To provide technical and financial assistance for groundwater recharge, aquifer storage, and water source substitution projects.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21]
- Committees
- Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jan 13, 2025
Bottom line
H.R. 337 provides dedicated funding from existing federal infrastructure balances to support water conservation and supply resilience projects.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to allocate $3 million annually from existing unobligated balances for fiscal years 2026 through 2031. This funding is specifically designated for technical and financial assistance for groundwater recharge, aquifer storage, and water source substitution projects, which are already authorized under Section 40910(a) of the IIJA.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill provides crucial, consistent funding for projects vital to water security in regions facing drought and water scarcity. By utilizing unobligated balances, it ensures that existing federal resources are efficiently directed towards critical infrastructure without requiring new appropriations, thereby supporting sustainable water management practices and enhancing community resilience.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while the projects are beneficial, reallocating unobligated balances from Section 40901 could potentially divert funds from other important infrastructure priorities originally intended under that section. There might also be concerns about the sufficiency of the allocated amount to address widespread water challenges or the administrative overhead associated with managing these specific grants.
The bill is extremely short and straightforward, allowing for quick comprehension of its provisions.
Section 1, amending Section 40910 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
Funding for Groundwater Recharge, Aquifer Storage, and Water Source Substitution Projects
This provision directs the Secretary to make available $3,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2031. This money will come from existing unobligated funds previously authorized under Section 40901 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The purpose of these funds is to provide technical and financial assistance for projects that replenish groundwater, store water in underground aquifers, and substitute water sources to improve water supply resilience.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that dedicated funding for these projects is essential for addressing water scarcity and drought impacts, particularly in Western states. By leveraging existing unobligated funds, the bill ensures that critical water infrastructure projects can move forward, protecting agricultural productivity and municipal water supplies.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against funding for water conservation projects themselves. Potential concerns might revolve around the opportunity cost of reallocating funds from other IIJA priorities, or whether the amount is sufficient to make a significant impact across all eligible regions.
Tradeoffs
The bill balances the need for specific water infrastructure funding with the broader allocation priorities of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It prioritizes groundwater and aquifer projects by drawing from a general pool of unobligated funds, potentially reducing the pool available for other purposes under Section 40901.
The bill's funding mechanism relies on "unobligated balances of amounts made available under section 40901" and is "to carry out subsection (a)" of Section 40910.
Section 1, referencing Section 40901 and Section 40910(a) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to amend existing law by reference, assuming readers have access to the underlying statutes. It is not intentionally evasive.
Case for: Referencing existing law streamlines the legislative process, avoids redundancy, and ensures consistency with established federal programs and definitions.
Case against: For readers without immediate access to the referenced public law, the full context and implications of the funding source and project scope may not be immediately clear, requiring additional research.
Estimated impact: The funding is $3 million annually for 6 years, totaling $18 million, drawn from existing unobligated balances.