Crapo Looks To Improve Idaho Water Infrastructure &

Idaho communities could see more federal support for water infrastructure and wildfire preparedness under two bipartisan bills introduced by Senator Mike Crapo.

One measure, the FIRE SMART Act of 2026, would give rural communities more flexibility to use existing drinking water funds for projects that improve both water systems and wildfire response, including increased water storage and pressure for firefighting. Eligible projects could include improvements to water storage, distribution capacity and water pressure that support everyday drinking water needs while also enhancing local firefighting capabilities. The bill does not authorize new federal spending or alter existing funding allocations.

Proposals Would Help Rural Communities, Supporters Note

The second bill, the Clean Water Allotment Modernization Act of 2026, would update the formula used to distribute federal clean water funding for the first time in nearly forty years. Under the updated formula, the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, or CWSRF. capitalization grants would be distributed based on a combination of state clean water infrastructure needs, population and economic factors. EPA estimates more than $630 billion in clean water investments will be needed nationwide over the next 20 years.

According to a Government Accountability Office analysis, Idaho could receive about 50% more annual clean water funding under the revised formula.

Supporters say the legislation would help small and rural communities address aging infrastructure while improving preparedness for increasingly severe wildfire seasons.

"Idaho's communities rely on strong and reliable water infrastructure, whether it is delivering safe drinking water, maintaining clean waterways or improving preparedness for increasingly severe wildfire seasons," said Crapo. "These bills would help to modernize outdated federal policies and provide states greater flexibility to address local infrastructure needs.”

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