The Department of the Interior has announced a $41 million investment from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law aimed at enhancing water resources and ecosystem health. This funding will support 21 projects designed to strengthen resilience in communities affected by drought and climate change. The initiatives will focus on instream and riparian restoration, canal lining and piping, fish habitat improvements, and fish passage.

Secretary Deb Haaland emphasized the importance of these projects, stating, “Nature is our best ally in the fight against climate change and through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we have transformational resources to advance locally led, partnership driven projects like these that will catalyze nature-based solutions and build resilient communities and landscapes.” Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton added, “This historic investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law gives Reclamation the opportunity to continue to collaborate with our stakeholders to leverage funds for these multi-benefit projects.”

The selected projects span across several states including California, Colorado, Hawai’i, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. They aim to improve water conservation and efficiency while restoring rivers and watersheds. These efforts are part of a broader strategy under President Biden’s Investing in America agenda which represents a significant commitment to climate resilience.

The WaterSMART program plays a key role in advancing the Justice40 Initiative by ensuring that 40 percent of benefits from federal investments reach disadvantaged communities. This initiative reflects the administration's commitment to environmental justice.