Salazar Secures Millions for Ark Valley Conduit

"Clean Water the Right of Every American"

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman John T. Salazar (CO-3) today secured approval for millions of dollars for the Arkansas Valley Conduit. As the only Coloradoan on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which has direct jurisdiction over the Army Corps of Engineers, Salazar has been in a unique position to build bridges with leaders of both parties to secure support for this critical clean water project. With the inclusion of nearly $70 million in the Water Resources and Development Act (WRDA) bill today, Salazar claimed a victory for the residents of the Arkansas Valley and the fight for clean water.

"Clean water is the right of every American," said Salazar. "Our rural communities understand the importance of water – water isn’t about keeping our lawns green, it’s our very livelihood at stake. Farmers and our communities have been suffering because of poor water quality. The Arkansas Valley Conduit will go a long way to making our water safe."

Though the Arkansas Valley Conduit project has been discussed for several years, securing federal support for the project proved difficult until now. One of Salazar’s first actions as a new Member of Congress was to submit a request to authorize $300 million in federal funds for the Army Corps of Engineers to begin construction of the Arkansas Valley Conduit. Salazar credits today’s success in securing the funds to the added efforts of new Members and the new bi-partisan energy from the Colorado delegation.

"Water should never be a partisan issue," said Salazar. "It’s a pleasure to work on a Committee that puts getting good work done over partisanship. I thank the leadership for taking time to understand the needs of the Lower Ark communities. And I am heartened that the rest of the Colorado delegation wants to help address the problem with water quality in Otero and Pueblo counties."

In a speech on the Floor of Congress earlier today, Salazar emphasized the need for the federal government to support local infrastructure projects.

"The needs of the Third Congressional district are great, and the resources stretched thin – assistance of the Army Corps will go far," said Salazar. "The federal government needs to be a strong partner with local communities. That partnership will be strengthened by this commitment of federal dollars. After five years of delay, Congress should move quickly to put WRDA on the President’s desk for signature."