Water for Conservation and Farming Act

The Water for Conservation and Farming Act (S 2102) establishes a new Bureau of Reclamation Infrastructure Fund that will provide $300 million annually from 2035-2065 for water infrastructure projects, including $100 million for water reclamation projects, $100 million for agricultural water management grants, and $100 million for dam safety modifications. The bill also creates a new program that will provide up to $3.5 million annually for fiscal years 2024-2029 to compensate agricultural producers in Reclamation states for creating or maintaining waterbird and shorebird habitats. Additionally, it requires the development of drought plans for critically important fisheries every three years, incorporating strategies such as habitat restoration, hatchery management, and voluntary water transfers. The legislation reauthorizes several existing programs including watershed management, fisheries restoration, and climate change water programs, with increased funding levels for many of these initiatives.