This bill expands access to water resources for Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian communities.
Under a current program, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) makes loans and grants to provide water and waste disposal facilities and services to low-income rural areas whose residents are facing significant health risks. This bill expands eligibility for the program to include Native Hawaiian organizations. Additionally, these loans and grants may be used to provide water or waste services to residents on tribal lands.
The bill authorizes USDA to make additional loans and grants under existing programs to tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations to develop, use, and control water. The bill also allows USDA to support technical assistance for tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations.
Additionally, the bill allows the Indian Health Service to (1) provide and maintain essential sanitation facilities for noncommercial community structures (e.g., schools, hospitals, and tribal offices), (2) provide technical assistance, and (3) provide financial assistance to operate and maintain drinking water and sanitation facilities serving tribes that are owned and operated by a tribe.
The bill also increases the authorization of appropriations for the Bureau of Reclamation's Native American Affairs Technical Assistance Program through FY2030.