Biden-Harris Admin Grants $64M for Colorado River Protection
TL/DR –
The Biden-Harris administration announced $63.4 million in new investments for water conservation, water efficiency, and protection of critical environmental resources in the Colorado River System. Seven new system conservation agreements in Arizona will conserve up to 162,710-acre feet of water in Lake Mead through 2026. The conservation efforts are part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda and are funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest climate investment in history.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Investments in Colorado River System
The Biden-Harris administration has announced $63.4 million in new investments for water conservation, water efficiency, and protection of critical environmental resources in the Colorado River System, as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The investments, aimed at enhancing the stability and sustainability of the Colorado River System, are managed through the Lower Colorado River Basin System Conservation and Efficiency Program and funded by the Inflation Reduction Act.
Announcement of New System Conservation Agreements
In Phoenix, Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton, along with other federal, Tribal and state leaders, announced the execution of seven new system conservation agreements in Arizona. These agreements aim to conserve up to 162,710-acre feet of water in Lake Mead until 2026, aiding voluntary system conservation activities to protect Colorado River reservoir storage volumes amidst ongoing drought conditions.
Progress in Water Conservation
Secretary Deb Haaland said that the Lower Colorado River Basin System Conservation and Efficiency Program, backed by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, is vital in maintaining the long-term stability of the Colorado River System. She added that the Biden-Harris administration is utilizing all available resources to ensure sustained progress in enhancing water conservation across the West.
Details of New Conservation Agreements
The new System Conservation Implementation Agreements will obligate several Arizona water entities to conserve water in the Colorado River System. Some of the entities entering these agreements include Yuma Mesa Irrigation and Drainage District, Mohave Valley Irrigation and Drainage District, San Carlos Apache Tribe, Hopi Tribe, Cibola Valley Irrigation and Drainage District, Spanish Trails Water, and Cathcart Farms.
Historic Funding from Investing in America Agenda
President Biden’s Investing in America agenda has played a key role in bolstering near-term water conservation, building long-term system efficiency, and preventing the Colorado River System’s reservoirs from falling to critically low levels that would jeopardize water deliveries and power production. Thanks to this funding, conservation efforts have shown positive impacts on the system this year.
Additional Investments
Over the next five years, an additional $8.3 billion will be invested through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for water infrastructure projects that include water purification and reuse, water storage and conveyance, desalination and dam safety. The Interior Department has also announced investments for Colorado River Basin states, which will result in significant water savings each year after the completion of the funded projects.
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