Sponsors (2)
Raises the Federal cost-share to 90% for qualifying WRDA projects that benefit an economically disadvantaged community and makes that exception take precedence over the default allocation.
The bill shifts most of the cost burden for eligible water projects to the federal government to make infrastructure upgrades affordable for disadvantaged communities and advance environmental justice, but it raises federal spending, may leave non-qualifying areas with higher local costs, and could create eligibility disputes that delay projects.
Low-income, rural, and urban communities would pay less for eligible water resources projects because the federal government would cover 90% of project costs for qualifying projects.
Local and state governments could accelerate repairs and improvements to water infrastructure because the higher federal share lowers local cost barriers and makes projects more affordable.
Disadvantaged and historically marginalized communities would receive more targeted support, advancing environmental justice by directing resources to communities with greater need.
All taxpayers could face higher federal spending obligations if more projects qualify for the 90% federal share, increasing federal expenditures.
Local and state governments that do not qualify as 'economically disadvantaged' may receive relatively less federal support, increasing their local cost burden for water projects.
State and local governments could experience delays and disputes over eligibility if the definition of 'economically disadvantaged community' is ambiguous, slowing project planning and funding decisions.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Official title: Amend the Water Resources Development Act of 1999 to modify the Federal share with respect to certain Western rural water infrastructure projects, and for other purposes.
Introduced July 14, 2026 by Mark Edward Kelly · Last progress July 14, 2026
Raises the federal cost-share to 90% for covered Western water resources projects that benefit an "economically disadvantaged community" as defined in current law. It changes the Water Resources Development Act of 1999 so that this higher federal share takes precedence over the usual allocation rules for affected projects. The amendment applies to projects authorized under the specified WRDA provision, adjusts the introductory allocation language so the new 90% exception governs, and relies on existing statutory definitions for the Secretary and for "economically disadvantaged community."