Bill > HR7530

This bill, titled the Assistance for Rural Water Systems Act of 2026, aims to enhance support for rural water, wastewater, and waste disposal systems by amending the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. It introduces a new section that allows the Secretary to provide grants, zero-interest loans, or one-percent-interest loans to eligible entities, which are defined as rural water, wastewater, or waste disposal facilities that can receive assistance under existing programs. Furthermore, the bill empowers the Secretary to forgive or modify terms of existing loans for these entities, or to refinance other loans if their purpose aligns with eligible water or waste disposal projects. This assistance can be provided to ensure these systems can maintain public health and safety, or to alleviate financial hardships for entities located in disadvantaged or economically distressed areas, with specific criteria to be established for determining such areas based on the affordability of water services and other relevant factors.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7530/all-info