43 U.S.C. § 3203: Small water storage and groundwater storage projects

The Secretary shall establish a competitive grant program, under which the non-Federal project sponsor of any project in a Reclamation State, including the State of Alaska or Hawaii, determined by the Secretary to be feasible under subsection (b)(2)(B) shall be eligible to apply for funding for the planning, design, and construction of the project. A non-Federal project sponsor described in subsection (a) may submit to the Secretary a proposal for a project eligible to receive a grant under this section in the form of a completed feasibility study. has water storage capacity of not less than 200 acre-feet and not more than 30,000 acre-feet; and increases surface water or groundwater storage; or conveys water, directly or indirectly, to or from surface water or groundwater storage. Not later than 60 days after November 15, 2021 , the Secretary shall issue guidelines for feasibility studies for small storage projects to provide sufficient information for the formulation of the studies. the feasibility study, and the process under which the study was developed, each comply with Federal laws (including regulations) applicable to feasibility studies of small storage projects; the guidelines developed under paragraph (1)(C); and the reclamation laws; and the project provides a Federal benefit, as determined by the Secretary. the results of the review of the study by the Secretary under paragraph (2), including a determination of whether the project is feasible and provides a Federal benefit; any recommendations that the Secretary may have concerning the plan or design of the project; and any conditions the Secretary may require for construction of the project. The non-Federal project sponsor of any project determined by the Secretary to be feasible under paragraph (3)(A) shall be eligible to apply to the Secretary for a grant to cover the Federal share of the costs of planning, designing, and constructing the project pursuant to subsection (c). Prior to awarding grants to a small storage project, the Secretary shall determine whether there is sufficient non-Federal funding available to complete the project. Projects that are likely to provide a more reliable water supply for States, Indian Tribes, and local governments, including subdivisions of those entities. Projects that are likely to increase water management flexibility and reduce impacts on environmental resources from projects operated by Federal and State agencies. Projects that are regional in nature. Projects with multiple stakeholders. Projects that provide multiple benefits, including water supply reliability, ecosystem benefits, groundwater management and enhancements, and water quality improvements. 25 percent of the total project cost; or $30,000,000. In providing funding for a grant for a project under this section, the Secretary shall comply with all applicable environmental laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). The authority to carry out this section terminates on the date that is 5 years after November 15, 2021 .