State Representative Lauren Boebert Proudly Serving the 3rd District of Colorado | Facebook Website
State Representative Lauren Boebert Proudly Serving the 3rd District of Colorado | Facebook Website
The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries convened to discuss Congresswoman Lauren Boebert's proposed legislation, H.R. 9514, known as the Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act. This hearing featured supportive testimonies from Congresswoman Boebert herself, alongside representatives from the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
“Access to clean water is not a luxury, it is a necessity, and Southeast Colorado families and businesses deserve a reliable and sustainable water supply,” stated Congresswoman Boebert. “It’s time we finally fulfill the promise the federal government made to the communities I represent in Colorado and Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act.”
H.R. 9514 aims to remove interest payments for non-federal costs associated with the Arkansas Valley Conduit project while extending its repayment period from 50 to 100 years. Initially approved in 1962 under President John F. Kennedy as part of the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project, this conduit intends to deliver water to up to 50,000 residents across 40 communities in several Colorado counties including Pueblo, Otero, Bent, Kiowa, Prowers, and Baca.
The bill addresses rising inflation costs that have increased construction estimates from $640 million in 2019 to over $1.3 billion today. Adjustments made over time have managed to reduce these projected costs by approximately $200 million.
Bill Long, President of the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District, emphasized during his testimony: “The Arkansas Valley Conduit will provide a new surface water source of high quality so that safe drinking water standards can be achieved within the financial ability of the local communities.” He further expressed gratitude towards Representative Boebert for her leadership on this issue.
Concerns regarding radium, uranium, and other natural elements affecting local water quality were highlighted as problematic due to their salinity and mineral levels. The Bureau of Reclamation warned that without intervention through this legislation, community drinking water expenses could potentially triple.
"The Department supports efforts to improve access to reliable, clean drinking water as an essential human need that is critical to public health," said Roque Sanchez, Deputy Commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. "The modifications proposed under H.R. 9514 are within that commitment."
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