; (B) the quantity of groundwater or surface water that was conserved; and (C) the community agricultural sustainability or environmental benefits that were achieved under each covered program. (8) Authorization of appropriations (A) In general There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $250,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2024 through 2028. (B) Reservation of funds Of the amounts made available for a fiscal year under subparagraph (A), 50 percent shall be used— (i) to provide grants for covered programs that are pilot programs; or (ii) if no applications for grants for a pilot program for the applicable fiscal year are submitted, to provide grants to eligible covered programs that are existing programs. . (2) Conforming amendments (A) Section 102(c) of the Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act of 1991 ( 43 U.S.C. 2212 ) is amended, in the first sentence of the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking section 101(c) and inserting section 101(d) . (B) Section 301 of the Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act of 1991 ( 43 U.S.C. 2241 ) is amended by striking section 303 of this Act and inserting section 101(b)(7)(A) or 303 . (b) Applicable period of drought program Section 104 of the Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act of 1991 ( 43 U.S.C. 2214 ) is amended by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following: (a) In general The programs and authorities established under this title shall only become operative in a Reclamation State or in the State of Hawaii if— (1) (A) the Governor of the affected State, or the governing body of the affected Indian Tribe with respect to a reservation, has made a request for temporary drought assistance; and (B) the Secretary has determined that the temporary assistance is merited; (2) a drought emergency has been declared by the Governor of the affected State; (3) a drought contingency plan has been approved in accordance with title II