This bill proposes an amendment to the Water Resources Development Act of 1999, specifically targeting the financial structure for rural water infrastructure projects in the Western United States. Its core purpose is to modify the Federal share of project costs, aiming to provide greater assistance to certain communities. The legislation introduces a significant exception, stipulating that the Federal share will be increased to 90 percent for projects that benefit an economically disadvantaged community . This definition aligns with criteria established in the Water Resources Development Act of 2020, ensuring targeted support. This change is designed to alleviate financial burdens and accelerate the development of essential water infrastructure in underserved Western regions.
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Timeline
Introduced in Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Introduced in Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Water Resources Development
Western Water Infrastructure Fairness Act
USA119th CongressS-4971| Senate
| Updated: 7/14/2026
This bill proposes an amendment to the Water Resources Development Act of 1999, specifically targeting the financial structure for rural water infrastructure projects in the Western United States. Its core purpose is to modify the Federal share of project costs, aiming to provide greater assistance to certain communities. The legislation introduces a significant exception, stipulating that the Federal share will be increased to 90 percent for projects that benefit an economically disadvantaged community . This definition aligns with criteria established in the Water Resources Development Act of 2020, ensuring targeted support. This change is designed to alleviate financial burdens and accelerate the development of essential water infrastructure in underserved Western regions.