary tools to secure federal dollars for critical multi-benefit water infrastructure projects.”
Pettersen emphasized the need for investment in rural areas. “The effects of climate change continue to accelerate, and the impact on our critical water resources are felt throughout Colorado,” she said. “However, many areas—like our most rural areas in Colorado—lack the necessary resources to secure federal funds for water projects.”
Supporting Water Management Projects.
The Water Project Navigators Act aims to:
- Help communities build capacity to develop and implement multi-benefit water projects.
- Accelerate the creation of projects that support water supply and sustainability goals.
- Prioritize applicants with the most need, including Tribes and rural communities.
- Work within eligible entities such as states, Tribes, local governments, special districts, conservation districts, and non-governmental organizations.
The navigators would tap into local expertise to maximize federal resources on the ground. The program is inspired by Colorado’s Federal Technical Assistance Grants for Water Projects and the Colorado River Water Conservation District’s Accelerator Grant Program.
Broad Support for the Legislation.
The bill has garnered support from various conservation groups and state agencies. Organizations backing the legislation include the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, National Water Resources Association, National Association of Conservation Districts, Trout Unlimited, Audubon, American Rivers, Environmental Defense Fund, Farmers Conservation Alliance, The Nature Conservancy, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, Colorado Water Conservation Board, Colorado Association of Conservation Districts, Colorado River District, the Southwestern Water Conservation District, Douglas County (CO), Kansas Water Office, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and the Kansas Department of Agriculture – Division of Water Resources.
“The Water Project Navigators Act would provide important tools and resources to help communities across the West address urgent water conservation issues,” said National Association of Conservation Districts President Kim LaFleur.
Bill Tracking.
Congress.gov. “Text – S.4995 – 118th Congress (2023-2024):
Water Project Navigators Act.” September 9, 2024. https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/4995/text
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