What does Preamble of Water Project Navigators Act do?

This bill aims to establish a Water Project Navigators Program The bill has been introduced to the Senate and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

What does SHORT TITLE. of Water Project Navigators Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Water Project Navigators Act.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Water Project Navigators Act do?

This section defines key terms used throughout the Act. A 'disadvantaged community' is defined as one with a median income below the statewide median, unless otherwise defined by the Secretary of the Interior. Eligible entities that can participate include States, Indian Tribes, local governments, conservation districts, nonprofit organizations, and combinations thereof. Eligible states are those listed in the Act of June 17, 1902, Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. The term 'Indian Tribe' is defined according to section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. A 'multi-benefit water project' enhances community resilience to climate impacts and provides benefits to ecosystems and watersheds. A 'nature-based feature' is a human-engineered feature designed to work with natural processes to address water-related challenges. The 'Program' refers to the Water Project Navigators Program established under section 3(a). A 'rural community' is defined as one with a population of 50,000 or less, which may include Indian Tribes and dispersed homesites. The 'Secretary' refers to the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation.

What does WATER PROJECT NAVIGATORS PROGRAM. of Water Project Navigators Act do?

This section establishes the "Water Project Navigators Program" to support the development and implementation of multi-benefit water projects within eligible States. The Secretary may award grants or cooperative agreements to eligible entities to support multi-benefit water project navigator positions. Criteria for awarding grants consider an entity's ability to accelerate multi-benefit water project development and any history of such projects. Priority will be given to applications from entities serving Indian Tribes, disadvantaged communities, rural communities, and those with limited resources. Navigators funded under the program will assist eligible entities in planning, developing, and implementing multi-benefit water projects, including grant writing and technical assistance. Grants and cooperative agreements are generally limited to a period of not more than 3 years, with potential for a 2-year extension. The Federal share of the cost of activities generally cannot exceed 75 percent, but this may be reduced or waived for certain entities facing financial hardship. The Secretary is directed to coordinate with other technical assistance programs to enhance multi-benefit water project development. The Secretary must submit a report to Congress within 5 years of enactment describing the program's assistance in reducing water imbalances and enhancing resilience.

What does AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. of Water Project Navigators Act do?

This section authorizes appropriations to carry out the Act. A total of $15,000,000 is authorized for each fiscal year from 2027 through 2032. The authorized funds are to remain available until expended.

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Water Project Navigators Act

Last updated: 6/10/2026 · Introduced: 2/5/2026

Author: John Hickenlooper (D-CO)

TL;DR (AI)

The Water Project Navigators Act establishes a program to provide grants and cooperative agreements to entities for positions that assist in planning, developing, and implementing multi-benefit water projects.
Priority for program funding will be given to entities serving Indian Tribes, disadvantaged communities, and rural communities.
The Act authorizes $15 million annually from 2027 through 2032 to support the Water Project Navigators Program, with funds remaining available until expended.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 7408(In Committee)Official page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 3 more.

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