Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to reauthorize and enhance a pilot program for alternative water source projects. It significantly increases the authorized funding for the program from $25,000,000 to $50,000,000 and extends its authorization through fiscal year 2028 , aiming to modernize critical water infrastructure across the nation. A key provision introduces and comprehensively defines " intelligent water infrastructure technology " as an eligible use for grant funds. This technology encompasses a wide range of solutions, including real-time monitoring, artificial intelligence for optimization, advanced digital design and construction tools, and sophisticated leak detection systems. It also covers remote sensing, advanced metering infrastructure, and resilient water supply projects, all designed to improve efficiency, reliability, and resiliency. Grants can now be used for the engineering, design, construction, implementation, training, and crucially, the operations related to adopting intelligent water infrastructure technology, a significant expansion from previous grant limitations. The Administrator is also mandated to submit annual reports to Congress detailing awarded projects, resulting resiliency improvements, and providing reasons for denying grant applications for these advanced technologies, ensuring transparency and accountability.
This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to reauthorize and enhance a pilot program for alternative water source projects. It significantly increases the authorized funding for the program from $25,000,000 to $50,000,000 and extends its authorization through fiscal year 2028 , aiming to modernize critical water infrastructure across the nation. A key provision introduces and comprehensively defines " intelligent water infrastructure technology " as an eligible use for grant funds. This technology encompasses a wide range of solutions, including real-time monitoring, artificial intelligence for optimization, advanced digital design and construction tools, and sophisticated leak detection systems. It also covers remote sensing, advanced metering infrastructure, and resilient water supply projects, all designed to improve efficiency, reliability, and resiliency. Grants can now be used for the engineering, design, construction, implementation, training, and crucially, the operations related to adopting intelligent water infrastructure technology, a significant expansion from previous grant limitations. The Administrator is also mandated to submit annual reports to Congress detailing awarded projects, resulting resiliency improvements, and providing reasons for denying grant applications for these advanced technologies, ensuring transparency and accountability.