This bill seeks to reauthorize and expand the Indian Reservation Drinking Water Program, addressing significant water infrastructure needs faced by Indian Tribes, particularly in the Upper Colorado River Basin, where over $100 million in improvements are required. It specifically expands program eligibility to include 10 projects within the Upper Colorado River Basin, ensuring more communities, like the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, can access critical funding for drinking water infrastructure. The legislation further provides for the reauthorization of appropriations for the program, allocating $60,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 and 2028, ensuring continued financial support for improving drinking water supplies and other essential water services for Indian Tribes across the Western United States.
This bill seeks to reauthorize and expand the Indian Reservation Drinking Water Program, addressing significant water infrastructure needs faced by Indian Tribes, particularly in the Upper Colorado River Basin, where over $100 million in improvements are required. It specifically expands program eligibility to include 10 projects within the Upper Colorado River Basin, ensuring more communities, like the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, can access critical funding for drinking water infrastructure. The legislation further provides for the reauthorization of appropriations for the program, allocating $60,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 and 2028, ensuring continued financial support for improving drinking water supplies and other essential water services for Indian Tribes across the Western United States.