Congresswoman Schrier Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Unlock Federal Resources for Drought-Resilient Water Infrastructure

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Kim Schrier (WA-08), Dan Newhouse (WA-04), John Garamendi (CA-03), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Jim Costa (CA-21), Vince Fong (CA-20), and Sharice Davids (KS-03) introduced the bipartisan Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Amendments of 2025 that will fund key water infrastructure projects that are used to mitigate drought and solve other pressing challenges that are facing Washington and other areas of the country.

“Our nation's water infrastructure is facing several challenges -- from conservation and storage to wastewater treatment -- that compromise access to this vital resource,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “That’s why I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation that will fix our aging water infrastructure by empowering cities and towns throughout our country to make the infrastructure investments necessary to support our farmers and ensure that their respective communities have dependable drinking water.”

Congresswoman Schrier’s bill would improve WIFIA by extending funding for the program, expanding loan eligibility, and implementing other common-sense reforms. With Central Washington currently experiencing a severe drought and towns such as Cle Elum, Roslyn, and Ellensburg facing water restrictions, this bill would also unlock technical assistance and make more water projects in rural communities eligible for WIFIA financing. Specifically, the bill:

• Broaden and restore WIFIA funding and financing eligibility to state entities and non-federal cost shares in federally involved projects. This includes state-led water storage projects, transferred works of the Bureau of Reclamation, and congressionally authorized Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) projects.
• Authorize the use of collaborative project delivery methods for WIFIA projects, allowing more flexibility and reducing the time and cost of the project.
• Allow certain federal water infrastructure loans to have maturity dates of up to 55 years.
• Reauthorize the USACE WIFIA program through FY2029.

“Federal water projects are essential to our way of life here in Central Washington, but repairs, maintenance, and new project commencements have proven to be a challenge when it comes to federal funding,” said Congressman Newhouse. “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.”

“Climate change is no longer a problem for the future, it’s happening now,” said Congressman Garamendi. “That’s why we need every federal and state resource available to meet the West’s water supply needs and build a system capable of withstanding record-breaking droughts. This critical, bipartisan bill would unlock $11 billion in low-interest federal financing for western water projects, including modernizing California’s Central Valley Project. I thank Congresswoman Schrier for once again leading this legislation to upgrade water infrastructure across the West, and I look forward to helping her advance this critically important bill.”

"Much of our vital water storage infrastructure is in need of repair or maintenance, and we need to build new storage facilities to help maintain reliable and affordable water supplies,” said Congressman LaMalfa. “To ensure long-term success, we must make it easier, not harder, to get water projects approved, funded, and built. This legislation improves financing options, cuts red tape, and enables project designers and builders to collaborate, ensuring more localities have the chance to create and build the critical infrastructure they need, such as levees, treatment plants, and reservoirs."

“Water is the lifeblood of our valley; therefore, we must continue to invest in our water infrastructure. We know that where water flows, food grows, and nowhere is that more evident than in the agricultural heartland of the San Joaquin Valley. Over 10-year periods, we have either too much water and flood conditions or too little water and drought conditions,” said Congressman Costa. “That is why I am proud to lead a bipartisan piece of legislation that includes my bill, the “Restoring WIFIA Eligibility Act.” This effort will help strengthen the tools needed to modernize our water systems and protect every drop of water possible.”

“Water is life in California’s Central Valley, and with growing water needs, we must act now to safeguard our water future,” said Congressman Fong. “As one of the nation’s largest agricultural-producing regions, my district urgently depends on a reliable, flexible water supply. I’m committed to accelerating the financing and delivery of modern water infrastructure projects to protect our families, farms, and communities. Strengthening WIFIA will allow rural communities like mine to have better access to this program, accelerating the delivery of modern water infrastructure.”

“Water infrastructure is critical to the health, safety, and wellbeing of our communities, but too often people don't think about it until it breaks,” said Congresswoman Davids. “By making low-interest federal funding available and creating new, innovative ways to execute these water projects, we’re helping local officials plan and save before disaster strikes. The Kansas Third has already taken advantage of these loans to repair and replace aging wastewater systems, and I look forward to making those opportunities available to more projects in our community.” 

###