DROUGHT Act of 2024

This bill increases federal funding for water infrastructure projects in drought-affected areas and historically disadvantaged communities. It allows up to 90% federal financing (normally lower) for projects in states/counties with severe drought emergencies (D2+ drought designation for 4+ weeks in 3 years or gubernatorial emergency declaration) or serving communities designated as disadvantaged, underserved, or financially distressed. The bill prioritizes projects meeting both criteria: located in drought areas *and* serving disadvantaged communities. This directly affects states, counties, and local water systems seeking federal grants under the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act.