Emergency Rural Water Response Act of 2026

This bill expands a federal grant program to help rural communities address water infrastructure needs. It directly affects small rural communities with populations under 35,000 (up from 10,000) by allowing them to apply for grants. Key changes include broadening eligible uses to cover potable water, wastewater, storm drainage, and solid waste facilities, and increasing the population cap for program eligibility. The bill modifies existing provisions under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to make these changes. It does not create new funding but adjusts who qualifies for existing grant opportunities.