Bipartisan water infrastructure bill targets drought in Central Washington

Washington Representatives Kim Schrier and Dan Newhouse introduced a bipartisan act on Thursday called the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act Amendments of 2025.

The amendments aim to fund key water infrastructure projects to mitigate drought and address other pressing challenges in Washington state and across the country.

Central Washington is currently experiencing a severe drought, with towns like Cle Elum, Roslyn and Ellensburg facing water restrictions. The bill would unlock technical assistance and make more projects in rural communities eligible for financing.

Representative Dan Newhouse emphasized the importance of water projects in Central Washington.

"This legislation is a huge step to help local water managers finance long-term projects, maintain our existing infrastructure, and make sure our rural communities have the clean water and irrigation they desperately rely on," Newhouse said.

This legislation could be a significant move for the region, providing much-needed support for water management and infrastructure.