Senator introduces legislation to strengthen Idaho’s water infrastructure
U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) joined a group of lawmakers in introducing two bills to strengthen Idaho’s water infrastructure, improve wildfire preparedness and expand access to critical resources for communities across the state. The two bills include the FIRE SMART Act and the Clean Water Allotment Modernization Act of 2026.
The FIRE SMART Act would provide states additional flexibility to support drinking water infrastructure projects that also improve wildfire suppression capabilities in high-risk rural communities. The Clean Water Allotment Modernization Act of 2026 would update the formula used to distribute Clean Water State Revolving Fund funding to states for the first time since the program’s creation.
“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 “These bills would help to modernize outdated federal policies and provide states greater flexibility to address local infrastructure needs.”
“[The state’s] small and rural communities often face significant infrastructure challenges with limited resources,” said Jess Byrne, Director, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). “These bills would provide qualifying communities with greater flexibility and better align clean water funding through the State Revolving Fund to address Idaho’s infrastructure needs. DEQ appreciates Senator Crapo’s effort to advance practical solutions that support Idaho communities.”
