WATER STRATEGIES, LLC

Prepared NWRA letters, memos, testimony, and member communications related to Bureau of Reclamation policy, funding, and program implementation. Supported NWRA advocacy related to Reclamation infrastructure, WaterSMART, Title XVI, aging infrastructure, drought programs, hydropower, urbanized canals, and project cost-sharing issues. Prepared and supported NWRA outreach regarding the nomination of Aubrey Bettencourt to serve as Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation. Coordinated NWRA member input and Congressional outreach related to western drought conditions, water supply reliability, and the need for continued federal investment in drought resilience and water infrastructure. Tracked Congressional and agency developments affecting western water infrastructure, hydropower, Reclamation policy, and federal water project delivery.

Tracked Farm Bill and related agriculture policy discussions affecting irrigation infrastructure, conservation programs, forest management, drought response, and USDA water programs. Engaged with House and Senate Agriculture Committee offices regarding Farm Bill issues and their implications for western water users, irrigation districts, and agricultural water supply reliability. Prepared and supported NWRA outreach to the U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding completion of the FSA Water Saving Commodities Program review and release of related funding. Tracked and reported on Congressional hearings and committee activity related to USDA programs, conservation funding, disaster assistance, and Farm Bill development.

Prepared NWRA support materials and member communications related to federal permitting, Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and project delivery legislation, including the SPEED Act and related permitting reform proposals. Tracked agency and Congressional activity regarding NEPA implementation, Reclamation procedures, ESA consultation, species recovery, and federal regulatory issues affecting western water operations and project delivery. Coordinated with NWRA members and partner organizations regarding Reclamations NEPA implementing procedures and related changes to federal environmental review requirements.

Tracked appropriations and budget developments affecting Bureau of Reclamation accounts and related western water priorities, including FY2026 funding and FY2027 budget requests. Prepared memos and member communications regarding Energy and Water Development, Interior and Environment, Agriculture, and related appropriations activity affecting Reclamation, USDA conservation programs, State Revolving Fund programs, and federal water infrastructure funding. Supported outreach regarding Reclamation Water and Related Resources, WaterSMART, Title XVI, aging infrastructure, drought funding, hydropower, and other federal water infrastructure priorities. Tracked reconciliation and related budget discussions affecting Reclamation, drought response, water infrastructure, and western resource management.

Prepared NWRA comments, letters, emails, and member communications regarding Waters of the United States and related Clean Water Act jurisdictional and implementation issues affecting western water agencies. Tracked Clean Water Act, Section 401, PFAS, and State Revolving Fund issues affecting water infrastructure, permitting, and compliance obligations for western water providers.

Tracked and reported on development of the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 and related Corps of Engineers water infrastructure provisions. Prepared and submitted NWRA correspondence to House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee staff regarding NWRA support for the WRDA 2026 draft, while noting continued review of draft text and potential recommendations. Coordinated with committee staff and NWRA members regarding WRDA provisions affecting western water infrastructure, Corps programs, permitting, and related federal water policy issues. Tracked Senate Environment and Public Works Committee activity related to WRDA 2026 and prepared member communications summarizing provisions affecting water infrastructure and western water priorities.