US Federal House Bill HB337

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/25
• Refer: 1/13/25

Caption

To provide technical and financial assistance for groundwater recharge, aquifer storage, and water source substitution projects.

Summary

HB337 would amend section 40910 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to make additional federal funding available for projects that help communities manage water supplies. Specifically, it authorizes up to $3 million per year from unobligated balances under section 40901 for fiscal years 2026 through 2031 to support technical and financial assistance for groundwater recharge, aquifer storage, and water source substitution projects. The bill is aimed at improving water resilience, especially in areas facing drought, groundwater depletion, or unreliable surface water supplies. By directing funds to assistance programs rather than creating a new standalone grant structure, it builds on existing federal water infrastructure efforts and is intended to help local and regional entities plan and implement projects that store water underground or replace stressed water sources with more sustainable alternatives.

Impact

If enacted, HB337 would modify federal law by expanding the funding authority in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for water management assistance. It would not create a new regulatory program, but it would allow the Secretary to use previously unobligated IIJA funds to support groundwater recharge, aquifer storage, and water source substitution projects over a six-year period. The primary beneficiaries would likely be state and local water agencies, irrigation districts, and other entities involved in water supply planning and drought mitigation.

Sentiment

The available record shows no committee transcript or vote history, so there is no documented debate or recorded opposition in the materials provided. Based on the bill’s narrow, technical funding purpose and its bipartisan introduction by members from California, the measure appears to be framed as a practical water-supply and drought-resilience proposal rather than a controversial policy change.

Contention

No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. Potential areas of debate, if the bill advances, could include the use of unobligated federal infrastructure funds, the size and duration of the authorization, and whether the assistance should prioritize certain regions or project types. However, the current record does not identify any member or stakeholder taking a formal opposing position.