The Water Authority and Timely Environmental Review Act of 2025, known as the WATER Act, aims to empower states by allowing them to take over certain federal responsibilities related to permitting for transportation projects. This initiative seeks to streamline the permitting process for highways, railroads, and public transportation, thereby enhancing efficiency and timeliness in project approvals. Central to the act is the establishment of the Waterway Permit Section 404 Assignment program, which enables states to assume federal permitting responsibilities for designated projects.