Legislation introduced in the House of Representatives this month would dramatically increase funding for a competitive grant program that helps Western water agencies implement water recycling and reuse projects.
Sponsored by Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-Calif.), the Water Recycling Investment and Improvement Act (H.R. 1162) would increase the funding authorization for the Bureau of Reclamation’s Title XVI water recycling competitive grant program to $500 million, from its current level of $50 million. The bill would also permanently reauthorize the program, which is otherwise scheduled to expire in 2021.
Title XVI offers competitive grant funding for water recycling and reuse projects in 17 Western states subject to the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Reclamation. In a statement, Rep. Napolitano said water recycling projects are “the most cost-effective in improving water supply, by providing long-term savings while boosting job growth and lowering our reliance on imported water.”