Summary

Expands the federal transboundary aquifer assessment law to add Arizona (while excluding aquifers partially within the Yuma groundwater basin) to the list of priority States and replaces the prior long-past authorization with a new annual funding authorization of $500,000 for each fiscal year 2026–2033 as written. It also updates the statute’s sunset reference to name the Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program Act. These changes amend the existing United States–Mexico transboundary aquifer assessment statute. The measure is an authorization change (it does not itself appropriate funds); any work funded under the new authorization would still require future appropriations. The inclusion of Arizona expands who can be assessed, while the new funding level and time window will shape how much assessment work can be done and when.

Key Points

• Adds Arizona to the list of States eligible for priority transboundary aquifer assessments, but excludes aquifers partially within the Yuma groundwater basin.
• Replaces the statute’s prior authorization language with an authorization of $500,000 per year for fiscal years 2026–2033 (as written).
• Changes the statute’s sunset/reference text to use the "Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program Act."
• The change is an authorization amendment; it does not itself appropriate funds.
• The new annual funding level is much smaller on paper than the earlier statutory figure, limiting the scale of authorized activity unless supplemented by additional appropriations.
• Expands geographic scope for assessments and may involve new state and local participants in Arizona.
• Administrative updates will be needed to reflect the new eligible State list and funding authority in program documents and planning.

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