STREAM Act

The STREAM Act creates new federal funding programs to support water infrastructure projects in drought-prone western states, authorizing $750 million over five years for non-Federal water storage projects (including natural water retention projects), $300 million for water recycling projects, and $150 million for desalination projects with special provisions for rural communities. The bill prioritizes projects that provide multiple benefits including water supply reliability, fish and wildlife habitat improvements, and water quality enhancements, while requiring projects to comply with environmental laws. It includes specific provisions to assist disadvantaged communities (defined as low-income communities) with drinking water access and establishes performance-based funding for ecosystem restoration projects. The legislation applies to Reclamation States (states with Bureau of Reclamation projects) and requires project beneficiaries to demonstrate financial capability and project feasibility.