HR 7845
Drought act of 2026
Drought Act of 2026
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Bill overview
The Drought Relief Obtained Using Government Help Today Act of 2026 (DROUGHT Act) modifies the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014 to increase federal support for water infrastructure projects in drought-stricken areas. Specifically, it allows for a maximum of 90% federal funding for eligible projects, prioritizing those in states with severe droughts or counties with drought emergencies. The bill also focuses on projects serving low-income communities or meeting specific affordability criteria, and designates projects of regional or national significance.
Key provisions
- Increases federal assistance for water infrastructure projects.
- Limits federal funding to 90% of project costs.
- Prioritizes financing for projects in states with severe drought or drought emergencies.
- Focuses on projects serving low-income communities.
- Defines ‘covered project’ based on location, service area, and project type.
- Designates projects of regional or national significance.
- Includes criteria for project designation, such as increasing water supply, enhancing reuse, or reducing water usage.
Who is affected
- States experiencing drought
- Local governments
- Low-income communities
- Water infrastructure projects
- Ratepayers
Notable changes
- Establishes a maximum funding limit of 90% for eligible projects.
- Adds specific criteria for project eligibility based on drought conditions and community needs.
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119th CONGRESS — 2d Session
H. R. 7845
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
A BILL
To amend the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014 with respect to the total amount of Federal assistance for projects in States experiencing severe drought, regionally and nationally significant projects, and for other purposes.
This Act may be cited as the Drought Relief Obtained Using Government Help Today Act of 2026 DROUGHT Act of 2026
or the
.
Section 5029(b)(9) of the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014 (33 U.S.C. 3908(b)(9)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
covered projectmeans a project described in paragraph (6) or (7) of section 5026—
that is located in—
a county for which a drought emergency has been declared by the applicable Governor at any time during such period;
that serves—