Urgent Action Needed: Congress Must Reject Proposed Cut to the Title XVI Water Reuse Grants Program

Dear :

Your help is needed today to protect the longest standing water reuse grants program in the country. The Title XVI Water Reuse Grants Program provides federal cost share for water recycling projects in 17 Western states. The program has helped communities across the West build drought resilience, keep nutrients and other pollutants out of sensitive waterways, save billions of dollars relative to importing water, and grow sustainable economies. It is a key economic and climate resiliency tool.

Congress is currently deciding funding levels for federal programs in FY 2025. While the House FY 2025 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill protects funding for the Title XVI Program, the Senate version of the bill includes a 33 percent funding cut, from $30 million to $20 million.

The Title XVI program has two components—a competitive grants component known as WIIN Title XVI, and a congressionally directed spending component whereby projects are individually authorized and funded by Congress. In FY 2024, Congress appropriated $20 million for WIIN Title XVI and $10 million for congressionally authorized Title XVI projects. By contrast, the Senate’s FY 2025 bill includes $20 million total and does not delineate how the funding should be split between the two program components.

When Congress returns from its summer recess next week, the House and Senate will begin negotiating final funding levels for FY 2025. We must ensure that the final funding package does not include the Senate’s proposed cut to the Title XVI Program.

How to Take Action:

Sign your utility, business, organization on to this joint letter, urging the House and Senate Appropriations Committees to provide at least $20 million for WIIN Title XVI and at least $10 million for congressionally authorized Title XVI projects. To sign on, email Greg Fogel at gfogel@watereuse.org.
Call the Capitol switchboard today at (202) 224-3121 to reach your representatives and senators. Ask for the staffer who handles water issues and tell them that you are calling about FY 2025 appropriations. Leaving a message is fine! Explain the Senate’s proposed cut, note your opposition, and urge them to provide at least $20 million for WIIN Title XVI and at least $10 million for congressionally authorized Title XVI projects.

For more information or to prepare before you make your ask, contact Greg Fogel at gfogel@watereuse.org or 805-570-3038. Thank you!