The Department of the Interior has announced a significant investment of $849 million from President Biden's Investing in America agenda to revitalize aging water delivery systems across Western states. This funding will support 77 projects in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, and Washington. The aim is to improve water conveyance and storage, enhance safety measures, boost hydropower generation, and provide necessary water treatment. Notably, 14 projects within the Colorado River Basin will receive $118.3 million.
This announcement follows the release of five alternatives for Post-2026 Operations for the Colorado River Basin. Since the beginning of the Biden-Harris administration, efforts have been made to address a 24-year drought affecting the Colorado River. A historic consensus agreement was reached in 2023 on interim operation plans through 2026 after extensive collaboration with states and Tribes in the region.
"President Biden’s Investing in America agenda provides transformational resources to safeguard clean, reliable water for families, farmers and Tribes," stated Acting Deputy Secretary Laura Daniel-Davis. She emphasized that these investments are crucial for addressing record droughts and changing climate conditions in the West.
Bureau of Reclamation Deputy Commissioner Roque Sanchez expressed commitment to using these investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to ensure infrastructure reliability and sustainability. "These facilities are essential to the West as they provide water for families, farms and Tribal communities," he said.
Deputy Commissioner Sanchez visited New Mexico's Lower San Acacia Reach Improvements project today. This project will receive $143 million to realign the Rio Grande for improved water conveyance and better sediment management. Senior Advisor John Watts also visited California's Delta Mendota Canal Subsidence Correction project today; it is set to receive $204 million due to structural impacts from dropping groundwater levels.
Projects selected for funding span major river basins where Reclamation operates. They include efforts such as restoring canal capacity and sustaining water treatment for Tribes.
The Biden-Harris administration aims to make Western communities more resilient against climate change by utilizing resources from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. With climate change accelerating over two decades, the Colorado River Basin experienced its driest period in over a thousand years. The Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law represent substantial investments in climate resilience history—$15.4 billion directed toward western water projects enhancing drought resilience.
For further details on funded projects announced today visit Bureau of Reclamation’s website.
Today's announcement aligns with USDA's recent funding declaration aimed at additional water savings within this basin—a testament to Biden-Harris Administration's comprehensive approach towards achieving sustainable solutions across regions dependent on this vital resource.
