What changed between these versions
A complete substitute amendment. v2 significantly alters funding mechanisms and cost-sharing for water infrastructure projects, notably removing direct appropriations for the Small Storage Program and Natural Water Retention and Release Project Grants, while also reducing the federal cost-share for the latter.
Overview
Extensive changes throughout the bill, constituting a complete replacement of the original text. · v2 restructures the funding approach, narrows federal financial commitment, and expands the Secretary's role in feasibility studies.
v2 is a complete substitute amendment that fundamentally reworks the financial framework of the proposed water infrastructure programs. Key changes include the removal of direct appropriations for both the Small Storage Program and the Natural Water Retention and Release Project Grants, alongside a substantial reduction in the federal cost-share for the latter. Additionally, v2 expands the Secretary's authority to conduct feasibility studies for various storage projects and shifts the determination authority for large natural water retention projects to the Secretary.
Major additions
This new subparagraph authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to conduct or participate in feasibility studies for federally owned storage projects or State-led storage projects.
This addition expands the scope of the Secretary's involvement in water storage development by explicitly allowing the Bureau of Reclamation to engage in early-stage planning for a broader range of projects, potentially accelerating future project development.
Deletions
This provision in v1 authorized an appropriation of $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2033 to carry out the Small Storage Program under Section 40903 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
The deletion removes the direct authorization of specific funding for the Small Storage Program within this bill. While the program's authority is extended, its funding would now depend on other legislative vehicles or general appropriations, potentially impacting its implementation and certainty of resources.
This provision in v1 authorized an appropriation of $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to carry out the Natural Water Retention and Release Project Grants program.
The removal of this authorization means the Natural Water Retention and Release Project Grants program, while established, would not have dedicated funding provided by this Act. This deletion significantly impacts the program's ability to award grants without alternative funding sources.
Modifications
The program's authority is extended for an additional five years (from 5 to 10 years total) in both versions, providing a longer operational window for the Small Storage Program. The method of amendment changed, but not the outcome.
Before
v1 redesignated subsection (e) as (g) and then amended the redesignated subsection (g) to change the termination of authority period for the Small Storage Program from 5 years to 10 years.
After
v2 directly amends subsection (e) to change the termination of authority period for the Small Storage Program from 5 years to 10 years.
This change places a greater burden and responsibility on the Secretary of the Interior for evaluating the benefits of large-scale natural water retention and release projects, potentially leading to a more rigorous federal review process and potentially slower approval times for eligible entities.
Before
For natural water retention and release projects costing more than $20,000,000, v1 required the eligible entity to determine the project's benefits, with the Secretary's concurrence.
After
For natural water retention and release projects costing more than $20,000,000, v2 requires the Secretary to make an independent determination regarding the project's benefits.
This modification significantly increases the required local or non-federal contribution for natural water retention and release projects, making it potentially more challenging for eligible entities to secure funding and implement projects due to higher financial obligations on their part.
Before
The Federal share of the cost for natural water retention and release projects was capped at 90 percent of the total project cost.
After
The Federal share of the cost for natural water retention and release projects is capped at 50 percent of the total project cost.
Scope
Complete substitute — Changes are scattered throughout the bill, affecting the authorization and funding mechanisms of all major programs. — Yes, v2 represents a meaningful change in policy direction by shifting from direct appropriations to relying on other funding avenues and increasing local cost-share, indicating a reduced direct federal financial commitment for these programs. — The changes primarily affect the funding and implementation of the programs established within this bill, rather than broadly interacting with external existing provisions beyond the specific acts being amended.
Impact analysis
Eligible entities (States, Indian Tribes, municipalities, irrigation districts, etc.) seeking grants under the Small Storage Program.
Loss of a dedicated funding source, leading to increased uncertainty.
v1 authorized specific appropriations for the program, providing a clear funding stream. v2 removes this direct appropriation.
Eligible entities seeking grants for Natural Water Retention and Release Projects.
Increased financial burden and uncertainty for project implementation.
v1 authorized specific appropriations and offered a 90% federal cost-share. v2 removes the appropriations and reduces the federal cost-share to 50%.
Eligible entities proposing Natural Water Retention and Release Projects costing more than $20,000,000.
Procedural change, potentially increasing federal oversight and review complexity.
v1 allowed the entity to determine project benefits with Secretary's concurrence. v2 requires the Secretary to make an independent determination.
The Secretary of the Interior / Bureau of Reclamation.
Expanded authority and responsibility.
v2 adds explicit authority for the Secretary to conduct or participate in feasibility studies for federally owned or State-led storage projects.