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 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.

Other drought planning news:

• The San Luis Obispo Tribune (Calif.): Arroyo Grande will ask voters for option to buy state water outside of droughts
• The Fresno Bee (Calif.): More agave farming — and fallow fields — in Fresno after unstable 2025 water deliveries
• Arizona Republic (Phoenix): Opinion: Arizona crops are under assault. We can prevent it
• CSU Long Beach: Blog: Hydrologist Laurie Huning on extreme climate and protecting California’s water supply
• WaterWorld: Bill would increase WIFIA funding share for drought-impacted water projects