A bill to amend the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to authorize the use of funds for certain additional Carey Act projects, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- S. 1257
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Water Resources Development
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-02: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-24T12:48:03Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
This bill (S. 1257) aims to expand the use of federal funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) to support the repair, rebuilding, or replacement of additional dams originally developed under the Carey Act. The Carey Act, passed in 1894, promotes irrigation and land reclamation in arid western states by granting federal land to states for development projects.
Key Provisions
- Amendment to Existing Law: The bill modifies Section 40904(b) of the IIJA (codified at 43 U.S.C. 3204(b)), which deals with funding for dam rehabilitation.
- It reorganizes the section's structure by redesignating paragraphs and subparagraphs for clarity.
- It adds a new subsection (2) allowing the Secretary of the Interior to allocate funds for "additional projects."
- Eligibility for Additional Projects:
- Funds from IIJA Section 40901(2)(B) can be used for dams built under Section 4 of the Carey Act (43 U.S.C. 641) that are still operating as dams.
- This funding is conditional on two determinations by the Secretary:
- All dams already eligible under the original IIJA criteria have received full funding for their rehabilitation, reconstruction, or replacement.
- Remaining funds under the specified IIJA provision are still available.
- Scope: Focuses on rehabilitation (repairing to original condition), reconstruction (rebuilding), or replacement of these dams to ensure safety and functionality.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The original IIJA Section 40904(b) limits funding to a specific set of dams meeting certain criteria (e.g., those posing safety risks or supporting critical infrastructure).
- This bill introduces a sequential funding mechanism: Once the initial eligible dams are fully funded, surplus funds can shift to additional Carey Act dams, broadening access without increasing overall appropriations.
- No new funds are authorized; it reallocates existing IIJA allocations for dam safety and water infrastructure.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of the Interior (likely through the Bureau of Reclamation) gains flexibility in managing IIJA funds, potentially streamlining dam maintenance but requiring administrative reviews to confirm funding status.
- Citizens: Residents in western states (e.g., Idaho, where sponsors are from) benefiting from Carey Act irrigation projects may see improved water supply reliability, flood control, and agricultural productivity, reducing risks from aging dams.
- International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though enhanced U.S. water infrastructure could indirectly support regional stability in water-scarce areas bordering Mexico or Canada.
- Overall, it promotes efficient use of federal infrastructure dollars, potentially preventing costly emergencies from dam failures.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Government: Department of the Interior and Bureau of Reclamation, responsible for oversight and fund distribution.
- State Governments: Primarily western states (e.g., Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada) that received Carey Act land grants and manage related dams.
- Local Entities and Citizens: Dam operators, irrigation districts, farmers, and communities reliant on these dams for water, agriculture, and flood protection.
- Environmental and Safety Groups: Could benefit from safer dams but may monitor for ecological effects on rivers and habitats.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens implementation of the Carey Act by integrating it with modern infrastructure funding, ensuring compliance with dam safety standards under federal law (e.g., no new liabilities created, as it uses existing funds).
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under the Property Clause (Article IV, Section 3) to manage federal lands and promote public welfare through infrastructure.
- Political: Represents a targeted expansion of IIJA benefits to legacy reclamation projects, potentially appealing to bipartisan interests in rural infrastructure and water security; no major controversies noted, but it could influence future debates on reallocating federal funds amid budget constraints.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-02: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2025-04-02: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- To amend the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to authorize the use of funds for certain additional Carey Act projects, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-04-02 — PDF (3 pages)