SB 3693, the Large-Scale Water Recycling Reauthorization Act, would extend the authorization for the federal competitive grant program supporting large-scale water recycling and reuse projects. The bill amends section 40905(k) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act by changing the program’s authorization period from 5 years to 10 years, effectively giving the grant program a longer runway for funding and implementation.
The measure is narrow in scope and does not create a new program or alter the basic structure of the existing one. Instead, it reauthorizes the current grant authority so that federal support for water recycling and reuse infrastructure can continue for an additional five years beyond the original timeframe.
Impact
The bill would amend federal law governing the large-scale water recycling and reuse grant program in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, extending the program’s authorization period from 5 years to 10 years. This would affect federal agencies administering the grants, as well as states, local governments, water districts, and other eligible entities that seek funding for water recycling, reuse, and related water infrastructure projects. By lengthening the authorization, the bill may improve planning certainty for long-term water supply and drought-resilience investments.
Sentiment
Available context suggests generally favorable sentiment. The bill was introduced by Senators Cortez Masto and Curtis and was ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources with an amendment in the nature of a substitute, favorably, indicating committee support. No recorded votes or committee transcript objections are provided, and the bill’s limited, reauthorization-focused scope suggests it is likely viewed as a practical infrastructure and water-supply measure.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. Because the bill simply extends an existing grant authorization, any debate would likely center on the appropriate length of the authorization, federal spending priorities, and the role of federal grants in water infrastructure. However, the available record does not identify any named opponents or disputed provisions.