Inflation Reduction Act Tracker

Sabin Center for Climate Change Law
Environmental Defense Fund

IRA Section 50231 – Water Access Grants

Section 50231 of the IRA appropriates $550 million to the DOI, through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to remain available through September 30, 2031, for grants, contracts, and other financial assistance agreements for disadvantaged communities.

The determination of a disadvantaged community shall be made based on criteria adopted by the Commissioner of Reclamation. The primary purpose of projects under this section is to provide domestic water supplies to households or communities that do not have reliable access to the same. The costs, planning, design, or construction of water projects under this section shall be 100% funded by this appropriation.

To qualify, the communities must be located in the following states or territories:

1) Arizona
2) California
3) Colorado
4) Idaho
5) Kansas
6) Montana
7) Nebraska
8) Nevada
9) New Mexico
10) North Dakota
11) Oklahoma
12) Oregon
13) South Dakota
14) Texas
15) Utah,
16) Washington
17) Wyoming
18) American Samoa
19) Guam
20) Northern Mariana Islands
21) Virgin Islands

 

Eligible Entities:

State/Territorial Government, Local Government, Native American/Indigenous Community

Environmental Justice Considerations:

This IRA provision is expected to fund up to one hundred percent of costs associated with planning and building domestic water supply projects for disadvantaged communities and households without access to a reliable domestic water supply.

Current Status:

No change under Trump administration

Implementation Status at End of Biden Administration:

In Progress

DOI has awarded over $400 million of the appropriated $550 million. Thus far, grants have been awarded to tribal communities, states, and territories. Approximately $150 million of the appropriated funds are still available.