The Department of the Interior has announced a nearly $92 million investment from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to fund 19 projects aimed at restoring and protecting aquatic ecosystems. This funding, sourced from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and annual appropriations managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, will be directed towards projects in California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington. The goal is to improve the health of fish, wildlife, and aquatic habitats through various restoration initiatives.

"Through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the Interior Department continues to advance water solutions that are environmentally and economically sound for the American West," said Secretary Deb Haaland. "We are advancing nature-based solutions that benefit local water supplies, and the wildlife and habitats that support them."

Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton added, "These projects funded through the bureau’s Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program are collaboratively developed and have widespread regional benefits, improving the health of fisheries, wildlife and aquatic habitats. This is an important part of our toolbox to improve the ecosystem, mitigate impacts of drought, and improve climate resiliency."

The announcement comes during Climate Week and emphasizes tackling climate change through significant investments in conservation and stewardship of public lands. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law aims to protect wildlife resources while creating jobs that strengthen communities. Among other initiatives, this law includes a $200 million investment for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Fish Passage Program.

Reclamation's overall investment totals $8.3 billion over five years for various water infrastructure projects such as rural water supply, conservation efforts, dam safety measures, water purification processes, reuse programs, desalination projects, and more. Since its signing in November 2021, Reclamation has allocated over $4.2 billion towards 586 different projects.

Additionally, these efforts support President Biden's Justice40 Initiative which seeks to ensure that 40% of federal investments benefit disadvantaged communities affected by underinvestment and pollution.

Today's funding forms part of a broader $1 billion allocation provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the WaterSMART program.