WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Senate Commerce Committee has unanimously advanced the bipartisan Water Research Optimization Act of 2025, a legislative effort led by U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) aimed at enhancing hydrological forecasting capabilities within the National Weather Service (NWS).
The proposed legislation seeks to improve the accuracy and coordination of the nation’s water forecasting system by placing all 13 River Forecast Centers under the direct oversight of the Office of Water Prediction (OWP), rather than their current structure under regional field offices. These centers play a key role in providing timely hydrological data during periods of severe weather, contributing to flood resilience and public safety nationwide.
“I continue to be grateful to Commerce Committee Chair Cruz for his work to advance critical legislation out of committee,” said Senator Britt. “The National Water Center has been instrumental to NOAA’s efforts to strengthen America’s water forecasting capabilities, improve weather preparedness, and modernize water research technologies.”
Senator Welch echoed the importance of the bill’s investment in water forecasting, stating, “Investing in hydrology modeling and prediction is crucial to boosting flood resilience across the country, from Vermont to Alabama. Our bipartisan bill will strengthen and align current hydrology research at the National Weather Service with vital research at UVM.”
The legislation also reauthorizes the National Water Center (NWC) in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, as the primary NOAA hub for water research and operational coordination across federal agencies. Located at the University of Alabama (UA), the NWC is recognized as the nation’s first center for water forecast operations and collaborates with government and private partners to enhance water-related science and policy.
UA continues to prioritize water research through initiatives such as the Alabama Water Institute (AWI), the Global Water Security Center, and the Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility, a partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey. In partnership with NOAA, UA also co-leads the Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology (CIROH)—a national consortium of 28 institutions including both the University of Alabama and the University of Vermont.
AWI has expressed support for the Water Research Optimization Act of 2025, recognizing the legislation’s role in strengthening the nation’s forecasting infrastructure and advancing interdisciplinary water science.
The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration.
