The Department of the Interior has unveiled a substantial $152 million investment as part of Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, aimed at bolstering water storage and conveyance projects across the Western United States. With a focus on California, Colorado, and Washington, these initiatives are expected to create 1.7 million acre-feet of additional water storage capacity, providing reliable drinking water to approximately 6.8 million people for a year.

According to the Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton, "Water is essential to every community-for feeding families, growing crops, powering agricultural businesses, and sustaining wildlife." The investment in these projects will enhance water storage capacity and establish reliable and safe drinking water systems, bolstering resilience in drought-prone areas.

 

The projects selected for funding encompass a range of essential infrastructure developments in each state:

In California, the B.F. Sisk Dam Raise and Reservoir Expansion Project will receive $10 million to develop an additional 130,000 acre-feet of storage, while the Los Vaqueros Reservoir Expansion Phase II will integrate 115,000 acre-feet of water storage through new conveyance facilities.

In Colorado, the Arkansas Valley Conduit will receive $100 million to supply an estimated 50,000 people in rural communities with a long-term water supply, replacing contaminated groundwater sources.

In Washington, the Cle Elum Pool Raise Project will increase the reservoir's capacity by an additional 14,600 acre-feet, while the Upper Yakima System Storage Feasibility Study will receive $1 million to explore storage alternatives within the Kittitas Irrigation District area.

https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/biden-harris-administration-investing-152-million-through-investing-america-agenda