Colorado Delegation Joins Forces to Fight for Additional Water Funding

Legislation would secure up to $5 million annually for water projects through the Army Corp of Engineers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Colorado House delegation joined forces to introduce the Rural Colorado Water Infrastructure Act – legislation to secure additional funding through the Army Corp of Engineers for state water projects. 

In 2006, Colorado identified 570 publicly-owned drinking water and wastewater projects having a cumulative funding need of over $2.3 billion.  The Colorado Delegation legislation would secure a Section 595 Program for the State from the Army Corp of Engineers to provide design and construction assistance for publicly owned water-related infrastructure, resource protection, and development projects.  Eligible projects include wastewater treatment facilities, water supply facilities, water conservation facilities, environmental restoration, and surface water resource protection. 

Section 595 was initially authorized under the Water Resources Development Act of 1999.  Nevada, Montana, Utah, New Mexico and Idaho have all been authorized to participate in the program and annual appropriations have been up to $5 million per state. 
“Our water infrastructure in Colorado is aging and it speaks volumes, about the importance of addressing our critical water infrastructure needs, to our colleagues in Washington that the entire delegation has joined me in introducing this important legislation today,” said U.S. Rep. John Salazar. “The Rural Colorado Water Infrastructure Act could help dozens of communities across the State meet their drinking water and wastewater needs.”

“The need for safe, reliable drinking water, and well-maintained wastewater facilities is something we take for granted.  But with increased population growth, changing climate, and aging infrastructure, it is critical that we continue making these investments,” said U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, Vice Chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

“Colorado’s future growth and prosperity depends on our ability to secure a reliable and safe water supply. The water infrastructure projects that could be realized through this legislation will help us reach that goal,” said U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman. 

“Water is the lifeblood of Colorado,” said U.S. Rep. Betsy Markey. “It sustains our farms, our families and our communities. It is critical to the future of our state that we continue to invest in safe, clean and reliable water throughout Colorado, and I am proud to help make that happen.”

“This is important legislation to invest in Colorado’s infrastructure to provide safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater treatment, said U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter.  “In these challenging economic times, these are the kinds of improvements that will create jobs, help the environment, and help ensure we can safely meet the needs of our increasing population.”

“For too long we have let funding for Colorado’s infrastructure fall by the wayside.  This bill is sorely needed to provide for the repair and upgrade of rural Colorado’s critical drinking and waste-water infrastructure.  The funding will allow the Army Corps to move forward with water projects in communities across the second district that are needed to fuel local economies, grow jobs, and protect the health and safety of rural Colorado,” said U.S. Rep. Jared Polis.