Wittman, Brownley Introduce Advancing Water Research and Collaboration (AWRC) Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) and Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) introduced the Advancing Water Research and Collaboration (AWRC) Act - legislation that would reauthorize the Water Resources Research Act (WRRA) from Fiscal Year 2026 through Fiscal Year 2029 and increase the appropriations authorization for the program from $15 million to $16 million per year.

"As vice chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, I remain committed to conservation efforts that improve soil health, reduce runoff, and enhance water quality," said Rep. Wittman. "The AWRC Act strengthens the critical partnership between states and the federal government to coordinate, plan, organize, and conduct research that addresses state and regional water problems. I am proud to introduce this legislation, which will ensure essential water research continues for years to come."

"Across the country, the intensifying climate crisis is pushing our water systems to the breaking point," said Congresswoman Julia Brownley. "When access to clean water is at risk, the health, safety, and economic security of our communities are also in jeopardy. That is why we must invest in the research and innovation needed to address growing water supply challenges. To that effect, I am working with Representative Wittman to reauthorize the Water Resources Research Act Program, which will help secure the federal investments states need to protect and strengthen our water systems. Together, we will keep working to ensure every community has access to safe, clean, and affordable water for generations to come."

"In Virginia, WRRA funding drives research on the water challenges that matter most to our communities, from nutrient pollution in the Chesapeake Bay to 'forever' chemical contamination of our drinking water. With demands on water resources growing from all directions including population growth, agriculture, and the rapid expansion of data centers and AI infrastructure, this research has never been more urgent. Reauthorization of this program is essential to keeping that work moving forward. We are grateful to Congressman Wittman for championing this legislation and ensuring Virginia and the nation remain at the forefront of water science for a secure and resilient water future," said Dr. Kevin McGuire, Director of the Virginia Water Resources Research Center.

"For more than 60 years, the Water Resources Research Act (WRRA) has supported locally driven, nationally significant research to address the most pressing water challenges facing our states and territories. From safeguarding drinking water supplies and reducing nutrient pollution to addressing emerging contaminants and the growing water demands of advanced manufacturing, data centers, and artificial intelligence infrastructure, the need for sound water science has never been greater. Reauthorization of the WRRA program ensures that every state has the capacity to respond to its unique water challenges while contributing to a stronger, more resilient national water future. We are deeply inspired by Congressman Wittman's keynote speech at the NIWR annual conference on February 23, 2026, as a legislative leader and a fellow scientist. We are grateful to his leadership in advancing this bipartisan legislation and for recognizing the critical role of university-based water research in protecting our communities, economies, and future generations nationwide." - Yu-Feng Forrest Lin, President of the National Institutes for Water Resources (NIWR)

Background:

The Water Resources Research Act Program, authorized by section 104 of the Water Resources Research Act of 1984, established a network of Water Resources Research Institutes (WRRIs) in each state that work to address state & regional water challenges with federal funds. The AWRC Act would reauthorize this network of research institutes to address state & regional water challenges with federal funds. These research institutes are typically housed at major research universities, ensuring each state is well-equipped to manage its unique water challenges. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) have introduced companion legislation in the United States Senate.