The U.S. Department of the Interior has unveiled a $50 million initiative to fortify water infrastructure and bolster drought-related data collection efforts within the Upper Colorado River Basin. Over the next five years, the Bureau of Reclamation will channel an initial investment of $8.7 million in the fiscal year 2023 to support vital drought mitigation endeavors across Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. These efforts are poised to ensure compliance with interstate water compact obligations, safeguard hydropower generation at the Glen Canyon Dam, and minimize adverse impacts on resources and infrastructure within the Upper Basin.

 
The funding initiative aligns with the White House's sweeping Investing in America agenda, which encompasses diverse measures to bolster the ability of Western communities to endure droughts and climate change while safeguarding the Colorado River System's short- and long-term sustainability. The Bureau of Reclamation is spearheading a total investment of $8.3 billion over five years, targeting water infrastructure projects spanning purification, reuse, storage, conveyance, desalination, and dam safety.

Deputy Secretary Tommy Beaudreau emphasized the administration's unwavering commitment to developing long-term solutions amidst the intensifying impacts of climate change and persistent drought. "As we look toward the next decade of Colorado River guidelines and strategies, we are simultaneously making smart investments now that will make our path forward stronger and more sustainable," he stated.

The Interior Department's robust investment amplifies the ongoing Drought Contingency Planning activities in the Upper Colorado River Basin, aligning with the Colorado River Drought Contingency Plan Authorization Act and related agreements. As the initiative takes root, it joins a series of substantial investments aimed at enhancing water-saving measures, safeguarding resources, and forging a more resilient future for the communities reliant on the Colorado River Basin's critical water supply.

https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/biden-harris-administration-announces-50-million-enhance-key-water-infrastructure