Legislation includes Colorado priorities to manage flood risk, promote healthy waterways
Legislation next heads to president’s desk to become law
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet celebrated the final passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA 2024), including Colorado priorities they fought to include. WRDA is passed every two years to authorize projects that address water management, flood control, ecosystem restoration, and long-term clean water priorities.
“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.”
“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.”
The final legislation includes the following new authorities for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:
- $20 million authorized for El Paso County: Authorizes funds to help address a variety of water supply and stormwater management needs
- $50 million authorized for Fremont County: Authorizes funds for water supply infrastructure needs
- Templeton Gap Levee, Mountain and Fountain Creeks Study: Authorizes a feasibility study on the ecosystem restoration of a 7-mile stretch of Monument and Fountain Creeks and the rehabilitation of the 2-mile-long Templeton Gap levee in Colorado Springs, which will promote water quality and mitigate flood risk
Hickenlooper and Bennet previously called on the Senate’s Environment and Public Works Committee to include these Colorado priorities in the biennial water bill.
In addition to the two provisions formally included in WRDA 2024, Hickenlooper and Bennet also secured the following Colorado priorities:
- South Platte River Projects: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Government Accountability Office will study ways to improve implementation of programs and permitting processes which could help speed completion of two projects to promote healthy waterways along the South Platte River and neighboring water systems in the Denver area
- Increasing Federal Investment for Certain Projects: Increases the federal share for assistance from the USACE from $10 million to $15 million for the majority of the agency’s Continuing Authorities Programs (CAPs). The CAPs authorize USACE to participate in smaller-scale projects, such as projects to reduce flood damage and restore aquatic ecosystems
The Senate previously approved its version of WRDA in August. This most recent passage is a compromise version between the House and Senate. It now heads to President Biden’s desk for final signature.
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