,,ii #aafth ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #bdff ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,september #aa1 #bjai ,mr4 ,schumer 7for ,ms4 ,harris7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,finance ,a ,,bill ,to provide supplemental appropriations for safe and secure water1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,water ,justice ,act4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4 ,,title ,i--,drinking water infrastructure emergency ,sec4 #aja4 ,findings4 ,sec4 #ajb4 ,definitions4 ,sec4 #ajc4 ,supplemental appropriations for the drinking water infrastructure emergency4 ,,title ,,ii--,water accessibility and affordability ,sec4 #bja4 ,findings4 ,sec4 #bjb4 ,drinking water1 wastewater1 and stormwater services assistance needs-based program4 ,sec4 #bjc4 ,establishment of ,federal grant program for drinking water treatment works operation and maintenance4 ,,title ,,iii--,investments in ,nationwide ,water ,infrastructure and sustainability ,sec4 #cja4 ,findings4 ,sec4 #cjb4 ,reclamation infrastructure finance and innovation pilot program4 ,sec4 #cjc4 ,water recycling and reuse projects4 ,sec4 #cjd4 ,mandatory spending for water infrastructure programs4 ,sec4 #cje4 ,expanding and increasing funding for rural individual and connected water systems programs4 ,sec4 #cjf4 ,increased funding for water management improvement4 ,sec4 #cjg4 ,water ,efficiency and ,conservation ,block ,grant ,program4 ,sec4 #cjh4 ,rural water supply program reauthorization4 ,sec4 #cji4 ,combating ,,pfas4 ,sec4 #caj4 ,multi-benefit projects to improve watershed health4 ,i ,drinking water infrastructure emergency #aja4 ,findings ,congress finds that-- 7#a7 7,a7 everyone has the right to clean and safe drinking water and appropriate sanitation services2 and 7,b7 the ,federal ,government has the responsibility to ensure that the rights described in subparagraph 7,a7 are realized2 7#b7 the ,american ,society of ,civil ,engineers assigned a ,d grade to the drinking water infrastructure of the ,united ,states and the ,american ,water ,works ,association estimated that #a1jjj1jjj1jjj1jjj is necessary to maintain and expand service during the #be-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this ,act2 7#c7 deterioration and aging of the water infrastructure of the ,united ,states has resulted in millions of people of the ,united ,states being exposed to unsafe drinking water1 including lead contamination2 7#d7 exposure to lead can cause serious health problems1 especially to young children and pregnant women1 including damage to the brain and nervous system1 kidney problems1 and high blood pressure2 7#e7 the ,government ,accountability ,office estimates that #dc percent of school districts1 serving #ce1jjj1jjj students1 tested for lead in school drinking water in #bjaf or #bjag2 7#f7 of the schools that tested for lead as described in paragraph 7#e71 an estimated #cg percent found levels of lead above the threshold of the school district for taking remedial action2 7#g7 according to the ,american ,water ,works ,association1 approximately #cj percent of surveyed community water systems in the ,united ,states reported having some lead-containing service lines2 7#h7 the continuing emergency of drinking water contamination in communities like ,flint1 ,michigan1 demonstrates the severity of this crisis across the ,united ,states2 7#i7 many rural areas across the ,united ,states also face severe drinking water challenges1 as the community water systems serving small populations in the ,united ,states often lack sufficient financial and technical resources2 7#aj7 boil water advisories are a daily occurrence in the ,united ,states1 and those advisories disproportionately impact small drinking water systems1 with some advisories in rural areas lasting for years2 7#aa7 it is estimated that #ac1jjj1jjj households in the ,united ,states rely on well water1 with no ,federal regulation or testing of contaminants2 7#ab7 past appropriations for the ,environmental ,protection ,agency grant programs that address school drinking water and drinking water contamination in high-risk communities are not sufficient to address the tremendous need throughout the ,united ,states2 7#ac7 investments in infrastructure create jobs while fulfilling critical needs in communities throughout the ,united ,states2 7#ad7 it is estimated that nearly #ag1bjj1jjj workers1 about #ab percent of the ,united ,states workforce1 were employed in infrastructure jobs in #bjah2 7#ae7 infrastructure occupations often provide more competitive and equitable wages in comparison to all jobs nationally1 consistently paying up to #cj percent more to workers at lower ends of the income scale2 7#af7 the sixth national assessment by the ,environmental ,protection ,agency of drinking water infrastructure needs shows a total #bj-year capital improvement need of #dgb1fjj1jjj1jjj for public water systems2 7#ag7 emergency supplemental appropriations for the ,environmental ,protection ,agency1 provided in addition to other appropriations and not subject to sequestration1 will improve drinking water in schools and high-risk communities and create jobs throughout the ,united ,states without reducing funding for other domestic priorities2 7#ah7 appropriating #ej1jjj1jjj1jjj in fiscal year #bjbj for the ,environmental ,protection ,agency1 and allowing the funds to remain available for #e years1 will enable ,states to begin to immediately expand investments in addressing drinking water needs in schools and in high-risk communities throughout the ,united ,states2 7#ai7 a #ej1jjj1jjj1jjj investment in drinking water infrastructure could create #a1bej1jjj jobs2 7#bj7 an emergency supplemental appropriation of #ej1jjj1jjj1jjj for the ,environmental ,protection ,agency1 to be made available in fiscal year #bjbj1 and to remain available for #e years1 will allow ,states to begin immediately to distribute funds to eligible schools and high-risk communities to develop and implement plans to improve drinking water infrastructure1 through accelerated and expanded replacement of lead-based service lines and other critical infrastructure improvements1 ensuring an efficient use of funds and timely job creation2 7#ba7 emergency supplemental appropriations for remediating the drinking water infrastructure emergency in the ,united ,states can be leveraged-- 7,a7 to create high-quality union jobs2 and 7,b7 to expand minority-owned businesses to support the next generation of water infrastructure contractors2 and 7#bb7 an emergency supplemental appropriation of #ej1jjj1jjj1jjj for the ,environmental ,protection ,agency would allow numerous communities to address the water infrastructure needs of those communities and begin to combat the crisis in the ,united ,states4 #ajb4 ,definitions ,in this title3 7#a7 ,administrator ,the term ,administrator means the ,administrator of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency4 7#b7 ,disadvantaged community ,the term disadvantaged community has the meaning given the term in section #adeb7;d77#c7 of the ,safe ,drinking ,water ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjj;j-#ab7;d77#c774 7#c7 ,high-risk community ,the term high-risk community means-- 7,a7 a disadvantaged community in which drinking water has tested for levels of contaminants1 such as lead1 copper1 mercury1 organic chemicals1 and other substances1 above the contaminant levels allowed under the applicable national primary drinking water regulations 7as defined in section #adja of the ,safe ,drinking ,water ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjj;f772 or 7,b7 in ,states in which ,state drinking water contaminant requirements are stricter than the applicable national primary drinking water regulations 7as defined in section #adja of the ,safe ,drinking ,water ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjj;f771 a disadvantaged community in which drinking water has tested for levels of contaminants at levels higher than allowed under the applicable ,state contaminant requirement4 #ajc4 ,supplemental appropriations for the drinking water infrastructure emergency ,out of any funds in the ,treasury not otherwise appropriated1 for the fiscal year ending ,september #cj1 #bjbj1 #ej1jjj1jjj1jjj1 to remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjbd1 is appropriated to the ,administrator for an additional amount for lead reduction investments through the ,environmental ,protection ,agency 7including programs such as the ,state response to contaminants grant program under section #adei;,a7j7 of the ,safe ,drinking ,water ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjj;j-#ai;a7j771 the voluntary school and child care program lead testing grant program under section #adfd7;d7 of the ,safe ,drinking ,water ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjj;j-#bd7;d771 and the drinking water fountain replacement for schools program under section #adfe of the ,safe ,drinking ,water ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjj;j-#be771 or additional grant programs 7either in existence or to be developed7 for projects that protect high-risk communities from lead contamination in drinking water2 provide for technical assistance or mitigation efforts2 allow for replacement of lead-tainted infrastructure2 provide funds for the purchase of filters certified by ,,nsf ,international and the ,water ,quality ,association for the removal of contaminants of concern in public water systems2 or address lead testing in school and child care programs for which filtration of water systems in those school and child care programs has already been performed3 ,provided1 ,that the amount under this heading is designated by the ,congress as an emergency requirement pursuant to section #bea7;b77#b77;,a77i7 of the ,balanced ,budget and ,emergency ,deficit ,control ,act of #aihe 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #ija7;b77#b77;,a77i771 except that such amount shall be available only if the ,president subsequently so designates such amount and transmits such designation to ,congress4 ,,ii ,water accessibility and affordability #bja4 ,findings ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,obtaining reliable and affordable water service is becoming increasingly difficult due to aging infrastructure1 climate change1 and population changes4 7#b7 ,household water rates have increased by approximately #da percent since #bjaj4 ,over the last several decades1 the cost for drinking water and wastewater services has risen much more rapidly than other household expenses4 7#c7 ,according to the ,environmental ,protection ,agency1 low-income households are particularly impacted by water affordability challenges when drinking water1 wastewater1 and stormwater rates are raised4 7#d7 ,across the ,united ,states1 water and wastewater bills have been increasing at more than twice the rate of inflation for nearly #b decades4 ,additionally1 incomes have barely kept up with inflation over the same period4 ,it is anticipated that rates for water and wastewater services will continue to increase to meet the need for billions of dollars of overdue investment in our ,nation's water and wastewater systems4 7#e7 ,the ,environmental ,protection ,agency reports that approximately #ae percent of residential water customers nationally are low-income households that are constantly at risk of being unable to pay their water bills4 7#f7 ,low-income households are #c times more likely than other households to have their utility service disconnected for unpaid or overdue bills4 7#g7 ,an estimated #ae1jjj1jjj people in the ,united ,states experienced a water shutoff in #bjaf with the highest shutoff rates in lower-income cities with higher rates of poverty and unemployment4 7#h7 ,in #bjag1 total appropriations to the ,environmental ,protection ,agency for water infrastructure were #ce percent lower than the corresponding #bjja appropriations 7adjusted for inflation7 despite massive capital investments being needed for drinking water and wastewater systems4 7#i7 ,water accessibility is a fundamental element of public health1 safety1 welfare1 and security4 #bjb4 ,drinking water1 wastewater1 and stormwater services assistance needs-based program 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,environmentally at-risk household ,the term environmentally at-risk household means such a household1 as defined by the ,secretary after consultation with the ,administrator of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency1 considering factors such as-- 7,a7 the proximity of the household to an environmentally hazardous site1 including a ,superfund site or coal ash site 7as such sites are defined by the ,administrator of the ,environmental ,protection ,administration71 or brownfield site 7as defined in section #aja of the ,comprehensive ,environmental ,response1 ,compensation1 and ,liability ,act of #aihj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ifja772 7,b7 whether the household is in an area that is affected by a consent decree relating to compliance with the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #abea et seq472 7,c7 whether the household is in an area that has been found to be in violation of the ,safe ,drinking ,water ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjj;f et seq47 maximum contaminant level for any contaminant2 and 7,d7 whether the household is located within #e miles of a pollution hotspot4 7#b7 ,household ,the term household means any individual or group of individuals who are living together as #a economic unit4 7#c7 ,low-income household ,the term low-income household means a household-- 7,a7 in which #a or more individuals are receiving-- 7i7 assistance under a ,state program funded under part ,a of title ,,iv of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fja et seq472 7ii7 payments under the supplemental security income program established under title ,,xvi of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acha et seq472 7iii7 benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance program under the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaa et seq472 or 7iv7 payments under-- 7,i7 section #acae1 #aeba1 #aeda1 or #aedb of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code2 or 7,,ii7 section #cjf of the ,veterans' and ,survivors' ,pension ,improvement ,act of #aigh 7#ch ,u4,s4,c4 #aeba note2 ,public ,law #ie-ehh72 or 7,b7 that1 subject to subsection 7f71 has an income that1 as determined by the ,state in which the household is located1 does not exceed the greater of-- 7i7 an amount equal to #aej percent of the poverty level 7as defined in section #bfjc of the ,low-,income ,home ,energy ,assistance ,act of #aiha 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #hfbb77 for that ,state2 and 7ii7 an amount equal to #fj percent of the median income for that ,state4 7#d7 ,pollution hotspot ,the term pollution hotspot means a location where pollution from specific sources may expose an individual or community to an elevated risk of adverse health and safety effects1 as determined by the ,administrator of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency4 7#e7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services4 7#f7 ,state ,the term ,state means each of the several ,states1 the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 ,guam1 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 ,american ,samoa1 the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 and an ,indian tribe 7as defined in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #ecjd774 7#g7 ,water burden ,the term water burden means the expenditures of a household for drinking water1 wastewater1 and stormwater services1 divided by the income of the household4 7#h7 ,water crisis ,the term water crisis means weather-related and supply shortage emergencies1 stormwater flooding1 and other household water-related emergencies1 relating to drinking water1 wastewater1 or stormwater services4 7b7 ,establishment 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary is authorized to make grants1 in accordance with the provisions of this section1 to ,states to assist low-income households 7particularly those with the lowest incomes relative to ,state poverty levels and median incomes1 that pay a high proportion of household income for home drinking water1 wastewater1 and stormwater services71 including environmentally at-risk households that are also low-income households1 primarily in meeting their immediate home drinking water1 wastewater1 and stormwater service needs4 ,the ,secretary shall make the grants in the amounts of the allotments made under paragraph 7#b74 7#b7 ,state allotments ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall issue a rule to establish a formula under which the ,secretary shall make allotments to ,states1 from the amount authorized under subsection 7h7 for a fiscal year1 for the grants described in paragraph 7#a74 ,the ,secretary shall issue the rule after consultation with ,states1 local and ,tribal governments1 community stakeholders1 and other appropriate entities1 in order to develop a formula that allots grant funds based on need to ,states4 7#c7 ,public hearings ,after the expiration of the first fiscal year for which a ,state receives funds under this section1 no funds shall be allotted to such ,state for any fiscal year under this section unless such ,state conducts public hearings with respect to the proposed use and distribution of funds to be provided under this section for such fiscal year4 7c7 ,applications 7#a7 ,in general ,each ,state desiring to receive an allotment for any fiscal year under this section shall submit an application to the ,secretary4 ,each such application shall be in such form as the ,secretary shall require4 7#b7 ,certifications ,as part of the annual application of a ,state required by paragraph 7#a71 the chief executive officer of the ,state shall certify that the ,state agrees-- 7,a7 to use the funds available under this section-- 7i7 to conduct outreach activities and provide assistance to low-income households and environmentally at-risk households that are also low-income households in meeting their home drinking water1 stormwater1 and wastewater service costs1 particularly those households with the lowest incomes that pay a high proportion of household income for home drinking water1 stormwater1 and wastewater service2 7ii7 to intervene in water crisis situations2 7iii7 to provide cost-effective water efficiency-related and other water needs-related home repair2 7iv7 to plan1 develop1 and administer the ,state's program under this section1 including leveraging programs2 7v7 to develop technical assistance plans in coordination with parties1 agencies1 or governments referred to in subsection 7d77#f7 or program beneficiaries2 7vi7 to prioritize applicants for subgrants or contracts that include program beneficiaries in design and implementation of the program2 and 7vii7 but not more than #e percent of such funds1 to support community engagement in the design and implementation of the program2 7,b7 not to use such funds for any purposes other than those specified in this section2 7,c7 to make payments under this section only with respect to-- 7i7 low-income households2 and 7ii7 environmentally at-risk households that are also low-income households2 7,d7 to conduct outreach activities and develop materials 7in a language understandable to targeted households7 designed to assure that eligible households 7especially households with children1 elderly individuals1 or individuals with disabilities7 and households with high water burdens1 are made aware of the assistance available under this section1 and any similar water-related assistance2 7,e7 to coordinate its activities under this section with similar and related programs administered by the ,federal ,government and such ,state1 particularly water-related programs for low-income individuals2 7,f7 to provide1 in a timely manner1 that the highest level of assistance will be furnished to those households which have the lowest incomes and the highest costs or needs for home drinking water1 wastewater1 or stormwater services in relation to income1 taking into account family size2 7,g7 to the extent it is necessary1 to designate local administrative agencies or ,tribal governments in order to carry out the objectives of this section2 and 7,h7 to the extent it is necessary1 to deliver services specified in the application through community-based nonprofit entities in such ,state1 by awarding subgrants to1 or entering into contracts with1 such entities for the purpose of providing such services and payments under this section directly to households eligible for assistance under this section4 7#c7 ,plan ,as part of the annual application required by paragraph 7#a71 the chief executive officer of the ,state shall include1 in such format as the ,secretary may require1 a plan which-- 7,a7 describes the eligibility requirements to be used by the ,state for each type of assistance to be provided under this section2 7,b7 describes the benefit levels to be used by the ,state for each type of assistance including assistance to be provided for drinking water1 wastewater1 and stormwater service needs2 7,c7 contains estimates of the amount of funds the ,state will use for each of the programs under such plan2 7,d7 describes water efficiency-related and other water needs-related home repair the ,state will provide under subsection 7d77#f71 including any steps the ,state will take to address the water efficiency-related home repair needs of households that have high water burdens2 7,e7 in the absence of being able to directly measure and quantify water use at the household level1 provide a reasonable1 unified approach such as using a fixed consumption level for calculating assistance for household drinking water1 wastewater1 and stormwater service costs2 and 7,f7 identifies the types of assistance1 such as types described in subsection 7d71 that may be included in the program of assistance carried out by the ,state under this section4 7d7 ,types of assistance ,a ,state that receives a grant under this section may use the grant funds to provide1 through a ,state program required in subsection 7b7 a type of assistance that may include-- 7#a7 direct financial assistance2 7#b7 a lifeline rate2 7#c7 bill discounting2 7#d7 assistance under special hardship provisions2 7#e7 assistance through a percentage-of-income payment plan2 or 7#f7 water efficiency-related and water needs-related home repair1 including direct installation of water-efficient fixtures and leak repair1 which may be completed by a third party under a subgrant or contract awarded by the ,state or by a local administrative agency or ,tribal government designated by the ,state4 7e7 ,assistance exempt from taxation ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 assistance provided to a low-income household or an environmentally at-risk household that is also a low-income household under a program carried out by the ,state1 a local administrative agency1 ,tribal government1 or a community-based nonprofit entity 7on behalf of households71 using a grant under this section shall be exempt from income tax under the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf4 7f7 ,lower income limit ,for purposes of this section1 a ,state may adopt an income limit that is lower than the limit described in subsection 7a77#c77;,b71 except that the ,state may not exclude a household from eligibility in a fiscal year based solely on household income if that income is less than #aaj percent of the poverty level for the ,state4 7g7 ,reporting requirements 7#a7 ,in general ,in addition to meeting any other applicable reporting requirements1 as a condition of receiving a grant under this section1 a ,state shall prepare and submit to the ,secretary an annual report that summarizes1 in a manner determined by the ,secretary1 the program carried out by the ,state 7including any portions carried out through designation of a local administrative agency or ,tribal government or the award of a subgrant or contract to a community-based nonprofit entity7 under the grant1 including-- 7,a7 key features2 7,b7 sources of funding2 7,c7 eligibility criteria2 7,d7 participation rates2 7,e7 the monetary benefit per participant2 7,f7 program costs2 7,g7 the demonstrable impacts of the program on arrearage and service disconnection for households1 to the maximum extent practicable2 and 7,h7 other relevant information required by the ,secretary4 7#b7 ,publication ,the ,secretary shall make available to the general public each report submitted under paragraph 7#a74 7h7 ,authorization ,there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section #b1jjj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbj through #bjbd4 #bjc4 ,establishment of ,federal grant program for drinking water treatment works operation and maintenance 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency 7referred to in this section as the ,administrator7 shall establish a grant program 7referred to in this section as the program7 to help communities that serve environmentally at-risk households and low-income households 7as those terms are defined in section #bjb7 afford operations and maintenance costs of drinking water treatment4 7b7 ,eligible uses ,a grant provided under the program shall be used-- 7#a7 to help water systems provide adequate and affordable supplies of safe drinking water in both the near- and long-term future2 and 7#b7 to provide support to help public water systems 7as defined in section #adja of the ,safe ,drinking ,water ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjj;f7 provide safe and affordable drinking water4 7c7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the program #aej1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbj through #bjbd4 ,,iii ,investments in ,nationwide ,water ,infrastructure and sustainability #cja4 ,findings ,congress finds that-- 7#a7 water is an essential resource for farms1 cities1 and the environment2 7#b7 in order to responsibly and sustainably manage water1 all different types of water1 including water that is stored1 drinking water1 flood waters1 wastewater1 recycled water1 and other types1 should be taken into account2 7#c7 according to a survey by the ,government ,accountability ,office of ,state water managers1 at least #dj ,states anticipate water shortages by #bjbd1 pointing to the need to conserve and sustainably manage water2 7#d7 climate change is likely to increase the vulnerability of water supplies for communities and the environment by-- 7,a7 increasing the frequency and magnitude of droughts and extreme precipitation events2 7,b7 increasing air temperatures2 and 7,c7 changing the patterns and volume of precipitation2 7#e7 the water infrastructure of the ,united ,states needs additional investment given the age of the infrastructure and emerging issues1 such as climate change2 7#f7 according to the ,american ,society of ,civil ,engineers1 more than #aje1jjj1jjj1jjj is needed for drinking water and wastewater investment needs2 7#g7 a diverse portfolio of water management1 storage1 recycling1 and reuse techniques can help to sustainably and responsibly manage water in the ,united ,states2 7#h7 reducing water diversions from rivers and lakes is important to sustain-- 7,a7 native fish and wildlife2 and 7,b7 the communities and ,native ,american tribes that depend on a healthy environment2 7#i7 a sustainable water supply relies on-- 7,a7 the ability for environmentally sound water storage projects2 7,b7 protection of clean water programs2 7,c7 financing for new technologies2 7,d7 developments and funding for water recycling and reuse projects2 7,e7 improvements to wastewater systems and flood management2 7,f7 increased conservation programs and water efficiency2 and 7,g7 instream flows of adequate quality and quantity that protect native fish and wildlife and the environment2 7#aj7 the #afth ,clean ,watersheds ,needs ,survey of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency shows a total #bj-year capital improvement need of #bga1jjj1jjj to address the water quality objectives of the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #abea et seq472 7#aa7 more than #ba1jjj1jjj households lack access to a sewer system and instead rely on expensive septic tanks or cesspools2 7#ab7 more than #a1gjj1jjj households lack access to basic plumbing in the ,united ,states2 and 7#ac7 exposure to raw sewage inside or outside of the home due to inadequate or failing wastewater systems is a severe public health risk4 #cjb4 ,reclamation infrastructure finance and innovation pilot program 7a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary of the ,interior 7referred to in this section as the ,secretary7 shall establish and carry out a pilot program under which the ,secretary shall provide to eligible entities described in subsection 7c7 financial assistance in accordance with this section to carry out eligible projects described in subsection 7b74 7b7 ,eligible projects and eligible project costs 7#a7 ,in general ,a project eligible to receive assistance under the pilot program under this section is a water supply project described in paragraph 7#b7 that1 as determined by the ,secretary-- 7,a7 is located in-- 7i7 the ,state of ,alaska2 7ii7 the ,state of ,hawaii2 or 7iii7 a ,reclamation ,state 7as defined in section #djad of the ,water ,infrastructure ,improvements for the ,nation ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #cij;b note2 ,public ,law #aad-cbb772 7,b7 would contribute directly or indirectly 7including through groundwater recharge7 to a safe1 adequate water supply for domestic1 agricultural1 environmental1 municipal1 or industrial use2 7,c7 complies with all applicable ,state and ,federal laws2 7,d7 would provide net ecosystem benefits in excess of required environmental mitigation measures or compliance obligations pursuant to ,state and ,federal law1 as described in paragraph 7#f72 7,e7 uses natural infrastructure and nature-based solutions where practicable2 7,f7 is economically feasible2 and 7,g7 is otherwise eligible for assistance under this section4 7#b7 ,water supply projects ,a water supply project referred to in paragraph 7#a7 is-- 7,a7 a project for the reclamation and reuse of municipal1 industrial1 domestic1 and agricultural wastewater1 and naturally impaired ground water1 which the ,secretary1 acting through the ,commissioner of ,reclamation1 is authorized to undertake2 7,b7 any water infrastructure project not specifically authorized by law that-- 7i7 the ,secretary determines1 through the completion of an appraisal investigation and feasibility study1 would contribute to a safe1 adequate water supply for domestic1 agricultural1 environmental1 municipal1 or industrial use2 and 7ii7 is otherwise eligible for assistance under this section2 7,c7 a new water infrastructure facility project1 including a water conduit1 pipeline1 canal1 pumping1 power1 and any associated facility2 7,d7 a project for enhanced energy efficiency in the operation of a water system2 7,e7 a project for accelerated repair and replacement of all or a portion of an aging water distribution or conveyance facility2 7,f7 a brackish desalination project2 7,g7 a project for the acquisition of real property or an interest in real property for water storage1 reclaimed or recycled water1 or wastewater1 if the acquisition is integral to a project described in subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,f72 7,h7 a project to deliver water to wildlife refuges2 7,i7 a stormwater capture project2 or 7,j7 a combination of projects1 each of which is eligible under subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,i71 for which an eligible entity submits a single application4 7#c7 ,eligible project costs ,an eligible project cost that is eligible for assistance under this section-- 7,a7 shall be limited to a nonreimbursable cost for elements of a project that would achieve public benefits under the reclamation laws2 and 7,b7 includes the cost of-- 7i7 development-phase activities1 including planning1 feasibility analysis1 revenue forecasting1 environmental review1 permitting1 transaction costs1 preliminary engineering and design work1 and other preconstruction activities2 7ii7 construction1 reconstruction1 rehabilitation1 and replacement activities2 7iii7 the acquisition of real property 7including water rights1 land relating to the eligible project1 and improvements to land71 environmental mitigation1 construction contingencies1 and acquisition of equipment2 7iv7 capitalized interest necessary to meet market requirements1 reasonably required reserve funds1 capital issuance expenses1 and other carrying costs during construction2 7v7 refinancing interim construction funding1 long-term project obligations1 or a secured loan1 loan guarantee1 or other credit enhancement made under this section2 7vi7 refinancing long-term project obligations or ,federal credit instruments1 if that refinancing provides additional funding capacity for the completion1 enhancement1 or expansion of any eligible project selected for assistance under this section2 7vii7 reimbursement or success payments to any public or private entity that achieves predetermined outcomes on a pay-for-performance or pay-for-success basis2 and 7viii7 grants1 loans1 or credit enhancement for community development financial institutions1 green banks1 and other financial intermediaries providing ongoing finance for eligible projects that meet the purposes of this section4 7#d7 ,small community projects ,for projects eligible for assistance under this section and section #ejbh7;a77#b77;,b7 of the ,water ,resources ,reform and ,development ,act of #bjad 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #cijg7;a77#b77;,b771 the ,secretary may assist applicants in combining #a or more projects into a single application in order to meet the minimum project cost of #e1jjj1jjj required under that section4 7#e7 ,cost-sharing requirement2 certain uses 7,a7 ,cost sharing ,the ,federal share of the eligible costs of a water supply project under this section shall be not more than #be percent4 7,b7 ,certain uses ,a water supply project that receives assistance under this section may use not more than #e percent of amounts made available under this section to carry out activities to demonstrate progress toward the goals of the water supply project4 7#f7 ,determination of net ecosystem benefits 7,a7 ,draft report 7i7 ,in general ,using the best available scientific information and data1 the ,director of the ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service shall prepare a draft report that evaluates the ecosystem impacts and benefits of each proposed water supply project being considered for financial assistance under this section4 7ii7 ,coordination ,a draft report required under clause 7i7 shall be prepared in coordination with the head of the ,state agency with jurisdiction over the fish and wildlife resources of the ,state in which the water supply project is proposed to be carried out4 7iii7 ,applicable law2 requirements ,a draft report prepared under clause 7i7 shall-- 7,i7 meet the requirements of section #b7;b7 of the ,fish and ,wildlife ,coordination ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #ffb7;b772 7,,ii7 quantify and estimate the ecosystem benefits and adverse impacts to native fish and wildlife from the proposed water supply project2 and 7,,iii7 evaluate whether the ecosystem benefits of the proposed water supply project are likely to exceed the ecosystem impacts of the proposed water supply project4 7iv7 ,review2 availability ,the ,director of the ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service shall ensure that a draft report prepared under clause 7i7 is-- 7,i7 reviewed by independent scientists2 and 7,,ii7 made available for a public review and comment period of not less than #cj days4 7,b7 ,final report 7i7 ,in general ,the ,director of the ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service shall prepare a final report based on the applicable draft report prepared under subparagraph 7,a77i71 after considering the results of the independent scientific peer review and public comment processes under subparagraph 7,a77iv74 7ii7 ,transmission2 availability ,a final report prepared under clause 7i7 shall be-- 7,i7 transmitted to-- 7aa7 the project applicant2 7bb7 the relevant ,state agency2 and 7cc7 relevant congressional committees2 and 7,,ii7 made available to the public4 7iii7 ,determination ,if a final report prepared under clause 7i7 determines that the water supply project provides net ecosystem benefits1 the proposed water supply project shall be eligible for financial assistance under this section4 7iv7 ,recommendations ,if a final report determines that the proposed water supply project fails to provide a net ecosystem improvement1 the final report may identify potential recommendations to reduce adverse environmental impacts and improve environmental benefits of the proposed water supply project4 7v7 ,final agency action ,a final report prepared under clause 7i7 shall be considered to be a final agency action for purposes of section #gjd of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 7vi7 ,judicial review ,a final report prepared under clause 7i7 shall be subject to review in the ,federal district court of the ,state in which the project is proposed to be constructed if a petition for review is filed with the court not later than #ahj days after the date on which the final report is transmitted under clause 7ii74 7c7 ,eligible entities ,the following entities are eligible to receive assistance under this section3 7#a7 ,an entity described in section #ejbe of the ,water ,resources ,reform and ,development ,act of #bjad 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #cijd74 7#b7 ,a conservancy district1 ,reclamation district1 or irrigation district4 7#c7 ,a canal company or mutual water company4 7#d7 ,a water users' association4 7#e7 ,an agency established by an interstate compact4 7#f7 ,any other individual or entity that has the capacity to contract with the ,united ,states under the reclamation laws4 7d7 ,requirements 7#a7 ,project selection ,in selecting eligible projects to receive assistance under the pilot program under this section1 the ,secretary shall ensure diversity with respect to-- 7,a7 project type2 and 7,b7 geographical location within the ,states referred to in subsection 7b77#a77;,a74 7#b7 ,priority ,in selecting eligible projects to receive assistance under this section1 the ,secretary shall prioritize projects that-- 7,a7 would benefit-- 7i7 low-income communities2 or 7ii7 7,i7 communities particularly at-risk to climate change2 and 7,,ii7 environmentally at-risk communities2 7,b7 to the maximum extent practicable1 incorporate green and natural infrastructure components2 and 7,c7 achieve multiple public benefits4 7#c7 ,importation of other requirements ,the following provisions of law shall apply to the pilot program under this section3 7,a7 ,sections #ejbb1 #ejbd1 #ejbg1 #ejbh1 #ejbi1 #ejcj1 #ejca1 #ejcb1 and #ejcd7;a7 of the ,water ,resources ,reform and ,development ,act of #bjad 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #cija1 #cijc1 #cijf1 #cijg1 #cijh1 #ciji1 #ciaj1 #ciaa1 and #ciac7;a771 except that-- 7i7 any reference contained in those sections to the ,secretary of the ,army shall be considered to be a reference to the ,secretary2 7ii7 any reference contained in those sections to an eligible project shall be considered to be a reference to an eligible project described in subsection 7b72 7iii7 paragraphs 7#a77;,e7 and 7#f77;,b7 of subsection 7a71 and subsection 7b77#c71 of section #ejbh of that ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #cijg7 shall not apply with respect to this section2 and 7iv7 subsections 7e7 and 7f7 of section #ejcj of that ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #ciji7 shall not apply with respect to this section4 7,b7 ,the agreement between the ,administrator of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency and the ,commissioner of ,reclamation required under section #dcja of the ,america's ,water ,infrastructure ,act of #bjah 7,public ,law #aae-bgj74 7,c7 ,other applicable environmental laws1 including the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq474 7e7 ,authorization of appropriations 7#a7 ,in general ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary to carry out the pilot program under this section #aej1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbj through #bjbd1 to remain available until expended4 7#b7 ,administrative costs ,of the funds made available under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary may use for administrative costs of carrying out the pilot program under this section 7including for the provision of technical assistance to project sponsors pursuant to paragraph 7#c71 to obtain any necessary approval1 and for transfer to the ,administrator of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency to provide assistance in administering and servicing ,federal credit instruments under the pilot program7 not more than #e1jjj1jjj for each applicable fiscal year4 7#c7 ,small community projects 7,a7 ,in general ,subject to subparagraph 7,b71 the ,commissioner may use the funds made available under paragraph 7#b7 to provide assistance1 including assistance to pay the costs of acquiring the rating opinion letters under paragraph 7#a77;,d7 of section #ejbh7;a7 of the ,water ,resources ,reform and ,development ,act of #bjad 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #cijg7;a771 to assist project sponsors in obtaining the necessary approvals for small community projects that are eligible for assistance under paragraph 7#b77;,b7 of that section or subsection 7b77#c74 7,b7 ,limitation ,assistance provided to a project sponsor under subparagraph 7,a7 may not exceed an amount equal to #ge percent of the total administrative costs incurred by the project sponsor in securing financial assistance under this section4 7f7 ,limitation ,no eligible project that receives assistance under this section may be financed 7directly or indirectly71 in whole or in part1 with proceeds of any obligation the interest on which is exempt from the tax imposed under chapter #a of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf4 7g7 ,effect ,nothing in this section affects the authority of a ,state or a political subdivision of a ,state to apply and enforce any environmental laws 7including regulations7 with respect to an eligible project provided assistance under this section4 #cjc4 ,water recycling and reuse projects 7a7 ,competitive grant program for the funding of water recycling and reuse projects ,section #afjb7;f7 of the ,reclamation ,wastewater and ,groundwater ,study and ,facilities ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #cij;h7f77 is amended by striking paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c7 and inserting the following3 7#b7 ,priority ,in providing grants under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall give priority to projects that-- 7,a7 are likely to provide a more reliable water supply for a unit of ,state1 local1 or ,tribal government2 7,b7 are likely to increase the water management flexibility and reduce impacts on environmental resources2 7,c7 are regional in nature2 7,d7 involve multiple stakeholders2 7,e7 provide multiple benefits1 including water supply reliability1 ecosystem benefits1 groundwater management and enhancements1 and water quality improvements2 7,f7 would benefit low-income communities2 or 7,g7 would protect communities particularly at-risk to climate change and environmental degradation4 4 7b7 ,authorization of appropriations ,section #afjb7;g7 of the ,reclamation ,wastewater and ,groundwater ,study and ,facilities ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #cij;h7g77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking #ej1jjj1jjj and inserting #ejj1jjj1jjj2 and 7#b7 in paragraph 7#b71 by striking if enacted appropriations legislation designates funding to them by name14 7c7 ,limitation on funding ,section #afca7;d77#a7 of the ,reclamation ,wastewater and ,groundwater ,study and ,facilities ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #cij;h-#ac7;d77#a77 is amended by striking #bj1jjj1jjj 7,october #aiif prices7 and inserting #cj1jjj1jjj 7,january #bjai prices74 7d7 ,duration ,section #djac of the ,water ,infrastructure ,improvements for the ,nation ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #cij;b note2 ,public ,law #aad-cbb7 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking and2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#b71 by striking the period and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#c7 the amendment made by section #djji7;c74 4 7e7 ,programs for alternative water source projects ,section #bbj of the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #acjj7 is amended to read as follows3 #bbj4 ,program for alternative water source projects 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,alternative water source project 7,a7 ,in general ,the term alternative water source project means a project that-- 7i7 is designed to provide municipal1 industrial1 or agricultural water supplies in an environmentally sustainable manner by conserving1 managing1 reclaiming1 or reusing water1 wastewater1 or stormwater1 or by treating wastewater or stormwater2 and 7ii7 provides an alternative to traditional water projects that divert or store water from natural aquatic ecosystems1 including rivers1 lakes1 streams1 and estuaries4 7,b7 ,exclusion ,the term alternative water source project does not include any water treatment or distribution facility4 7#b7 ,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 supplies1 as identified in a comprehensive statewide or regional water supply plan or assessment projected over a period of not less than #bj years4 7b7 ,establishment ,the ,administrator shall establish a program to make grants to ,state1 interstate1 and intrastate water resource development agencies 7including water management districts and water supply authorities71 local government agencies1 ,tribal governments1 private utilities1 and nonprofit entities for alternative water source projects to meet critical water supply needs4 7c7 ,eligible entity ,the ,administrator may award a grant under this section to an entity only if the entity has authority under ,state law to develop or provide water for municipal1 industrial1 and agricultural uses in an area of the ,state that is experiencing critical water supply needs4 7d7 ,selection of projects 7#a7 ,limitation ,a project that has received funds for construction under the ,reclamation ,projects ,authorization and ,adjustment ,act of #aiib 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #cij;h et seq47 shall not be eligible for a grant under this section4 7#b7 ,geographical distribution ,alternative water source projects selected by the ,administrator for a grant under this section shall reflect a variety of geographical and environmental conditions4 7e7 ,uses of grant funds 7#a7 ,in general ,subject to paragraph 7#b71 a grant received under this section may be used for engineering1 design1 construction1 and final testing of an alternative water source project designed to meet critical water supply needs4 7#b7 ,exclusion ,a grant received under this section may not be used for planning1 a feasibility study1 operation1 maintenance1 replacement1 repair1 or rehabilitation4 7f7 ,cost sharing ,the ,federal share of the eligible costs of an alternative water source project carried out using a grant under this section shall be not more than #ej percent4 7g7 ,report ,not later than ,september #cj1 #bjbc1 the ,administrator shall submit to ,congress a report describing the results of the grant program established under subsection 7b71 including progress toward meeting the critical water supply needs of the grant recipients4 7h7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section #ejj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbj and each fiscal year thereafter1 to remain available until expended4 7i7 ,policy ,nothing in this section affects the application of section #aja7;g7 and all of the provisions of this section shall be carried out in accordance with that section4 4 #cjd4 ,mandatory spending for water infrastructure programs 7a7 ,clean ,water programs 7#a7 ,in general ,at the beginning of each fiscal year1 the ,administrator shall obligate for the fiscal year-- 7,a7 #agd1bej1jjj to make grants to nonprofit organizations to provide technical assistance and disseminate information under section #ajd7;b77#h7 of the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #abed7;b77#h772 7,b7 #ebb1gej1jjj to make grants for pollution control programs under section #ajf of the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #abef72 7,c7 #hga1bej1jjj to make grants for the implementation of management programs under section #cai7;h77#a7 of the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #acbi7;h77#a772 and 7,d7 #a1jjj1jjj to assist in the planning1 development1 strengthening1 improving1 or carrying out of programs or projects for the preparation of undergraduate students to enter an occupation which involves the design1 operation1 and maintenance of treatment works and other facilities under section #aji of the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #abei74 7#b7 ,priorities ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 in using the funds obligated under paragraph 7#a71 the ,administrator shall give priority to projects or programs that-- 7,a7 benefit low-income communities2 7,b7 benefit communities that are subject to a consent decree in an action brought under the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #abea et seq472 7,c7 reflect a variety of geographic conditions2 and 7,d7 benefit communities with a history of degraded environmental conditions4 7#c7 ,funding 7,a7 ,in general ,on ,october #a of each fiscal year1 out of any funds in the ,treasury not otherwise appropriated1 the ,secretary of the ,treasury shall transfer to the ,administrator to carry out this subsection #a1efi1bej1jjj1 to remain available until expended4 7,b7 ,receipt and acceptance ,the ,administrator shall be entitled to receive1 shall accept1 and shall use to carry out this section the funds transferred under subparagraph 7,a71 without further appropriation4 7b7 ,safe drinking water programs 7#a7 ,in general ,at the beginning of each fiscal year1 the ,administrator shall obligate for the fiscal year-- 7,a7 #agd1bej1jjj to provide technical assistance to small public water systems to enable those systems to achieve and maintain compliance with applicable national primary drinking water regulations under section #addb7;e7 of the ,safe ,drinking ,water ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjj;j-#a7;e772 and 7,b7 #a1jde1ejj1jjj to make grants under the voluntary school and child care program lead testing grant program under section #adfd7;d7 of the ,safe ,drinking ,water ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjj;j-#bd7;d774 7#b7 ,priorities ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 in using the funds obligated under paragraph 7#a71 the ,administrator shall give priority to projects or programs that-- 7,a7 benefit low-income communities2 7,b7 benefit communities that are subject to a consent decree in an action brought under the ,safe ,drinking ,water ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjj;f et seq472 7,c7 reflect a variety of geographic conditions2 and 7,d7 benefit communities with a history of degraded environmental conditions4 7#c7 ,funding 7,a7 ,in general ,on ,october #a of each fiscal year1 out of any funds in the ,treasury not otherwise appropriated1 the ,secretary of the ,treasury shall transfer to the ,administrator to carry out this subsection #a1bai1gej1jjj1 to remain available until expended4 7,b7 ,receipt and acceptance ,the ,administrator shall be entitled to receive1 shall accept1 and shall use to carry out this section the funds transferred under subparagraph 7,a71 without further appropriation4 7c7 ,state revolving funds 7#a7 ,in general ,at the beginning of each fiscal year1 the ,administrator shall obligate for the fiscal year-- 7,a7 #ae1fhb1ejj1jjj for making capitalization grants for ,state water pollution control revolving funds established under title ,,vi of the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #acha et seq472 and 7,b7 #ae1aei1gej1jjj for making capitalization grants for ,state drinking water treatment revolving loan funds established under section #adeb of the ,safe ,drinking ,water ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjj;j-#ab74 7#b7 ,funding 7,a7 ,in general ,on ,october #a of each fiscal year1 out of any funds in the ,treasury not otherwise appropriated1 the ,secretary of the ,treasury shall transfer to the ,administrator to carry out this subsection #cj1hdb1bej1jjj1 to remain available until expended4 7,b7 ,receipt and acceptance ,the ,administrator shall be entitled to receive1 shall accept1 and shall use to carry out this section the funds transferred under subparagraph 7,a71 without further appropriation4 7#c7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that ,states should use the funding provided under this subsection to give priority to projects that-- 7,a7 benefit low-income communities2 7,b7 benefit communities that are subject to a consent decree in an action brought under the ,safe ,drinking ,water ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjj;f et seq472 7,c7 reflect a variety of geographic conditions2 and 7,d7 benefit communities with a history of degraded environmental conditions4 7d7 ,minimum allocation of additional subsidization of drinking water ,state revolving funds ,section #fjc7;i77#c7 of the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #achc7;i77#c77 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subparagraphs 7,c7 and 7,d7 as subparagraphs 7,d7 and 7,e71 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,b7 the following3 7,c7 ,minimum allocation of additional subsidization ,to the extent that there are sufficient applications for the assistance described in paragraph 7#a77;,a71 in each fiscal year1 a ,state shall use not less than #f percent of the total amount received by the ,state in capitalization grants under this title to provide additional subsidization under this subsection4 4 #cje4 ,expanding and increasing funding for rural individual and connected water systems programs 7a7 ,in general ,at the beginning of each fiscal year1 the ,secretary of ,agriculture 7referred to in this section as the ,secretary7 shall obligate for the fiscal year-- 7#a7 #hga1bej1jjj in additional funding-- 7,a7 to make grants for individual household water well systems and individually owned household decentralized wastewater systems1 including drainage fields1 under section #cjf;,e of the ,consolidated ,farm and ,rural ,development ,act 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #aibf;e72 and 7,b7 for water or waste disposal grants under section #cjf7;a77#b7 of the ,consolidated ,farm and ,rural ,development ,act 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #aibf7;a77#b772 and 7#b7 #ajj1jjj1jjj in additional funding to make grants under the ,special ,evaluation ,assistance for ,rural ,communities and ,households program under section #cjf7;a77#b77;,c7 of the ,consolidated ,farm and ,rural ,development ,act 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #aibf7;a77#b77;,c774 7b7 ,funding 7#a7 ,in general ,on ,october #a of each fiscal year1 out of any funds in the ,treasury not otherwise appropriated1 the ,secretary of the ,treasury shall transfer to the ,secretary to carry out this section #iga1bej1jjj1 to remain available until expended4 7#b7 ,receipt and acceptance ,the ,secretary shall be entitled to receive1 shall accept1 and shall use to carry out this section the funds transferred under paragraph 7#a71 without further appropriation4 7c7 ,rural decentralized water systems ,section #cjf;,e7b77#a7 of the ,consolidated ,farm and ,rural ,development ,act 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #aibf;e7b77#a77 is amended-- 7#a7 by inserting replacement1 repairing1 after construction12 and 7#b7 by inserting 1 including drainage fields1 after wastewater systems4 #cjf4 ,increased funding for water management improvement ,section #iejd7;e7 of the ,omnibus ,public ,land ,management ,act of #bjji 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcfd7;e77 is amended by striking #dhj1jjj1jjj and inserting #eej1jjj1jjj4 #cjg4 ,water ,efficiency and ,conservation ,block ,grant ,program 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,eligible entity ,the term eligible entity means-- 7,a7 a ,state2 7,b7 a unit of local government2 7,c7 an entity established by an interstate compact2 and 7,d7 an ,indian tribe4 7#b7 ,indian tribe ,the term ,indian tribe has the meaning given the term in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #ecjd74 7#c7 ,program ,the term program means the program established under subsection 7b74 7#d7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,energy4 7#e7 ,state ,the term ,state means-- 7,a7 a ,state2 7,b7 the ,district of ,columbia2 7,c7 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico2 and 7,d7 any other territory or possession of the ,united ,states4 7b7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary shall establish a program1 to be known as the ,water ,efficiency and ,conservation ,block ,grant ,program1 under which the ,secretary shall provide grants to eligible entities to carry out activities to achieve the purpose of the program described in subsection 7c74 7c7 ,purpose ,the purpose of the program is to assist eligible entities in implementing strategies-- 7#a7 to reduce water use in a manner that-- 7,a7 is environmentally sustainable2 7,b7 improves the affordability of water and sanitation for disadvantaged communities2 and 7,c7 maximizes benefits for local and regional communities2 7#b7 to reduce the total water use of the people1 businesses1 farms1 and institutions located within the jurisdiction of eligible entities receiving grants under the program2 7#c7 to improve water efficiency in the agricultural sector1 building sector1 or any other appropriate sector operating within the jurisdictions of the eligible entities receiving grants under the program2 and 7#d7 to reduce the energy required to pump1 transport1 treat1 and heat water4 7d7 ,activities ,an eligible entity may use a grant under the program to carry out activities that include-- 7#a7 developing and implementing a water efficiency and conservation strategy2 7#b7 retaining technical consultant services to assist in the development of the strategy described in paragraph 7#a71 including services to assist with-- 7,a7 the formulation of water efficiency1 water conservation1 and water usage goals2 7,b7 the engagement of water users and other stakeholders in the identification of goals and priorities for water efficiency and conservation2 7,c7 the identification of strategies to achieve the goals formulated under subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b7-- 7i7 through investments in physical measures to increase water efficiency and reduce water consumption2 7ii7 by encouraging water conservation practices by-- 7,i7 the population served by the eligible entity2 and 7,,ii7 the suppliers of water and sanitation services operating within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity2 and 7iii7 by collecting any revenues that may be required to support the implementation of those strategies through fair and transparent mechanisms that encourage efficient water use and support the affordability of water and sanitation services for low-income households2 7,d7 the development of methods to measure progress in achieving the goals formulated under subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b72 7,e7 the development and publication of annual reports1 made available to the population served by the eligible entity1 describing-- 7i7 the goals formulated under subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b7 and the strategies identified under subparagraph 7,c72 and 7ii7 the progress made in achieving those goals and strategies during the preceding calendar year2 and 7,f7 any other activities appropriate to implement the strategy described in paragraph 7#a72 7#c7 conducting residential and commercial building water audits2 7#d7 conducting water loss audits of public water distribution systems1 securing validation of the audit reports1 and conducting component analyses of any leaks and losses described in an audit report2 7#e7 establishing a financial incentive program for water efficiency improvements2 7#f7 providing grants to nonprofit organizations1 governmental agencies1 and ,tribal governments for the purpose of performing water efficiency upgrades that result in quantifiable savings2 7#g7 developing and implementing water efficiency and conservation programs for buildings and facilities within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity1 including programs that-- 7,a7 identify the most effective methods for achieving maximum participation rates and administrative efficiency2 7,b7 effectively engage the owners and tenants of affordable housing2 7,c7 have a public education component2 7,d7 use measurement and verification protocols2 and 7,e7 identify water efficient technologies2 7#h7 developing and implementing building codes and inspection services to promote building water efficiency2 7#i7 adopting ordinances for the annual benchmarking of the water use of large buildings and the public posting of water benchmark reports2 7#aj7 implementing water distribution technologies that significantly increase water efficiency1 including-- 7,a7 customer service meters with enhanced accuracy at low flow levels2 7,b7 automated meter infrastructure for data collection1 analysis1 and display2 7,c7 pressure monitoring and management to mitigate excessive pressure2 7,d7 agricultural water distribution improvements1 including-- 7i7 water measurement devices of sufficient accuracy to use for billing purposes2 7ii7 enclosure and pressurization of agricultural water delivery systems2 and 7iii7 addition of regulatory storage and automated controls within distribution systems to enable fulfillment of irrigation delivery requests in not more than #bd hours2 and 7,e7 other activities that may have water conservation and efficiency benefits2 and 7#aa7 any other appropriate activities1 as determined by the ,secretary1 in consultation with-- 7,a7 the ,administrator of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency2 7,b7 the ,secretary of ,transportation2 7,c7 the ,secretary of ,agriculture2 and 7,d7 the ,secretary of ,housing and ,urban ,development4 7e7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary to carry out this section #b1jjj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbj through #bjbd4 #cjh4 ,rural water supply program reauthorization 7a7 ,authorization of appropriation ,section #aji7;a7 of the ,rural ,water ,supply ,act of #bjjf 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #bdjh7;a77 is amended by striking #bjaf and inserting #bjbf4 7b7 ,termination of authority ,section #aaj of the ,rural ,water ,supply ,act of #bjjf 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #bdji7 is amended by striking #bjaf and inserting #bjbf4 #cji4 ,combating ,,pfas ,section #adab of the ,safe ,drinking ,water ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjj;g-#a7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7f7 ,perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances 7#a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding any other provision of this ,act and subject to paragraph 7#c71 the ,administrator shall promulgate under subsection 7b77#a77;,d7 an interim national primary drinking water regulation-- 7,a7 for each perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance described in paragraph 7#b7 for which the ,administrator has established a health advisory under subsection 7b77#a77;,f7 or a toxicity value1 not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this subsection2 and 7,b7 for the class of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances described in paragraph 7#b7 for which the ,administrator has not established a health advisory under subsection 7b77#a77;,f7 or a toxicity value1 not later than #d years after the date of enactment of this subsection4 7#b7 ,perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substance described ,a perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substance referred to in paragraph 7#a7 is a perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance for which the ,administrator has validated a method to measure the level of that substance in drinking water4 7#c7 ,requirement ,an interim national primary drinking water regulation promulgated pursuant to paragraph 7#a7 shall be-- 7,a7 protective of the health of vulnerable populations1 including pregnant women1 infants1 and children2 and 7,b7 shall be as stringent as feasible 7as defined in subsection 7b77#d77;,d774 4 #caj4 ,multi-benefit projects to improve watershed health 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of the ,interior1 in consultation with the heads of relevant agencies1 shall establish a competitive grant program for habitat restoration projects that accomplish #a or more of the following3 7#a7 ,improve watershed health4 7#b7 ,mitigate against the impacts of climate change4 7#c7 ,benefit ecosystems4 7#d7 ,protect against endemic species4 7#e7 ,restore aspects of the natural ecosystem4 7#f7 ,enhance commercial and recreational fishing4 7b7 ,requirements 7#a7 ,in general ,in awarding a grant under subsection 7a71 the ,secretary-- 7,a7 shall give priority to a project that achieves more than #a of the benefits described in that subsection2 and 7,b7 may not provide a grant for a project that is for the purpose of meeting existing environmental mitigation or compliance obligations4 7#b7 ,compliance ,a project awarded a grant under subsection 7a7 shall comply with all applicable ,federal and ,state laws4 7c7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section #aej1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbj through #bjbd4