Legislation Includes Colorado Priorities to Manage Flood Risk, Promote Healthy Waterways
Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper celebrated the final passage of the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) which includes Colorado priorities to manage flood risk and promote healthy waterways. WRDA is passed every two years to authorize projects that address water management, flood control, ecosystem restoration, and long-term clean water priorities. The legislation now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.
“Colorado and the West are on the front lines of climate change. That’s why it’s more important than ever to invest in water infrastructure that can meet our state’s changing needs,” said Bennet. “I’m grateful for the passage of this important package to protect Colorado’s vital waterways and resources.”
“These investments equip our communities with more resilient infrastructure,” said Hickenlooper. “We need to harden our infrastructure to be sure we can handle more erratic weather.”
The final legislation includes the following Colorado projects:
- $20 million authorized for El Paso County to address water supply and stormwater management;
- $50 million authorized for Fremont County for water supply infrastructure needs;
- A feasibility study of a project to restore ecosystems along Monument and Fountain Creeks and to rehabilitate the Templeton Gap Levee in Colorado Springs;
- A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and U.S. Government Accountability Office study to help speed the completion of two projects to promote healthy waterways along the South Platte River and neighboring water systems in the Denver area; and
- A boost in the federal share for assistance from USACE for Continuing Authorities Programs (CAPs) to allow USACE to participate in smaller-scale projects to reduce flood damages and restore aquatic ecosystems.
Last year, Bennet and Hickenlooper called on the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works to include these Colorado priorities in the biennial water bill. The Senate unanimously approved its version of WRDA in August.
The text of the bill is available HERE.