Department of Agriculture rural development

(a) Water and waste facility loans and grants To alleviate health risks Section 306C(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926c(a)) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), in the first sentence of the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting Native Hawaiian organizations (as defined in section 6207 of the Native Hawaiian Education Act (20 U.S.C. 7517)), including the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (as defined in section 801 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4221)), after other federally recognized Indian tribes,; and (2) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following: (C) Tribal residents Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), loans and grants under paragraph (1) may also be made if the loan or grant funds will be used primarily to provide water or waste services, or both, to residents on Tribal land (as defined in section 905(a) of division N of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (47 U.S.C. 1705(a))).. (b) Extension of authority for grants and loans In addition to the purposes for which grants and loans may be provided under sections 306C and 306D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926c, 1926d), the Secretary of Agriculture (referred to in this section as the Secretary) may make or insure loans to, make grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements or contracts with eligible entities described in subsection (d) for technical assistance. (c) Authorization of appropriations In addition to amounts otherwise available, there are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030— (1) $100,000,000, to remain available until expended, to make or insure loans and make grants under sections 306C and 306D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926c, 1926d), and for the additional purposes described in subsection (b), to eligible entities described in subsection (d) to provide for the development, use, and control of water (including the extension or improvement of existing water supply systems); and (2) $30,000,000, to remain available until expended, for eligible entities described in subsection (d) to obtain or contract for technical assistance. (d) Eligible entities An entity eligible to receive a grant or an award of financial or technical assistance using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorizations of appropriations under paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (c) or amounts otherwise available under sections 306C and 306D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926c, 1926d)— (1) is an Indian Tribe or a Native Hawaiian organization; and (2) in the case of a grant under section 306D of that Act (7 U.S.C. 1926d), includes a consortium formed pursuant to section 325 of Public Law 105–83 (111 Stat. 1597). (e) No matching contribution The funds made available under subsection (c) shall not require any matching contribution otherwise required by any other provision of law (including regulations). (f) Exceptions For purposes of any loan or grant to, or cooperative agreement or contract with, an eligible entity using amounts appropriated under subsection (c)— (1) the requirements under section 306C(a)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926c(a)(2)) shall not apply; and (2) an eligible entity or the members of an eligible entity shall not be required to demonstrate an inability to finance the proposed project— (A) from the resources of the eligible entity or members; or (B) through commercial credit. (g) Interagency collaboration The Secretary shall consult with the Director of the Indian Health Service regarding agency collaboration, project prioritization, and staffing needs to ensure the amounts appropriated under subsection (c) are used in the most effective manner to promote access to water and sanitation.