Every Drop Counts Act
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This bill would expand eligibility for small water storage grants and extend the Bureau of Reclamation’s program for five years.
What it does
This bill proposes to expand the Bureau of Reclamation's Small Storage Program by broadening the types of water storage and groundwater projects eligible for federal grants. Under the proposal, projects would qualify if they manage between 200 and 150,000 acre-feet of water annually to increase aquifer storage, stabilize groundwater levels, or facilitate the conveyance and recovery of stored water. Additionally, the legislation would extend the Bureau of Reclamation's authority to administer this grant program for an additional five years.
Who is affected
The bill affects the Bureau of Reclamation, which would be authorized to continue and expand its grant program for an additional five years. Entities in certain western states that manage small surface water or groundwater storage projects may be eligible for grants if their projects meet specific capacity and recharge requirements. This includes project sponsors whose facilities recharge between 200 and 150,000 acre-feet of water annually or focus on stabilizing groundwater levels.
Key provisions
- Expansion of eligible water storage projects. The bill modifies the Small Storage Program to include projects with an average annual storage or recharge capacity between 200 and 150,000 acre-feet.
- Inclusion of groundwater management activities. Eligibility is extended to projects that increase aquifer storage, facilitate the conveyance or recovery of groundwater, and stabilize groundwater levels.
- Extension of program authority. The Bureau of Reclamation's authority to implement and carry out the grant program is extended for an additional five years.
Fiscal impact
Not applicable: No CBO cost estimate available
Effective dates
The bill extends the Bureau of Reclamation's authority to carry out the Small Storage Program for an additional five years.
Relationship to existing law
This bill expands and extends the Bureau of Reclamation's existing Small Storage Program. It modifies the program's eligibility criteria for water storage projects and extends the agency's authority to carry out the grant program for an additional five years.
Stated purpose
The bill aims to expand the Bureau of Reclamation's Small Storage Program by broadening the eligibility criteria for small surface water and groundwater storage projects and extending the program's operational authority for an additional five years.