The Water Project Navigators Act establishes a federal program to help communities develop water projects that address drought, climate change, and water supply challenges across western states and territories. The program will provide grants or cooperative agreements to eligible entities like state and local governments, tribes, nonprofits, and water districts to fund navigator positions that offer technical assistance, grant writing, project management, and other support for multi-benefit water projects that improve water efficiency, quality, and resilience while providing community and environmental benefits. Priority will be given to applications serving disadvantaged communities, Indian tribes, drought-affected areas, and those with strong stakeholder support, with the federal government covering up to 75 percent of costs, though this requirement can be reduced or waived for tribes and low-income communities. The program must be established within 180 days of enactment, with grant awards limited to three years initially but renewable for up to two additional years based on performance. Congress authorizes $15 million annually from 2024 through 2029 for the program, with a requirement for the Interior Department to report on program outcomes within five years.
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