Water Project Navigators Act

The Water Project Navigators Act establishes a federal program to help eligible entities (like states, tribes, local governments, and nonprofits) in specific states develop multi-benefit water projects. These projects must improve water resilience (e.g., through efficiency, recycling, or drought/flood risk reduction) while benefiting communities, ecosystems, and infrastructure. The program funds "navigators" to provide grant writing, project management, and technical assistance, prioritizing support for disadvantaged communities, Indian Tribes, and drought-affected areas. It authorizes $15 million annually (2024-2029), with federal funding covering up to 75% of costs (reduced for tribes/disadvantaged groups). The program requires coordination with other federal water initiatives and mandates a congressional report on its outcomes after five years.