Bill · S. 4971· Senate(119-S-4971)
Western Water Infrastructure Fairness Act
- Introduced
- 7/14/2026
- Last activity
- 7/14/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Sponsored by
- Mark Kelly
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is called the "Western Water Infrastructure Fairness Act." It seeks to change the Water Resources Development Act of 1999. The purpose is to modify the Federal share of costs for certain Western rural water infrastructure projects. Specifically, it creates an exception for projects that benefit economically disadvantaged communities.
Yes· 3 of 25
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+9
Specifically targets and provides funding for rural water infrastructure in the West.
Does this invest in rural communities?+8
Significantly increases federal funding for water infrastructure in rural Western communities.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+7
Directly benefits economically disadvantaged communities by lowering the local cost of water projects.
The opposite· 3 of 4
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-2
The bill increases the Federal share of project costs to 90 percent for certain projects.
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?-1
Increasing the Federal cost share of projects increases government spending.
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?-1
Increases federal expenditure on specific infrastructure projects.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Increased Federal Funding: For projects benefiting economically disadvantaged communities, the Federal share of the cost will be 90 percent. This reduces the local financial burden for water infrastructure in these areas (Section 2).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts for people are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+9Good For Low Income Households+7Good For Farmers+6Good For Native Americans+5Good For Business Owners+3Good For Union Workers+3Good For African Americans+2Good For Children+2Good For Hispanic Americans+2Good For Middle Class Households+2Good For High Income Households+1Good For Middle Aged+1Good For Retirees+1Good For Seniors+1Good For White Americans+1Good For Young Adults+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+8Improves Environmental Protections+1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+3Improves Racial Equity+2Improves Affordable Housing+1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+2Increases Job Creation+2Improves Small Business Support+1Reduces Government Spending-2Improves Fiscal Responsibility-1Reduces National Debt-1
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+1Increase States Rights-1
- 7/14/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Ruben GallegoDemocrat · Arizona