Congressman Salazar Makes Progress on Arkansas Valley Conduit

Salazar, CO Delegation to Explore All Avenues to Complete Project

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman John T. Salazar released the following statement regarding this week’s progress on the Arkansas Valley Conduit project. Salazar is a member of the House Transportation Committee, which has direct jurisdiction over the Water Resources and Development Act (WRDA).

“Our farmers and communities are suffering because of poor water quality. We need safer drinking water and we need to work together to get the Ark-Valley conduit project going.

“The request I submitted to the Transportation Committee would authorize the Ark-Valley conduit as a federal project under the Army Corps of Engineers – it’s another way for us to continue the fight for rural water.

“In the weeks since I have submitted my request, I have sat down with several key House members and explained how the conduit is vital to our families and farmers. Yesterday, I had a very productive meeting with Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, the Ranking Member of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee. She agreed that clean water is the right of every American and that the federal government must be a strong partner to our municipalities.

“The Ark-Valley conduit has stalled for the past few years - we’re hoping that the added energy of a new Member can help revive the process. It’s heartening that the rest of the Colorado delegation recognizes and wants to address the problem with water quality in the Ark Valley.  I look forward to working with my colleagues to guarantee the safety of water in the Third Congressional District.”

The Water and Resources Development Act needs to be reauthorized this year. Though the House passed legislation last year, Senate chose not to consider the bill.