119th (2025–2027)
S. 3693
This bill extends and expands a federal grant program that helps fund large-scale water recycling and reuse projects, which was originally created under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It doubles the program's authorization period from 5 years to 10 years, ensuring the government can continue awarding grants for a longer stretch of time, while also protecting any projects already under construction from being cut off when the authorization eventually ends. The bill also broadens what the grants can be used for by allowing funding to cover feasibility studies, not just planning, design, and construction of water recycling facilities. Additionally, it increases the federal cost-share cap for these projects from 30 percent to 60 percent, meaning the government can now cover a larger portion of a project's total costs. This legislation primarily affects water utilities, state and local governments, and communities seeking to develop large-scale water recycling infrastructure, particularly in regions facing water scarcity.