Competitive grant program for the funding of water recycling and reuse projects

(a)

Competitive grant program for the funding of water recycling and reuse projects

Section 1602(f) of the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act (title XVI of Public Law 102–575; 43 U.S.C. 390h et. seq.) is amended by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the following:

(2)

Priority

When funding projects under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give funding priority to projects that meet one or more of the following criteria: (A)Projects that are likely to provide a more reliable water supply for States and local governments. (B)Projects that are likely to increase the water management flexibility and reduce impacts on environmental resources from projects operated by Federal and State agencies. (C)Projects that are regional in nature. (D)Projects with multiple stakeholders. (E)Projects that provide multiple benefits, including water supply reliability, eco-system benefits, groundwater management and enhancements, and water quality improvements.

(b)

Authorization of appropriations

Section 1602(g) of the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act (title XVI of Public Law 102–575; 43 U.S.C. 390h et. seq.) is amended— (1)by striking $50,000,000 and inserting $500,000,000; and (2)by striking if enacted appropriations legislation designates funding to them by name,. (c)

Duration

Section 4013 of the WIIN Act (43 U.S.C. 390b(2)) is amended— (1)in paragraph (1), by striking and; (2)in paragraph (2), by striking the period and inserting ; and; and (3)by adding at the end the following:

(3)section 4009(c).

(d)

Repeal of limitations on funding

(1)

Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act

Section 1631 of the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act (43 U.S.C. 390h–13) is amended by striking subsection (d). (2)

Clean Water Act

Section 220 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1300) is amended to read as follows:

220.

Program for alternative water source projects

(a)

Policy

Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the application of section 101(g) of this Act and all of the provisions of this section shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of section 101(g). (b)

In general

The Administrator may establish a program to make grants to State, interstate, and intrastate water resource development agencies (including water management districts and water supply authorities), local government agencies, private utilities, and nonprofit entities for alternative water source projects to meet critical water supply needs. (c)

Eligible entity

The Administrator may make grants under this section to an entity only if the entity has authority under State law to develop or provide water for municipal, industrial, and agricultural uses in an area of the State that is experiencing critical water supply needs. (d)

Selection of projects

(1)

Limitation

A project that has received funds for construction under the reclamation and reuse program conducted under the Reclamation Projects Authorization and Adjustment Act of 1992 (43 U.S.C. 390h et seq.) shall not be eligible for grant assistance under this section. (2)

Geographical distribution

Alternative water source projects selected by the Administrator under this section shall reflect a variety of geographical and environmental conditions. (e)

Uses of grants

Amounts from grants received under this section may be used for engineering, design, construction, and final testing of alternative water source projects designed to meet critical water supply needs. Such amounts may not be used for planning, feasibility studies, operation, maintenance, replacement, repair, or rehabilitation. (f)

Cost sharing

The Federal share of the eligible costs of an alternative water source project carried out using assistance made available under this section shall not exceed 50 percent. (g)

Reports

On or before September 30, 2023, the Administrator shall transmit to Congress a report on the results of the program established under this section, including progress made toward meeting the critical water supply needs of the participants in the program. (h)

Definitions

In this section, the following definitions apply: (1)

Alternative water source project

The term alternative water source project means a project designed to provide municipal, industrial, and agricultural water supplies in an environmentally sustainable manner by conserving, managing, reclaiming, or reusing water, wastewater, or stormwater, or by treating wastewater or stormwater. Such term does not include water treatment or distribution facilities. (2)

Critical water supply needs

The term critical water supply needs means existing or reasonably anticipated future water supply needs that cannot be met by existing water supplies, as identified in a comprehensive statewide or regional water supply plan or assessment projected over a planning period of at least 20 years. (i)

Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section a total of $375,000,000 beginning in fiscal year 2019. Such sums shall remain available until expended.