Congressman Juan Ciscomani has joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers to reintroduce the Water Project Navigators Act (H.R. 7408), a bill aimed at supporting water conservation efforts in rural and tribal communities. The legislation is sponsored by Senators John Hickenlooper of Colorado, Jerry Moran of Kansas, and Representative Brittany Petterson of Colorado.
The proposed law would create a new Bureau of Reclamation program to fund grant navigators who help states, Tribes, and rural areas secure federal resources for water projects. These projects are intended to improve water efficiency, reduce consumption, and strengthen ecosystem resilience—issues that are particularly relevant in southeastern Arizona.
“In Arizona, water is our most precious resource. As the drought worsens in the West, it is now more important than ever that impacted communities have the necessary tools to secure federal dollars for critical multi-benefit water infrastructure projects,” said Ciscomani. “I am proud to have worked with a bipartisan, bicameral group of my colleagues on this legislation that will create a community navigator position through the Bureau of Reclamation to assist our constituents that need it the most in funding their water conservation efforts.”
Senator Hickenlooper noted: “Communities needing the most federal support for their water supply are often the ones who don’t get it. Water project navigators will help get more projects developed, funded, and built for our rural and tribal communities.”
Senator Moran added: “Over the past few years, families, farms and communities across Kansas have been impacted by drought. While there are federal resources available to help preserve water, accessing these resources can be a challenge for Tribal and rural communities. This legislation will connect these communities with the resources available to them to help combat the impact of droughts.”
Representative Pettersen said: “Water is life in Colorado, but as federal clean water programs face devastating cuts, rural communities need our support now more than ever. Climate change is making droughts more frequent and more severe, and communities shouldn’t be left to navigate complex funding processes on their own. The Water Project Navigators Act ensures Tribes, rural towns, and local water districts have the support they need to draw down federal dollars, making sure the next generation can grow up in a secure, resilient Colorado.”
Arizona and other western states face ongoing threats from drought and wildfire. Rural and tribal areas often struggle due to aging infrastructure and growing demand for water supplies. While grant programs exist through the Bureau of Reclamation for state and local governments’ water management needs, many smaller or less-resourced communities lack capacity to access this funding.
The bill seeks to build local capacity for developing beneficial water projects; increase project creation rates; prioritize applicants with high need—including tribal and rural entities; and work within existing state or community structures using local expertise.
Local organizations expressed support for the legislation. Alex Funk from Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership stated: “The Water Project Navigators Act will ensure state and local officials and rural communities have adequate capacity to enhance water security, respond to drought, and restore fish and wildlife habitat. We applaud Representatives Ciscomani and Pettersen’s leadership in working to reduce barriers in accessing critical financial assistance to accelerate the deployment of water projects that are necessary to adapt to rapidly changing water supply conditions in the western United States.”
Haley Paul from National Audubon Society added: “The National Audubon Society supports the Water Project Navigators Act, which would help deploy more multi-benefit water projects throughout the West. This bill supports Tribes and rural communities by prioritizing technical assistance for projects that address local water supply issues—allowing communities to adapt to drought as well as boost watershed health. In Arizona and New Mexico, this program will provide crucial resources for projects that enhance the overall water security of our communities and improve wildlife habitat.”
Juan Ciscomani has represented Arizona’s 6th district since 2023 after replacing Ann Kirkpatrick. He was born in Hermosillo, Mexico in 1982 before moving to Tucson where he currently resides. He graduated from University of Arizona with a BA in 2005.
In recent elections, Ciscomani defeated Kirsten Engel twice—in 2022 with just over half of votes cast (50.7% vs 49.2%) and again in 2024 (50% vs 47.5%).
