Rural communities may soon have quicker access to emergency water funding under new legislation led by U.S. Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio). The proposed bill seeks to address the delays rural areas often experience in receiving federal aid after water-related disasters.
“Rural communities are often hit the hardest by water-related disasters, yet they face long delays before emergency funding reaches them. This commonsense bill cuts red tape so communities can respond immediately during times of emergency and get critical water systems back online faster. In a crisis, communities need action, and this bipartisan effort will deliver help when they need it most,” said Husted.
Rep. Adam Schiff added: “When disasters strike, neighborhoods need access to water without delay in order to respond, save lives and recover. This legislation will play an important role in making sure we protect our water supply and provide the support our communities need to assist thousands of people in times of emergency.”
Matt Holmes, CEO of National Rural Water Association, stated: “The Emergency Rural Water Response Act will ensure rural communities are not left waiting for help when disaster strikes, thus protecting public health and economic stability through access to safe and reliable water services in rural America. By streamlining emergency funding and expanding eligibility, this legislation empowers local water systems to respond quickly and protect the families, farms, and businesses that depend on them every day.”
The bill proposes adding a new category of eligible projects under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants program. If passed, grant funds could be used for a wider range of infrastructure needs such as potable water systems, wastewater management, storm drainage improvements, and solid waste facilities.
Additionally, the population cap for eligible rural towns would rise from 10,000 to 35,000 residents. This change would allow larger rural communities to qualify for assistance.
The USDA’s Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants program provides funding to help rural areas prepare for or recover from emergencies that threaten drinking water supplies—such as droughts or floods—even if there is no federal disaster declaration required.
This initiative follows other efforts by Husted aimed at supporting Ohio’s rural regions. He previously introduced legislation intended to help these communities better navigate federal programs related to water resources. He also advocated for establishing the Rural Health Transformation Fund as part of broader tax reform efforts—a measure expected to channel over $1 billion into Ohio’s rural healthcare system over five years.
