Jump to navigation

The University of Arizona Wordmark Line Logo White
Home
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  •  
  • Events
  • News
  • Publications
  • Programs
  • Resources
  • Opportunities
  • About
  • Give
Weekly Wave
  • Facebook  
  • Twitter  
  • YouTube  

Log In

A research and extension unit of the

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Engagement
November 19, 2021

Infrastructure Deal is Big News for WRRC and Water Sector

Did you know that the WRRC was part of the bipartisan infrastructure bill? The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law this week, contains historic investment in water resources and, of particular importance to the WRRC, it reauthorized the Water Resources Research Act (WRRA). As our readers may know, the WRRC is the water resources research institute for AZ, federally authorized under the WRRA. The reauthorization extends WRRA funding through FY2025 and contains changes long advocated by the WRRC and peer research institutes nationwide. An important change halves the cost-sharing requirement, from 2:1 to 1:1. This change will significantly improve the WRRC’s ability to leverage WRRA funding for our research and outreach programs, including the Section 104(b) student grant program. We will be issuing the next call for 104(b) proposals in the spring semester.
 
Of more general interest to the water sector, the infrastructure deal includes over $50 billion for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure funding, according to an EPA Fact Sheet. Among its many water-related provisions, the Act allocates $1 billion for water reuse projects in the western US, $11.7 billion each for Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, and an additional $15 billion in loans and grants for lead service pipe replacement. Multi-benefit watershed health projects received $100 million, desalination projects $250 million, and Drought Contingency Plan implementation $300 million.
 
Image: Andy Pernick, Bureau of Reclamation

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

Recent News

Engagement
May 13, 2022
Stressed Colorado River Makes News
Read More
Engagement
May 06, 2022
LSCRB Climate Change Impact Study Results Available

University of Arizona researchers Kathy Jacobs, Neha Gupta, Chris Castro, and Hsin-I Chang have been key contributors to the first comprehensive assessment of climate change effects on the Lower Santa Cruz River Basin (LSCRB). 

Read More
Engagement
April 29, 2022
Egyptian Ambassador Featured in Event on Egyptian-American Relations, Climate, and Water

The Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations and the University of Arizona Center for Middle Eastern Studies (CMES),

Read More
Engagement
April 29, 2022
Upcoming Special Event: INHABITANTS Panel & Asynchronous Screening

As part of the WRRC’s Indigenous Water Dialogues, we are pleased to announce a special panel discussion of INHABITANTS: Indigenous Perspectives On Restoring Our World, as well as free screening for all event registrants. 

Read More
April 22, 2022
WRRC Director Megdal Honored at IAH Commission Event

The International Association of Hydrogeologists Commission on Managing Aquifer Recharge (IAH-MAR Commission) held a meeting and plenary session at ISMAR11 on the evening of April 12, 2022. In addition to electing a slate of officers, the session honored individuals who had contributed significantly to the organization’s mission.

Read More
Engagement
April 22, 2022
WRRC Invites Your Support: Sponsor Our 2022 Annual Conference

The 2022 WRRC Conference, Arizona’s Agricultural Outlook: Water, Climate, and Sustainability, is quickly approaching. 

Read More
  • Show More

We tackle key water policy and management issues, empower informed decision-making, and enrich understanding through engagement, education, and applied research.

Give Today
Weekly Wave

Keep up with our news and events with a subscription to our Weekly Wave.

Subscribe

Reach Out

  • 350 N Campbell Ave
    Tucson, AZ 85719
  • (520) 621-9591
  • (520) 792-8518
  • Email Us
  • Directory

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

© 2022 The Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of The University of Arizona.