WaterSMART Access for Tribes Act

This legislation, known as the WaterSMART Access for Tribes Act, seeks to improve access for Indian Tribes to water conservation and efficiency grants by amending the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009. It specifically addresses the financial requirements for projects funded through these grants, aiming to reduce barriers for Tribal participation. The bill empowers the Secretary to reduce or entirely waive the non-Federal share of costs for infrastructure improvements or activities under a grant or agreement with an Indian Tribe. This provision allows for increased federal funding if the Secretary determines that the required non-Federal contribution would impose a financial hardship on the Tribe, thereby facilitating greater Tribal engagement in water management initiatives.