Legislation includes Colorado priorities to manage flood risk, promote healthy waterways
Bill passed the Senate unanimously
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet celebrated the unanimous Senate 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.
“Water is always on our mind in Colorado. More erratic weather that brings both longer droughts and stronger floods is taxing our infrastructure,” said Hickenlooper. “These new investments will help communities future-proof.”
“As Colorado faces a hotter and drier future, we must ensure our water infrastructure can meet our state’s changing needs,” said Bennet. “I’m grateful for the Senate passage of this important package, which will help protect Colorado’s vital waterways and resources for the next generation.”
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
- 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 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 damages and restore aquatic ecosystems
The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed its WRDA legislation. The relevant House and Senate committees will now begin the conference process to resolve the differences between the two bills. Afterwards, they head to President Biden’s desk for final signature.
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