Sponsors (8)
The bill reduces financial barriers so more tribes can access and complete infrastructure and service projects, at the trade‑off of higher potential federal spending and the risk of inconsistent or delayed waiver decisions by agencies.
Indian Tribes may pay reduced or no non‑Federal cost share for covered grants, making federal funding accessible to tribes that would otherwise face financial hardship.
Tribal community projects are more likely to proceed because cost‑share waivers lower financial barriers, supporting services and infrastructure on tribal lands.
Taxpayers could bear a larger share of grant costs if waivers are frequently granted, increasing Federal outlays and budgetary pressure.
Giving agency officials discretion to waive cost shares may produce inconsistent application or delays while waiver determinations are made, complicating planning for tribes and state governments.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Allows the Interior Secretary to reduce or waive non‑Federal cost shares for WaterSMART grants when an Indian Tribe would suffer financial hardship, increasing the Federal share as needed.
Official title: To amend the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 to increase Tribal access to water conservation and efficiency grants, and for other purposes.
Introduced January 22, 2025 by Melanie Ann Stansbury · Last progress January 22, 2025
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to reduce or waive the non‑Federal cost share for certain WaterSMART grants when the recipient is an Indian Tribe and the Secretary determines the required non‑Federal contribution would cause financial hardship. The Federal share may be increased accordingly so tribes facing budget constraints can pursue water projects without being blocked by cost‑share requirements. This change narrows an existing cost‑share reference and creates explicit discretionary authority to ease the financial burden on tribes seeking WaterSMART grants or agreements.