U.S. Senators John Boozman and Mark Kelly have introduced the Advancing Water Research and Collaboration (AWRC) Act of 2025, a bill that seeks to reauthorize and update the federal-state partnership established under the Water Resources Research Act (WRRA) of 1984. The proposed legislation would extend the program through Fiscal Year 2029.
The WRRA is administered by the U.S. Geological Survey, which provides grants to Water Resources Research Institutes across the country. These institutes, such as the Arkansas Water Resources Center at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, conduct water quality research, train future scientists and engineers, and share information aimed at protecting public health.
Senator Boozman emphasized the importance of this work: “Clean, safe water is vital and helps expand economic opportunity in communities across our country. The important research facilitated through the federal partnership with Water Research Institutes is at the foundation of our ability to increase access to this key resource. I am proud to lead this bipartisan effort to ensure it can continue to serve Arkansas, Arizona and every state’s water needs.”
Senator Kelly highlighted regional concerns: “Across Arizona and the West, we’re seeing firsthand how drought and changing climate patterns are straining our water supplies and infrastructure. By strengthening this partnership between federal and state researchers, we’re investing in solutions that will protect public health and support reliable access to clean water. I look forward to working with Senator Boozman to meet our nation’s growing water challenges.”
Dr. Yu-Feng Forrest Lin, President of the National Institutes for Water Resources (NIWR), said: “The National Institutes for Water Resources (NIWR) applauds Senators Boozman and Kelly for introducing the Advancing Water Research and Collaboration (AWRC) Act to reauthorize the Water Resources Research Act program at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). NIWR institutes in the 50 states, D.C., and the three island territories partner with more than 150 state agencies and over 200 local and municipal offices to deliver critical research and planning that address pressing water challenges — including the water-energy nexus for AI infrastructure development, harmful algal blooms, Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) contamination, drought and flood mitigation, water reuse innovations, and advancements in water management. We look forward to working with Congress to ensure the continued success of this vital program.”
Dr. Brian E. Haggard, Director of Arkansas Water Resources Center added: “In Arkansas, we use these funds to research emerging issues like innovative ways to mitigate harmful algal blooms and PFAS in our water resources. The Arkansas Water Resources Center funded seven research projects through WRRA this year and supports reauthorization of this important program to accomplish even more. We appreciate Senators Boozman and Kelly for leading this effort.”
If passed into law, the AWRC Act would raise authorized funding levels for these institutes from $15 million up to $16 million annually; require applications for research funding consider developments related to artificial intelligence; as well as maintain an 80/20 split between base program funding and special project grants.
There are currently 54 such institutes or centers operating throughout all U.S. states plus Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam.
