The Water Project Navigators Act would establish a new federal program to help communities in western states, Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico develop and implement water projects that address climate change and drought. The Department of Interior would award grants and cooperative agreements to eligible entities including state and local governments, Native American tribes, water suppliers, and conservation organizations to hire water project navigators who provide technical assistance with grant writing, project management, feasibility studies, and engineering for water projects. The program prioritizes funding for applications that benefit disadvantaged communities, Indian tribes, areas experiencing severe drought, and projects that incorporate environmental benefits alongside water supply improvements. Grant awards would be limited to three years initially with possible two-year extensions, and the federal government would cover up to 75 percent of costs, though this requirement can be waived for tribes and disadvantaged communities. The legislation authorizes $15 million annually from fiscal years 2024 through 2029 to fund the program, with the Secretary of Interior required to report to Congress after five years on the program's effectiveness in reducing water supply imbalances and enhancing drought resilience.
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