The Water Project Navigators Act establishes a federal program to help communities develop water infrastructure projects that address climate change, drought, and water supply challenges. Through the Department of the Interior, the program will provide grants and cooperative agreements to states, tribes, local governments, and nonprofits to hire specialized water project navigators who assist with planning, grant writing, and technical support for multi-benefit water projects—initiatives that improve water access and efficiency while benefiting ecosystems and local economies. The program prioritizes funding for disadvantaged communities, Native American tribes, and rural areas with limited resources, and allows the federal government to cover up to 75 percent of project costs (with flexibility for the poorest communities). The bill authorizes $15 million annually from 2027 through 2032, requires the program to begin within 180 days of enactment, and mandates a congressional report within five years on the program's effectiveness in reducing water imbalances and supporting community resilience.
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