Lawmakers introduce 'DROUGHT Act' to bolster water infrastructure in Coachella Valley and beyond
By Imperial Valley Press
In a direct response to the persistent water crisis gripping the American West, Rep. Raul Ruiz (CA-25) joined a coalition of California lawmakers this week to introduce the Drought Relief Obtained Using Government Help Today (DROUGHT) Act.
The legislation aims to modernize how the federal government funds critical water projects, ensuring that low-income and drought-stricken regions—including the Coachella Valley and surrounding desert communities—can break ground on infrastructure without being sidelined by high costs.
The bill, led by Reps. Scott Peters (CA-50) and John Garamendi (CA-08), would adjust the funding limits for the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA). Under current law, the federal government cannot cover more than 80% of a project's cost. The DROUGHT Act would raise that cap to 90% for projects in areas facing extreme drought or serving historically disadvantaged communities.
For Rep. Ruiz, whose district encompasses parts of the Inland Empire and the Coachella Valley, the bill represents a vital lifeline for local families.
“The DROUGHT Act is a commonsense step to help drought-prone communities access the federal support they need to build resilient water infrastructure,” Ruiz said in a statement. “By increasing WIFIA funding for projects in low-income and high-need regions, this bill ensures cost isn’t the barrier between families and reliable water supplies.”
The Western U.S. has faced decades of historic dryness, straining the Colorado River and its reservoirs. While Southern California has made strides in water recycling and conservation, aging infrastructure and limited local budgets often stall large-scale improvements.
By increasing the federal share of project costs, the bill allows local municipalities to take on ambitious projects—such as water desalination, wastewater recycling, and updated delivery systems—while keeping long-term, low-interest loans as a viable financing tool. Importantly, the bill does not change the requirement for borrowers to repay their loans or alter interest rates.
“Every Californian deserves access to safe, clean, reliable drinking water,” said Rep. Garamendi. “I’m proud to join Congressman Peters in introducing the DROUGHT Act to ensure communities have the resources and federal support they need.”
The legislation arrives with a broad base of support from both public and private sectors. Endorsing organizations include the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the San Diego County Water Authority, and the California Association of Sanitation Agencies.
As climate change continues to impact the reliability of the Colorado River, the lawmakers argue that the federal government must become a more flexible partner. For the residents of California's 25th District, the bill promises to turn the tide on water scarcity by making expensive infrastructure more attainable for the communities that need it most