The MORE WATER Act reauthorizes and expands federal water recycling and reuse programs while establishing a new Water Conveyance Improvement Program to fund water infrastructure projects. It authorizes $450 million for water recycling projects and $500 million for conveyance projects from 2028-2032, with specific requirements for multi-benefit projects. The bill mandates that at least 50% of conveyance projects must provide environmental benefits or safe drinking water for low-income communities, with 50% of multi-benefit projects specifically providing each type of benefit. It requires projects to include specific water quality and environmental protections, including benefits for endangered species and low-income communities. The legislation aims to improve water infrastructure while ensuring projects address both community needs and environmental conservation.
This bill authorizes a feasibility study to assess constructing a regional water supply project for municipal, rural, and industrial use across South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota. The study, to be conducted by the Secretary of the Interior in partnership with the Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System, must follow federal reclamation standards and is limited to a $10 million federal cost (capping at 50% of total study expenses). The study must be completed within 10 years of the bill's enactment. It directly affects communities in the four specified states that could potentially benefit from the project if the study concludes it is feasible.
This bill authorizes a feasibility study to assess expanding the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System, which serves communities in Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota. The Secretary of the Interior must coordinate with the water system's nonprofit operator to evaluate the project's viability, including cost-sharing (requiring at least 25% non-Federal contribution for construction) and financial feasibility. The study will produce a report for Congress and the public, with the federal government covering up to 50% of the study costs ($10 million authorized). The bill does not fund construction but sets the process for determining whether expansion should proceed. The study authorization expires 10 years after enactment.
This bill directs the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to conduct a feasibility study for a proposed water supply project in Western South Dakota, which would deliver municipal, rural, and industrial water from the Missouri River. The study, to be carried out with a Western South Dakota nonprofit water system (Western Dakota Regional Water System, Inc.), must evaluate project viability, recommend whether construction should proceed, and determine the non-Federal cost share (minimum 25%). It requires the Secretary to submit a report to Congress and the public, including cost analyses based on local financial capacity. The study is authorized with $10 million in federal funding, capped at 50% of costs, and expires 10 years after enactment.
This bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a feasibility study on a selective water withdrawal system at Glen Canyon Dam. The study will assess how to optimize hydropower generation when releasing cold water while preventing invasive species from being drawn into the water system, following existing Colorado River management plans. It requires completion within 18 months using existing federal funds (nonreimbursable), with consultation from the Department of Energy and power contractors. The bill does not change current operations guidelines for Lake Powell or Lake Mead.
This bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a feasibility study for designating the existing 550-mile Bay Area Ridge Trail as a National Scenic Trail. The study, to be completed within one year, will assess the trail's potential for national designation, considering its connection to over 75 parks and open spaces in the San Francisco Bay Area. It requires consultation with federal, state agencies, and the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. The bill itself does not fund or create the trail but sets a process for evaluating its national scenic trail status.
This bill redesignates Arizona's Chiricahua National Monument as Chiricahua National Park, maintaining its existing boundaries as shown on a 2021 map. It ensures all existing funding, laws, and administrative rules for the monument now apply to the park. The bill also requires the Secretary of the Interior to protect tribal cultural sites by consulting with Native American tribes and providing access for traditional uses, with temporary public closures allowed only for minimal necessary areas and time. This directly affects tribal communities and park management under federal law.
This bill reauthorizes a federal grant program that funds large-scale water recycling and reuse projects, directly affecting water utilities, municipalities, and environmental organizations applying for these grants. It extends the program's funding period from 5 to 10 years under the existing Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act framework. The key provision simply modifies the duration of the competitive grant program without adding new requirements or eligibility changes. This change provides longer-term stability for grantees planning multi-year water recycling infrastructure projects.
S 3194, the Monterey Bay National Heritage Area Study Act, directs the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to study whether to designate a specific coastal area in California as a National Heritage Area. The study would cover Monterey, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, and San Luis Obispo counties, plus adjacent regions with similar heritage features, involving local governments, tribes, and organizations like the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership. This bill does not create the heritage area itself but authorizes a feasibility study following existing federal law (54 U.S.C. § 120103(a)). The study’s outcome would determine if a formal designation process begins, directly affecting communities in the specified counties and their stakeholders.
This bill designates the Route 66 National Historic Trail under the National Trails System Act, covering all alignments of U.S. Highway 66 from 1926 to 1985 (approximately 2,400 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California). It requires the Secretary of the Interior to administer the trail while respecting its unique character and consulting with affected Native American tribes. Key provisions limit federal land acquisition to no more than 1/4 mile on either side of the trail, prohibit eminent domain, clarify the trail is not part of the National Park System, and ensure existing energy development and transportation activities remain unaffected. The designation does not require new permits or alter current easement authorities for existing infrastructure.
This bill authorizes a study to determine if Canterbury Shaker Village in New Hampshire should be designated as a National Heritage Area. The study, led by the Secretary of the Interior with input from local groups and agencies, will assess the site's suitability and feasibility for this designation. It does not create the heritage area itself but sets the process for evaluating the historic site’s potential status. The study area includes the existing National Historic Landmark, covering 700 acres of land, 25 buildings, and associated historical resources.
This bill authorizes the National Park Service (through the Secretary of the Interior) to enter agreements with the Gateway Arch Park Foundation for hosting private events in designated park buildings (like the Arch Visitor Center and Old Courthouse). The agreement must include strict terms: limiting event frequency, requiring liability insurance, ensuring events align with park purposes, and preventing disruption to public access or park integrity. The Foundation must pay fees covering all costs of wear and tear from events, including administrative expenses. The bill does not restrict the National Park Service from hosting its own events or issuing permits to others.
