House BillHR 7408Rural conditions and developmentWildlife conservation and habitat protection
Water Project Navigators Act
INTRO FEB 5· LAST ACTION FEB 5
READING
9MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
Voters should care about this bill because it aims to address critical water challenges across the country, especially in areas that often struggle to keep up. Many communities, particularly those in rural or low-income areas, lack the specialized knowledge and staff to navigate the complex world of federal grants and regulations needed to build modern water infrastructure or conservation projects.
If this bill becomes law, it means that more communities could access expert guidance to improve their water systems, ensure safer drinking water, enhance drought resilience, and protect vital ecosystems. Without it, these communities might continue to face barriers to developing essential water projects, potentially leading to ongoing issues with water scarcity, poor water quality, and environmental degradation, which directly impacts public health and economic well-being.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Establishes the Water Project Navigators Program within the Department of the Interior to support the development and implementation of multi-benefit water projects.
This creates a new federal initiative specifically dedicated to helping communities overcome barriers to developing crucial water infrastructure and conservation projects.
PROVISION 02
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to award grants or cooperative agreements to eligible entities to fund 'water project navigator' positions.
This provides the financial mechanism to hire experts who can guide communities through the complex process of planning and executing water projects.
PROVISION 03
Prioritizes applications from eligible entities that would directly serve Indian Tribes, disadvantaged communities, and rural communities, or those with limited resources and capacity.
This ensures that assistance is directed towards communities most in need of support for water project development, promoting equitable access to resources.
PROVISION 04
Defines "multi-benefit water project" to include activities enhancing climate resilience, improving water efficiency, promoting recycling, ensuring safe drinking water access, and providing ecosystem benefits.
This ensures that projects supported by the program address a broad range of human and environmental needs, leading to more comprehensive and sustainable outcomes.
PROVISION 05
Requires the Secretary to develop criteria and guidelines for awarding grants, including a public comment period, considering an entity's potential to accelerate project development and address needs.
This establishes a transparent and fair process for grant distribution, ensuring that effective and deserving projects are selected.
Voters should care about this bill because it aims to address critical water challenges across the country, especially in areas that often struggle to keep up. Many communities, particularly those in rural or low-income areas, lack the specialized knowledge and staff to navigate the complex world of federal grants and regulations needed to build modern water infrastructure or conservation projects.
If this bill becomes law, it means that more communities could access expert guidance to improve their water systems, ensure safer drinking water, enhance drought resilience, and protect vital ecosystems. Without it, these communities might continue to face barriers to developing essential water projects, potentially leading to ongoing issues with water scarcity, poor water quality, and environmental degradation, which directly impacts public health and economic well-being.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Establishes the Water Project Navigators Program within the Department of the Interior to support the development and implementation of multi-benefit water projects.
This creates a new federal initiative specifically dedicated to helping communities overcome barriers to developing crucial water infrastructure and conservation projects.
high
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to award grants or cooperative agreements to eligible entities to fund 'water project navigator' positions.
This provides the financial mechanism to hire experts who can guide communities through the complex process of planning and executing water projects.
high
Prioritizes applications from eligible entities that would directly serve Indian Tribes, disadvantaged communities, and rural communities, or those with limited resources and capacity.
This ensures that assistance is directed towards communities most in need of support for water project development, promoting equitable access to resources.
med
Defines "multi-benefit water project" to include activities enhancing climate resilience, improving water efficiency, promoting recycling, ensuring safe drinking water access, and providing ecosystem benefits.
This ensures that projects supported by the program address a broad range of human and environmental needs, leading to more comprehensive and sustainable outcomes.
med
Requires the Secretary to develop criteria and guidelines for awarding grants, including a public comment period, considering an entity's potential to accelerate project development and address needs.
This establishes a transparent and fair process for grant distribution, ensuring that effective and deserving projects are selected.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
The Secretary shall establish the Water Project Navigators Program.
GLOSSARY
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Disadvantaged community
A community (like a city or town) where the annual average income is less than the average income for the entire state, based on the latest census information.
Eligible entity
Organizations or governments that are allowed to apply for support from this program, including states, Native American tribes, local governments, water suppliers, and certain non-profit conservation groups.
Multi-benefit water project
A water project that improves a community's ability to handle climate impacts on water supplies (like making water use more efficient or recycling water) and also benefits natural environments (like protecting fish habitats or improving water quality).
Water Project Navigators Program
A new program proposed by this bill to provide support and expertise to eligible communities to help them develop and implement complex water projects.
Secretary of the Interior
The head of the U.S. Department of the Interior, which is responsible for managing and conserving most federal land and natural resources.
Cooperative agreement
A legal agreement where the government transfers money, property, or services to a recipient to carry out a public purpose, with substantial involvement expected from the government.
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
FEB 5
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
FEB 5
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village or regional or village corporation, which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians.
